A Thank You Note to the PATA Youth Community from Your PATA Youth Ambassador

The PATA Youth Symposium at PATA Annual Summit was a huge success this year, especially because it took place online, thus giving all youth equal access to the 4 empowering sessions. From the panel discussion, where we learnt that it was easier said than done to build back better, to the mentorship session, where mentees were given the opportunity to network with industry leaders, to the SDG Workshop where we learnt how to ‘Scale Up Our Impact’ and turn knowledge and awareness into action. And last but not least, our milestone, record-shattering, Student Chapter Roundtable Discussion where 26 out of 29 PATA Student Chapters from around the world were in attendance.

The impact of COVID-19 on the industry is far reaching and devastating, but seldom do we discuss the impact of COVID-19 on our tourism students and youth. Throughout last year, our international PATA Youth community of tourism students experienced a huge upheaval. 

You had to adapt to online learning platforms in isolation without the ability to meet your peers in person. These conditions hampered your progress of any passion projects and stunted the growth of your personal networks. Here at PATA, we want to recognise that the impact on the youth, the future of our industry, has been immense. 

The silver lining is that by moving our programmes online, we lowered the barriers of cost to join PATA Youth events. Suddenly, no matter from where in the world you are, you could easily join a PATA Youth webinar, workshop, networking event and/or mentorship session. The PATA Youth programme thrived online, with an amazing community of international youths rallying around the idea that the tourism industry can indeed be a force for good. 

By simply turning up for the Youth Symposium, you have achieved a milestone for our community. I hope this drives home the point that I always try to make – just by turning up and being yourself, that is enough to create positive change around you. You are enough.

You are enough, as demonstrated by our SDG Workshop, where we learnt how to scale up our impact and turn knowledge + awareness into action, and committed to walk the talk.

Thank you everyone for putting in the time and effort in keeping the spirit of PATA alive during a global pandemic. The sheer number of PATA Student Chapter activities, covering such a broad range of topics, has contributed in making this community extremely impactful, relevant, and an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. Our voice is growing louder and becoming harder to ignore. Industry leaders are sitting up and taking notice of us, offering support, mentorship and advice. 

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

I’m excited for what the rest of 2021 has installed for us. I believe in the power of community and together, we can bring positive change to our beloved industry. If anything, the future is brighter than ever. 

If you haven’t joined us yet, what are you waiting for? Apply now to be a member or contact Aletheia at ytp@pata.org to be a mentor and supporter of the youth

With love and my support, 

Aletheia Tan
PATA Youth Ambassador