PATA Bangkok University Student Chapter Participates in PATA Annual Summit 2026 in Gyeongju & Pohang, Republic of Korea
Bangkok, Thailand, 13th June 2026 —As part of its commitment to developing globally minded tourism professionals, the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter participated in the PATA Annual Summit 2026, held in Gyeongju and Pohang, Republic of Korea, from 11–13 June 2026 through the PATA Youth Sponsorship Programme.
The summit brought together tourism professionals, industry leaders, academics, and PATA Student Chapters from across the Asia Pacific region to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging tourism trends, and strengthen international collaboration. The programme provided student delegates with valuable opportunities to engage directly with industry experts, build professional networks, and gain first-hand experience of one of PATA’s flagship events. Through this participation, the chapter aimed to broaden students’ understanding of sustainable tourism, leadership, innovation, and global tourism development while proudly representing Bangkok University on an international platform.
Journey to the Republic of Korea
The chapter began its journey on 9 June 2026, departing from Thailand with a transit flight in Vietnam before arriving in Busan on the morning of 10 June 2026. Transportation was arranged by PATA, allowing delegates to travel comfortably to their hotel in Gyeongju. After checking in, participants had time to rest and prepare for the upcoming summit while becoming familiar with the surrounding area before the official programme began.
Summit Activities
Day One – 11 June 2026 : PATA Youth Networking and Industry Roundtables (Pohang)
The first day of the summit was held at Lahan Hotel Pohang. Following registration, delegates received welcome packages containing summit materials, souvenirs, and meal vouchers before attending the PATA Youth Networking Session. The programme opened with welcome remarks from the PATA Chair and tourism industry representatives, followed by a cultural performance introducing the local heritage of the region. During lunch, participants experienced traditional Korean cuisine at a local restaurant using meal
vouchers provided by the organizers. In the afternoon, delegates joined Industry Roundtable Discussions, where students from various countries exchanged perspectives on tourism, sustainability, education, and future career opportunities. The interactive discussions encouraged participants to learn from one another while building friendships with fellow Student Chapters. After the official programme concluded, delegates explored Pohang’s coastal attractions and enjoyed the city’s relaxing seaside atmosphere.
Day Two – 12 June 2026 : Annual General Meeting, Knowledge Sharing and Student Chapter Networking (Gyeongju)
The second day began at GCTO Yukbuchon, where delegates attended the 75th PATA Annual General Meeting (AGM). The meeting included annual reports, award presentations, and the election of PATA’s new leadership. The programme then continued at HICO (Hwabaek International Convention Center), where participants were officially welcomed by the newly elected PATA Chair and representatives from Gyeongju. Throughout the day, delegates attended keynote presentations delivered by tourism and sustainability experts covering topics related to innovation, destination management, responsible tourism, and future industry trends. Outside the conference sessions, participants explored exhibition booths showcasing local products, traditional crafts, and regional tourism experiences. Delegates also participated in Korean cultural activities, including wearing traditional Hanbok, providing opportunities to experience Korea’s cultural heritage firsthand. One of the highlights of the summit was the Student Chapter Networking Session, where universities from Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, and several other countries introduced their chapters, exchanged successful initiatives, and discussed future collaboration opportunities.
The day concluded with the PATA Annual Summit 2026 Gala Dinner, featuring traditional cultural performances, interactive cultural experiences, tea tasting, and networking among delegates from across the Asia Pacific region.
Day Three – 13 June 2026 : Final Conference Sessions and Cultural Exploration
On the final day, delegates attended the remaining conference sessions, gaining further insights into sustainable tourism, innovation, and the future direction of the tourism industry from experienced speakers and industry leaders. After the summit officially concluded, participants explored the historic city of Gyeongju, experiencing its cultural landmarks before preparing for their return journey to Thailand.
Learning Outcomes and Impact
Participating in the PATA Annual Summit 2026 provided valuable educational and professional development opportunities for members of the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter. Throughout the summit, delegates gained deeper knowledge of sustainable tourism practices, tourism innovation, leadership, and current industry trends through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive networking sessions. The experience also strengthened communication, intercultural understanding, and professional networking skills by connecting students with tourism professionals and fellow Student Chapters from different countries.
Representing Bangkok University on an international stage also reinforced the chapter’s commitment to developing future tourism leaders while strengthening relationships within the global PATA network. Beyond academic learning, exploring the host cities of Pohang and Gyeongju allowed participants to experience Korean culture, heritage, and tourism firsthand, making the summit both professionally enriching and personally memorable.
Conclusion
The PATA Annual Summit 2026 was an inspiring and meaningful experience for the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter. The programme enabled students to learn directly from tourism leaders, exchange ideas with peers from across the Asia Pacific region, and experience international collaboration within the global tourism community. The chapter is sincerely grateful to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the PATA Thailand Chapter for providing this sponsorship opportunity. Their support enabled students to represent Bangkok University internationally while gaining valuable knowledge, professional connections, and experiences that will continue to inspire their future contributions to the tourism industry.
Student Chapter Social Media
https://bit.ly/PATABUSC_Facebook
https://bit.ly/PATABUSC_Instagram
https://bit.ly/PATABUSC_Youtube
https://bit.ly/PATABUSC_LinkedIn
For More Information
Gyung Maw Seng (President of PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter)
Email: gyungmaw.seng@bumail.net
