Royal University of Phnom Penh to Host PATA Youth Symposium

A PATA Youth Symposium will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday, 17 September 2014, at the Cambodia-Korea Cooperation Center (CKCC) of the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).

Under the theme “What Do You Want to Share with the World? Tourism and Cultural Integrity for Cambodia”, the symposium will commence prior to the 2014 PATA Travel Mart and aims to attract hundreds of young professionals and students from overseas and around Cambodia.

“PATA has successfully organised a series of youth symposia around the region. We offer the chance for students and young professionals to be connected and engaged with industry professionals. PATA would like to encourage the younger generation to connect with PATA to enhance their career opportunities for a brighter future,” said Marin J Craigs, PATA CEO.

The programme was developed with guidance from Dr Chris Bottrill, Chairman of the PATA Education and Training Committee and Dean, Faculty of Global and Community Studies, Capilano University.

Dr Bottrill said, “It is an honour to work with the Royal University of Phnom Penh for this Youth Symposium. We are looking forward to an engaging and dynamic session where students, teachers, and PATA leaders share insights and ideas on cultural tourism issues for Cambodia.”

The symposium will include plenary talks on various topics including: The Power of Opinion – Decision Making, Community Tourism and Empowerment, Protecting Vietnam Hill Tribe Cultural Integrity Through Tourism, Empowering Locals and Preserving Culture, and Connecting Cambodia with the Globe – Airlines and Inbounds – Their Role in Cultural Integrity and Protecting the Future.

All participants will also share their views in roundtable discussions on the following topics: What do you love about Cambodia? What are the most important things to conserve? What are the biggest challenges for Cambodia? And what can you do about these challenges?.

Mr Khun Kakda, Lecturer, Department of Tourism, RUPP said, “We are delighted to be part of the PATA Youth Symposium. The symposium provides a great opportunity to show our younger generation the diversity of people who come together as one for sustainable tourism development.”