Hosted by

The PATA Youth Symposium 2025, organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and graciously hosted by the International College for Sustainability Studies, Srinakharinwirot University, will take place alongside the PATA Travel Mart 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. This year’s theme focuses on exploring current and future tourism trends while equipping students with the tools and mindset to become “Career-ready” in a rapidly evolving industry.

The symposium will feature keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and student-led dialogues and activities designed to spark meaningful exchange between industry leaders and youth participants. The event continues PATA’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry by empowering the next generation of tourism leaders.

Registration

Registration is open and complimentary for all.

Registration is on a first come first served basis due to limited capacity. If you are a professor who would like to bring your students to the event, please email us at YTP@PATA.org to inquire about slot availability.

Please note that

  1. Your registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email from PATA.

  2. The registration only includes access to the PATA Youth Symposium 2025. To attend the PATA Travel Mart 2025, please visit the event page here.

Sponsorship

PATA Youth Sponsorship is awarded to students of our Education-Premium Members and/or Official PATA Student Chapter Members, providing them with funding to attend PATA Annual Events Worldwide

Want to become a PATA Youth Sponsor?

Agenda

Welcome by Master of Ceremony

0930-0935

0935-0950

Ice Breaking

Opening Remarks by PATA & International College for Sustainability Studies,  Srinakharinwirot University (SWUIC)

0950-1010

Zero Limits: Sophia's Story of Sweat, Science and Stardust

“How far can a dream take you when you refuse to set limits?” In her international speaking debut, proud Thai national, Sophia Montgomery—a physics student at Harvard University and Paris 2024 Olympian in Women's Dinghy Sailing—shares her remarkable journey shaped by grit, curiosity, and an unshakable belief in the power of dreaming big. Though joining us virtually, Sophia’s story carries the energy and inspiration of a generation unafraid to reach beyond boundaries. From the open waters of Olympic competition to the laboratories of NASA-Caltech, Sophia is living proof that success can take many forms when fueled by passion, discipline, and purpose. Her message to fellow young dreamers is clear: it doesn’t matter how big your dream is, don’t discard it—dare to pursue it with everything you’ve got. This is more than a story of achievement. It’s an invitation to believe, begin, and break through. Because when you live with zero limits, the impossible becomes possible.

1010-1030

Sophia Montgomery
Physics Student at Harvard University; Paris 2024 Olympian in Women's Dinghy Sailing

Future-Ready with G.R.I.T.: The Mindset to Lead, Grow, and Thrive in Tourism

As the tourism industry transforms amid automation, sustainability, and digital disruption, students must be ready not just for their first job, but for the future of work. This keynote session introduces the G.R.I.T. mindset—a personal framework for future-readiness, leadership, and resilience. Through real-world stories and interactive reflection, participants will explore how to grow, lead authentically, and thrive with purpose. Whether just starting out or preparing to lead in a human-centered, tech-enabled world, this session aims to inspire clarity, confidence, and courage for the road ahead.

1030-1050

1050-1135

My Story, My Journey: Internship Journeys and Career Plans

Bringing together alumni who have successfully transitioned from university to the tourism industry, this session offers real-world insights into the early stages of a career in tourism. In addition, we will also be opening the floor to student participants to share their own journeys, challenges, and aspirations—creating a two-way dialogue that bridges experience with ambition.

PATA Youth and Internship Programme

1135-1145

Uncovering the Unseen: Discovering Hidden Careers in Tourism

Ever wondered what career paths exist in tourism beyond the usual roles? This session explores the niche and lesser-known opportunities across the industry that students may not have considered. Through insights shared by professionals from different sectors, participants will gain a better understanding of how diverse and dynamic tourism careers can be.

1145-1230

1230-1330

Lunch

Career-Ready: How to Impress Recruiters

“How do I get a job in the tourism industry?” is the number one question that students have in mind. We will hear from the HR professionals from the tourism industry, sharing what they truly look for when hiring new talent. From crafting a compelling resume to highlighting the right skills and experiences, students will gain practical insights to better prepare themselves for the job market.

