The PATA Youth Symposium 2026 (PYS 2026), organised by PATA and co-hosted by the Handong University, will take place alongside the PATA Annual Summit 2026 in Pohang, Korea (ROK).
PYS 2026 will examine how the public and private sectors are collaborating in response to rapidly evolving global realities. Key discussions will highlight best practices in sustainability initiatives, the advancement of heritage tourism through effective stewardship of cultural assets, and how young tourism professionals can actively prepare for and shape their future career pathways.
Keynote Speeches
Interactive Panel Discussions
Student-led Dialogues
Registration
Open and complimentary for all
Registration is on a first come first served basis due to limited capacity.
Please note that the registration only includes access to the PATA Youth Symposium. To attend PATA Annual Summit 2026, please visit the event page here.
Programme
0900-0905
Welcome by Master of Ceremony
0905-0925
Opening Remarks by PATA & Pohang City
Voices of the Next Generation
Putting students at the center of the conversation—offering a platform for young voices to share their perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends shaping the future of the tourism industry. By bringing their insights to the forefront, we aim to foster a more inclusive and forward-thinking dialogue that reflects the realities and ambitions of the next generation.
0925-1000
Keynote: Navigating Towards a Resilient Future
Setting the tone for the Symposium, this keynote offers a big-picture view of the current and future landscape of tourism resilience. It will examine global trends shaping the industry, including sustainability, climate adaptation, shifting traveller expectations, and long-term sector resilience.
1000-1015
A.I. in Tourism Resiliency
An exploration of how artificial intelligence is strengthening tourism resilience across planning, operations, and visitor management. The discussion will highlight real-world applications of A.I. in demand forecasting, crisis response, workforce planning, and sustainability, while considering the skills and governance needed to deploy these technologies responsibly.
1010-1025
Gastronomy Tourism Trends
An overview of how gastronomy is shaping destination development worldwide, with insights into emerging food tourism trends, evolving traveller preferences, and the growing role of culinary experiences in expressing local identity and culture.
1030-1045
Maritime Sustainability and Ocean Conservation
Focused on the vital role of oceans and coastal environments in tourism, this segment explores maritime sustainability and ocean conservation efforts. It will highlight how responsible tourism practices can protect marine ecosystems while supporting coastal and island communities.
1045-1115
Discovering Career Trends and How to Get Ready
A forward-looking conversation linking the morning’s insights to career development in tourism. Panellists will share perspectives on emerging career pathways, future-ready skills, and practical ways young professionals can prepare for a changing industry.
1115-1145
PATA Youth and Internship Programme
1145-1150
Lunch hosted by Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO)
1200-1300
Youth Leadership and Community Empowerment
Driving resilience in tourism begins with investing in the next generation of leaders. This session showcases Sarawak’s innovative approach to youth-led engagement and human capital development through the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2026, where emerging changemakers from across ASEAN shaped discourse on sustainability, climate action, and community advocacy. Sarawak also invites all delegates to PATA Youth Symposium at PATA Travel Mart 2026.
1150-1200
Gyeongsangbuk-do’s largest city, Pohang, is a charming coastal destination known for distinctive landmarks such as the Hands of Harmony sculpture and the Hwanho Park Space Walk, a curving walkway which provides panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding nature. To the south, Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as "the museum without walls" due to its wealth of historical sites. Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju is now home to key landmarks such as the Royal Tombs, Cheomseongdae—the world’s oldest surviving astronomical observatory—and Gyeongju Tower.
PATA Youth Symposium 2026 is proudly supported by
