Being PATA Face of the Future in a Year of Bumpy Rides: A Conversation with Suresh Singh Budal
With his effort in promoting Nepal tourism and dedication to achieving the long-term goal of responsible and sustainable tourism development, Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter, was awarded PATA Face of the Future 2020.
"Now, more than ever, the need for digitally integrated travel planning will prevail more aggressively in the post-COVID tourism scenario, and as such YTPs will have a dominant role in almost all aspects of tourism service management."
Nearly a year after being awarded the title at a time when the industry is facing one of the biggest challenges ever witnessed, Suresh shares with all, and especially the youth, his journey full of mixed feelings, his learnings from the past year and gives genuine advice to anyone who is ready to embrace the “new normal”.
Dive in this interview with Suresh!
I have had the pleasure of being awarded the winner of “PATA Face of the Future” during such a challenging period in human history that has adversely affected the tourism industry. The COVID-19 global pandemic crisis has disrupted every aspect of the old normal, dragging us all into survival and revival mode!
In the beginning, we were all very excited with the onset of the “Visit Nepal Year 2020” campaign and we had even proposed the historical NICE (Nepal India China Expo) event which, was welcomed and adopted by the VNY 2020 and NTB as a very special event. At the same time, with this prestigious recognition of the PATA FOF 2020 award, I received warm wishes and appreciation from many friends, families, and tourism professionals from all over the country, as well as internationally, encouraging me to excel in my work for the near and distant future. It was a truly remarkable and most memorable moment for me!
The unhealthy competition among political leaders creating political instability, lack of clarity and eagerness among decision-making authorities to mitigate the survival issues, and the increasing uncertainty about the revival of tourism in the country made me disappointed many times and at some stages. However, this unprecedented lockdown and working in the crisis taught me great lessons in managing both; my personal and professional life!
It is really difficult to describe the overall feeling or experiences in 2020, but this is how I can describe it at best. So, this year was a mixture of excitement, joy, disappointment, and taught me great lessons in a mixed form.
The PATA Face of the Future Award was indeed a matter of great honor and privilege for me to share my story and efforts among a global audience. It has helped me to build my network and public relations and most importantly, highlighted my career in recognition of my dedication to work, my roles, and efforts; which have all made me feel more humbled and responsible by encouraging me to do more progressive and positive works towards improving the sustainable and responsible development of tourism in the country.
I think Young Tourism Professionals (YTPs) will have a dominant role, a better scope, and increased demand in both the Source Markets and Destinations.
Now, more than ever, the need for digitally integrated travel planning will prevail more aggressively in the post-COVID tourism scenario, and as such YTPs will have a dominant role in almost all aspects of tourism service management. They will be influential in travel decision making as these YTPs are tech-savvy, well-versed, and more compatible with the ever-changing dynamics and the latest trends in tourism around the world.
I believe that YTPs are the future of tourism and hospitality industry, and they can perform better with their greater risk-taking and creative thinking abilities. I have observed that these YTPs have not been prioritized and given free-hand in many developing countries like Nepal, and the country, as a result, is facing Brain-Drain problems. The time has now come for countries to realize that, without promoting their YTPs, the optimum yield in tourism is not possible. YTPs must receive motivation and given opportunities to lead and execute the tasks so that we would have redefined our Brain-Drain into “Brain-Gain”!
Tourism is a multifaceted industry consisting of a large and diverse chain of suppliers/service providers and stakeholders. It can only flourish to its fullest with "no political interruption" and "having the right person with the right skill in the position" for its successful and sustainable management. The political appointment at the key decision-making positions in the public sector of tourism services, regardless of the competencies and pertinence, has been seen as the untold but major hindrance to the sustainable growth of tourism in Nepal. I wish I could change this narrative at the public services of tourism in Nepal. Besides, tourism development agendas and ties between the countries should be beyond political interventions.
It is really difficult to predict what recovery will look like for the tourism industry from here. But, for sure, the industry will have a transformation from its pre-pandemic travel management practices. The industry’s transformation will have the following inevitable trends/features in the foreseeable tourism industry’s future.
The Gradual Opening of Domestic, Regional, and International tourism.
Focus on Health Safety and Food Hygiene at the destination.
Use of Technology-based services for enhancing Seamless/ Touchless Services and Information Sharing purposes.
Preference for Physically Distant Travel and Naturally isolated / Rural destinations.
More priority to Sustainable Travel and Tourism Approaches
Tourism is a very dynamic, comprehensive, and multifaceted sector with boundless prospects and opportunities. The workforce in tourism requires diverse technical or hard skills as well as infinite soft skills. In addition to the work specific technical skills, the soft skills in tourism and hospitality are equally important, and they do form the foundation of a professional and successful business. Every destination and business willing to have the rapid, robust, and sustainable recovery of tourism from the impacts of COVID-19 will have to prioritize and put the following fundamental soft skills in place.
Collaboration and Team Work
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Marketing, Communications, and Art of Storytelling
Risk Mitigation and Crisis Management
Innovation and Leadership
As I mentioned earlier, there is a dominant role and demand for youths in post-COVID tourism. For the time being, many youths are having doubts about pursuing their career in the tourism industry because of the ongoing crisis. But, we need to keep in mind that this crisis will not always be here. With the recent introduction of vaccine, we could anticipate that COVID-19 can be brought under control soon enough, and the travel industry would gradually revive. Tourism is the most resilient and rewarding industry having prospects and scope for multifaceted businesses and various types of human resources.
However, for many Youths/ Professionals in Tourism, the biggest question at the end of this pandemic will be: What have we acquired from this crisis? Rather than worrying about their future, youths need to focus on exploring innovative ideas and enhance their capacities. This crisis has given us an excellent opportunity to improve our skills or learn something new in what we are passionate about. Nowadays, many online learning platforms are available, and almost everyone can easily access these platforms. So, I believe that the future is brighter for youths if we look at the opportunities given by this crisis!
About PATA Face of the Future
To highlight our commitment to human capital development, PATA annually presents a special award and prize to an exceptional ‘rising star’ in the industry. All recipients of this prestigious award have exhibited initiative and leadership in the advancement of tourism as well as demonstrating commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific travel industry in line with PATA’s mission.
Submissions are now open for PATA Face of the Future 2021. Nominate a Future Star >