1330-1400

Student Chapter Workshop

1400-1500

About Bangkok, Thailand

As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant street life, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine. The attractiveness of Bangkok proudly led to crowning the world's most visited city for tourists in 2023.

The cityscape is adorned with the boat-filled Chao Phraya River flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to the opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.

Beyond its historical treasures, Bangkok vibrates with modern energy. Skyscrapers tower over traditional markets, bustling shopping districts like Siam and Sukhumvit offer endless retail therapy.

The city's nightlife scene is renowned globally. Whether you're exploring Chinatown's lively streets, cruising Thonburi's tranquil canals, or savoring Thai cuisine at local eateries, Bangkok promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Thailand's cultural and economic hub.

Getting there: Suvarnabhumi Airport

Suvarnabhumni Airport is the primary airport serving Bangkok. It’s one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia and a regional hub for aviation.

The airport is conveniently located around 30 minutes drive from the city centre.

Visa Information

Please visit https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-travel-restrictions for the countries that require a visa to enter Bangkok, Thailand, and contact your local embassy to apply for a visa if needed.

All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six (6) months.

Electricity

Electricity in Bangkok is at 220V, 50Hz. The power plugs used in Bangkok, Thailand, types C and O are the official standards. American type A & B  plugs can also be used, but their compatibility is going to be phased out in the long term. Virtually all sockets in Thailand are hybrid ones, compatible with all four above-mentioned plug types.

Type A

Type B

Type C

Type O

  • Thailand Standard Time (THA) is 7 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+7).

    The Thai Baht (THB) is the official currency in Thailand. 36.26 Thai Baht = 1 US dollar (Jul 11, 2024).

    Cash is the preferred method of payment for most Thai people, so using an ATM to make withdrawals can be a convenient option for travelers.

  • Spoken by the majority of the country’s population, the official language of Thailand is Thai. Although Central Thai is the most commonly used, English is widely spoken and understood in big cities like Bangkok and Phuket and popular tourist areas.

    Practiced by 95% of the population, Thailand’s primary religion is Theravada Buddhism, and it has had a huge influence on many aspects of Thai tradition and culture, from daily routines to architecture.

  • Bangkok is located in a tropical monsoon climate region, the weather is mainly hot all year round, with a lot of rain. The average temperature falls between 32 degrees Celsius (in December) and 35 degrees Celsius (in April). Here's an overview of the climate in Bangkok throughout the year:

    1. January to May: ⭐️

    From January to May, Bangkok falls into a hot and dry climate. The dry season is from January and February, and the hot season is from March to May. However, these are the months that attract the most tourists. That's because there is no rain from January to May, which is the appropriate time to organize important and unique festivals of the year.

    2. June to October:

    The rainy season in Bangkok starts from the end of June to the end of October. This is the moment when bustling Bangkok suddenly becomes romantic with sudden rain.

    3. November to December:

    November and December are the two coolest and most pleasant months of the year. Although it rains, it's very little, mainly light sunshine and wind. This is the perfect time to travel and discover unique cuisine with attractive Thai specialties. On afternoons in November and December, visitors will admire the long sunset over lively Bangkok, walk along the streets and feel the coolness and comfort.

  • The Thailand country code +66 allows you to call Thailand from another country. To call Thailand (Bangkok), you would typically dial your country's exit code, followed by +66, and then the local number which is +66-2 for Bangkok.

    The emergency hotline number for Bangkok is 191.

PATA Youth Symposium 2025 is proudly supported by:

Host

Please be aware that any emails claiming to sell our mailing lists are fraudulent. We advise you to disregard such messages to protect yourself from loss. PATA will never sell your personal information. To learn more about how we protect your privacy, please visit our Privacy Policy, information on Internet Security, and Terms and Conditions.