Future of tourism and engagement of millennials: PATA 2017

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) 2017 Annual Summit hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism kicks off on 18 May in Negombo under the theme ‘Disruption, Innovation, Transformation: The future of tourism’, which will be discussed in many facets giving participants an excellent opportunity to listen to high profile speakers representing the travel and tourism industry and to meet industry experts during the conference.

‘The real future of tourism: Young tourism professionals’ a theme which is to be discussed at the PATA Conference, will bring insights to the challenges that young entrepreneurs and tourism professionals have to face in building up their aspirations whilst embracing changes taking place in the industry with the development of digital and online technology such as the use of smartphones, and cloud computing. 

The global population is aging and as a result a significantly large segment named, ‘silver hair tourists’ is emerging with specific desires and needs in terms of customisation, service consumption, security and desired products. In addition to this, the arrival of millennials, also known as Generation Y, and iGen are also contributing tourism requirements to change in future. These groups are technology driven, different from one another, with specific needs for communication, consumption and tourism experiences. The increase in average income and the fall in levels of absolute poverty are seen in the growing middle class. According to empirical research, the middle class population is expected to increase further, up to 4.9 billion by 2030. These characteristics too, will have a considerable impact on the tourism sector. 

• 18-21 May at Jetwing Blue, Negombo

The future of tourism: How will the young generation accept it?

Young people are living more structured lives than ever before. Days of the carefree, spontaneous travel will disappear in favour of more organised, planned and researched trips. ‘Flashpackers’ and young travellers will continue to be trail blazers, seeking for adventure and experiences as much as they can, at the same time being aware of how their travel will contribute to the rest of their lives. Working abroad, being involved in voluntary projects and learning something new will be on their travel agenda. With the development of technology, it is unlikely that they will follow the traditional travel itineraries.

With easy access to social media and budget travel tools like Airbnb, Couchsurfing, Skyscanner, and Lonely Planet message boards, travelling is made easier and faster. Travellers can now select their destination within a few minutes. The young generation likes to explore countries, engage in activities and look for tourism experiences which suit their dynamic lifestyle. 

Young tourism professionals and entrepreneurs who have a knack to pursue further with their careers will have the chance of participating at this summit and interact with the industry’s best professionals. They will be further encouraged by the panel discussions, which will feature all important aspects related to the industry.

Panel Speakers:

Andre is currently the regional Youth Spark Program Manager for Microsoft Philanthropies, covering 17 markets in Asia. Microsoft Youthspark is a global initiative to increase access for all youth to learn computer science, empowering them to achieve more for themselves, their families and their communities. Since it was launched three years ago, Youthspark has created education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities for more than 300 million youth all around the world. Andre has previously worked on the implementation, management and evaluation of international development projects for Microsoft, Sustainable Development Solutions, USAID and KfW. 

Ha- Lam co-founded Triip.Me in 2013. Triip.Me is a sharing economy platform for unique and private local experiences, connecting people who desire to experience local culture with those who are looking to offer specially designed tours. Currently, the platform focuses on creating local experiences in 98 countries and 635 cities with over 4,500 hand-picked tours. Ha previously spent over nine years in the travel industry in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

CEO and Co-founder of Tripfez, state of the art travel portal dedicated to the rise of global muslim travellers. Named as one of 40 individuals who shaped South East Asian E-Commerce by E- commerce IQ, Faeez is also an avid speaker at many international travel conferences and seminars and currently chairs the R&D Committee of the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA). Faeez was named under 30 under 30 by Forbes magazine in 2016, 40 under 40 by prestige, Top 10 young Entrepreneur Rising by Top 10, People to watch 2016 by TTG as well as the Most Innovative Young Leaders Award 2016 by UCSI, heading the brand of Tripfez and Salam Standard, Faeez advocates the concept of localising the travel experience through information.