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May 16 | Macau University of Science and Technology
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Featured Destination: Macao, China
The PATA Youth Symposium 2024, generously hosted by Macau University of Science and Technology, emphasises the importance of next-generation building, bringing together international thought leaders, tourism educators, and the future leaders of tourism.
Taking place alongside the PATA Annual Summit 2024, the programme consists of expert keynote speeches, panel discussion with industry leaders, roundtable discussion, and mentorship session, providing a platform for young people to engage with industry leaders and peers, share their ideas and insights, and learn about the latest trends in the tourism industry. Equally significant, it will allow leaders and stakeholders in the industry to hear from the future of the industry – the youth themselves.
Programme
Keynote Speeches
Panel Discussion with Industry Leaders
Roundtable Discussion
Mentorship Session
Mentor list available soon
Agenda
0930-1000
Opening Remarks by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Macau University Of Science And Technology (MUST)
Welcome by Master of Ceremony
1000-1010
Presentation: PATA Youth Programme and PATA Internship Programme
Nick Chun
Executive -Membership & Youth Programme, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
Speaker:
Presentations: Navigating Tomorrow's Tourism: Economic Insights for the Next Generation
1010-1025
Get a comprehensive overview of the global economic landscape and its implications for the tourism sector. Our keynote speaker will analyze economic, political, and cultural developments, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for tourism in the next two years.
Andrew Staples
Editorial Director, Impact Initiatives & Alliances and Head of Policy & Insights (Asia), Economist Impact
Speaker:
With rapid technological advancements in the recent era, the tourism industry stands on the cusp of transformative change driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. The session aims to equip the next generation of tourism professionals with essential insights and strategies to navigate this evolving landscape.
Presentation: Get prepared for the Rapid Evolution of AI and Technology in Tourism
1025-1040
Viola Chan
Manager, Solution, Vpon AI Big
Data Group
Speaker:
In today's competitive tourism landscape, launching a business can seem daunting with various challenges such as budget, business model, and more. However, limitations can also inspire innovation and creativity. Guiding aspiring tourism entrepreneurs to their journey of success.
Presentation: What does it take to be an entrepreneur in Tourism?
1040-1055
Speaker:
Alan Elliott Merschen
Founder, The SIGMUND Project; Partner, International Insights, MMGY Global
Roundtable Discussion (20 minutes) + Youth Presentation on Stage (30 minutes)
1055-1145
1145-1215
Panel Discussion: Various Hidden Careers in the Tourism Industry
Tourism is a dynamic and growing industry that consists of various sectors with a wide range of career paths available. However, youths are limited in information and resources to be aware of careers other than frontline opportunities. The panel discussion will cover multiple sectors in the tourism industry, where youths will discover how careers in the tourism industry go beyond just frontline services.
Kok Beng, Ben Goh
Dean - Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Macau University of Science and Technology
Moderator:
Panellists:
Mich Goh
Head of Public Policy, Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong & Taiwan, Airbnb
Caroline Bremner
Senior Head of Travel Research, Euromonitor International
Jonathan Song
Director of Global Business Development, Plaza Premium Group
Eric Fong
Marketing Director, Macau International Airport Company Ltd
Closing Remarks & Group Photo
1215-1230
Registration is open and complimentary for all until April 30, 2024.
Please note that the registration only includes access to the PATA Youth Symposium. To attend PATA Annual Summit 2024, please visit the event page here.
Registration
Sponsorship
PATA Youth Sponsorship is awarded to students of our Education-Premium Members and/or Official PATA Student Chapter Members, providing them with funding to attend PATA Annual Summit 2024 and the Youth Symposium in Macao, China.
Interested in PATA Education Membership? Learn more >
What is included in the PATA Youth Sponsorship?
Two-way air ticket to/from Macao, China
Accommodation throughout the 3-day event (PAS & PYS 2024)
Registration fee for PATA Annual Summit 2024
What is included in PATA Annual Summit 2024 Registration?
