PATAcademy Looks at Defining the Future of Tourism

Bangkok (Thailand) – December 11, 2013 – Twenty-five rising star travel professionals from 13 destinations gather today for the first PATAcademy-HCD on December 11-14, 2013 at the PATA Engagement Hub in Bangkok. The PATAcademy-HCD demonstrates PATA’s next generation commitment to lifetime Human Capital Development (HCD).

Twenty-five rising stars nominated by their organisations, with, on average, five years’ work experience, hail from Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Guam, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Lao PDR, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore and Thailand. Participants will experience advanced level classroom interaction with leading practitioners and take field visits to see best practices in action in and around Bangkok.

Mr Martin J Craigs, PATA CEO said: “The inaugural PATAcademy-HCD shows PATA’s commitment to human capacity development on behalf of the Asia Pacific travel industry. We have high quality speakers, teachers and participants. It’s a prime example of PATA Next Gen in action.”

Best practice and site visits will be key components of the tourism training course. The PATAcademy-HCD participants will visit the Siam Niramit, a world-class performance of Thailand’s arts and cultural heritage. This must-see spectacular is performed on the gigantic stage now listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, featuring over 150 performers with as many as 500 costumes. Enhanced special effects with the world’s most advanced technology are used to produce a stimulating, very realistic and inspiring experience.

The PATAcademy-HCD group will also visit Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School which will provide insights and a tour of facilities. Participants will receive a briefing on standards of the Le Cordon Bleu programmes and insights into professional Thai cuisine preparation, which is unique to Le Cordon Bleu Dusit. The best of French and Thai culinary operations in business will be explained.

Mr Peter Semone, Chairman of PATA Education and Training Committee said: “The PATA Academy-HCD shows how the private and public sector both play pivotal roles in human capacity development and the delivery of new ideas that are defining the future of tourism. We have an exciting four days ahead of us.”

About PATA
Since its foundation in 1951, 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.

The Association provides aligned advocacy, leadership and events to its members, comprising 90 government, state and city tourism bodies, nearly 30 international airlines, airports and cruise lines, 57 educational institutions, and hundreds of travel industry companies in Asia Pacific and beyond.

Thousands of travel professionals belong to dozens of local PATA chapters worldwide. The chapters organise travel industry training and business development events. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office is in Bangkok.

Media Contact:
PATA Communications
Bangkok Thailand
Tel: +66 2 658 2000
E-mail: Communications@PATA.org
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