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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), a not-for profit membership association, has achieved international acclaim by acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.
BANGKOK – Over 1,000 young professionals, students and lecturers gathered at the Pacific Asia Travel Association‘s (PATA) Youth Symposia at the Chengdu Polytechnic, Huayuan Campus in Chengdu, China on September 13, 2013. Under the theme, “China, World, and Your Career in Hospitality and Tourism,” the symposium commenced prior to the 2013 PATA Travel Mart (PTM2013).
Aiming to help youth build a strong career foundation and provide them with value-adding networking opportunities with travel professionals, the symposium was a great success at achieving its objectives.
The Forum opened with a welcome statement by Martin Craigs, PATA CEO, Peter Semone, Chairman of PATA Education and Training Committee and Professor HE Jiming, President, Cheungdu Polytechnic.
“PATA offers the chance for young professionals and students to be connected and engaged with the industry. Stay in touch with PATA from today to enhance your career opportunities for a brighter future ahead,” said Craigs to the packed auditorium of enthusiastic students.
Acknowledging that the tourism industry is a fun and exciting career path, Semone reinforced that success in the business requires the right attitude and the need to achieve a balanced skillset that enhances practical knowledge.
Reinforcing this idea, Dr. Markus Schuckert, Assistant Professor, School of Hotel & Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University spoke about the dynamics of a career in the Asian aviation industry.
He pointed out that the Chinese market provides tremendous opportunities as it has a high potential to becoming a super power in the tourism industry over the next five years, but that language competency and passion are the keys to success.
Shukun Zhang, Dean, Tourism and Hospitality Management School, Hubei Vocational-Technical College, told the audience that the most expected skills the industry needs from tourism students include “A” attitude to serve, “S” Skill to deliver the services and “K” knowledge to improve the services.
Speaking on the dynamism and drive of the new generation, Dr. Chris Bottrill, Dean, Faculty of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, Capilano University talked about how the audience would change the future of the industry. He said, “This generation is connected, confident, and motivated to make change. This generation can easily access information, build networks, embrace and utilize technology, and collaborate across the globe. They are indeed skills that will be needed to address global challenges that lie ahead many of which will affect tourism greatly.”
The theme of this event was developed with guidance from Professor Kaye Chon, Dean, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