Full access to
Two-day Conference of 18 insight sessions
All social functions including hosted dinners, lunches, and networking coffee breaks
Offsite Educational Tour & Half-day Destination Experience
Airport transfer to/from official hotel
Who Can Apply?
Students of PATA Education-Premium Members, based worldwide
Official PATA Student Chapter Members, based worldwide
How to Apply?
The application is now closed.
There is limited availability for sponsorship. PATA and the Youth Sponsors reserve the right of final decision on the eligibility of the sponsorship applications. Youths who have applied will receive the final results by the start of April.
Looking to become a PATA Youth Sponsor?
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Macao is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history, cultural festivals with world-class integrated resorts, festive events and vibrant entertainment. Tourists visit to explore its historic sites, try its famous diverse gastronomy offerings, including street food, and experience its lively leisure and gaming industry.
Though a small economy, Macao pursues an open economic policy. It boasts one of the lowest tax regimes in the Asia Pacific region and sound financial stability. As a free port and a separate tariff zone, which has no foreign exchange controls, Macao is an active player in the regional economy and a vital link between the mainland Chinese and global markets.
About Macao, China
Macao's intangible cultural heritage encompasses a diverse range of practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills passed down through generations. This includes oral traditions, performing arts, social customs, rituals, and the know-how behind traditional crafts. The designation of Macao as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017 adds powerful international branding to the city’s portfolio.
Getting there (Macau International Airport)
Macau International Airport is the primary airport serving the region and is located on Taipa Island, one of the two main islands in Macao. The airport is conveniently located just a 15 to 20-minute drive from the city centre.
You can also reach Macao directly from the Hong Kong International Airport via ferry, bus, or cross-border coach, with the journey typically taking about one hour.
Visa Information
Please visit https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/travelessential/before-you-travel/entry-requirements for the countries that require a visa to enter Macao, China, and contact your local embassy to apply for a visa if needed.
All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six (6) months.
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Macao Standard Time (MST) is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+8).
The Macanese Pataca (MOP) is the official currency in Macao. 8 Macau Patacas = 1 US dollar (Nov 21, 2023).
While the Macanese Pataca is the official currency, Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are also widely accepted in Macao, and many businesses in Macao will display prices in both MOP and HKD.
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Macao's culture is a blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences due to its history, thus, the official languages of Macao are Chinese and Portuguese. These languages reflect Macao’s unique history.
While Chinese (specifically Cantonese) is the most widely spoken language in Macao, Portuguese holds a special status and is used in official and government contexts.
Major religions: Buddhism and Taoism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.
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Macao has a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Here's an overview of the climate in Macao throughout the year:
1. Spring (March to May): ⭐️
Spring in Macao is pleasantly warm and relatively dry. Temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). It's a popular time for tourists to visit because of the comfortable weather.
2. Summer (June to August):
Macao experiences hot and humid summers. Temperatures can range from 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F) or higher. It's also the rainy season, with occasional heavy downpours and the possibility of typhoons.
3. Autumn (September to November):
Autumn in Macao is characterized by gradually cooling temperatures and decreasing humidity. It's a pleasant time for outdoor activities, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F).
4. Winter (December to February):
Winters in Macao are mild and relatively dry. Temperatures can range from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). While it's not extremely cold, it's advisable to bring some warm clothing, especially for evenings.
5. Typhoon Season:
Macao can be affected by typhoons, with the typhoon season typically occurring from June to October. Typhoons can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and disruptions to travel plans.
Macao can be affected by typhoons, with the typhoon season typically occurring from June to October. Typhoons can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and disruptions to travel plans.
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The international dialling code for Macao is +853. When making international calls to Macao, you would typically dial your country's exit code, followed by +853, and then the local number in Macao. For example, calling Macao from Thailand: 001 (exit code for Thailand) +853(country code) + area code + number.
The emergency hotline number for Macao is 999.
Electricity
Electricity in Macao is at 230V, 50Hz. The power plugs used in Macao are of the three-pin, square-shaped or round-shaped type. It is suggested to check before using an electrical appliance.
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PATA Youth Symposium 2024 is proudly supported by:
Host
PATA Youth Sponsors
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