Themed “Empowering Youth for a Creative, Sustainable, and Inclusive Tourism & Hospitality Future“, PATA Youth Symposium (PYS) X 4th Education in Hospitality and Tourism Forum (EHTF) 2026 will serve as a strategic youth-driven platform to bridge academia, industry and community through dialogues, co-creation and experiential learning. It positions Sarawak as a “living classroom” for sustainable and creative tourism innovation, empowering young leaders to co-design the future of hospitality and tourism.
The event will integrate academic discourse and youth engagement through:
Keynotes & Panel Dialogues with youth thought leaders
Youth Business Events Pitching Competition
Industry-Youth Networking Sessions
Experiential learning through Hands-on Workshops on Culinary & Handicrafts
Showcase of youth talents in Cooking Competition
PYS x EHTF 2026 is co-organised by PATA and the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management of UCSI University Sarawak Campus to support the youths in anchoring their roles as active contributors and co-creators of meaningful tourism experiences aligned with Sarawak’s creative economy and sustainable development vision.
Programme
Monday, Aug 17
0830-1110
PATA Youth Symposium
1110-1230
Youth Business Events Pitching Competition
1400-1630
Experiential Workshops
0900-1600
Sarawak International Culinaire Challenge Global Youth Championship 2026
by Kuching Chef Association & FHTM UCSI
1630-1700
Business Pitching & Cooking Competition Awards Presentation
Tuesday, Aug 18
0800-1700
Student Mobility Programme
Registration
Registration is open and complimentary for all.
Registration is on a first come first served basis due to limited capacity. E-certificate will be provided to all participants.
If you are a professor looking for group registration, please email us at YTP@PATA.org to inquire about slot availability.
The registration only includes access to the PATA Youth Symposium 2026. To attend the PATA Travel Mart 2026, please visit the event page here.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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