The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Education and Training Committee, Taylor’s University, and Lyceum of the Philippines University will organize the Manila Youth Forum on Thursday, September 27, 0900-1500 hours, at Lyceum of the Philippines University as part of PATA Travel Mart 2012 (PTM2012), September 25-28, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, Philippines.

The PATA 2012 Manila Youth Forum offers tourism and hospitality students a unique opportunity to meet and hear from industry leaders, as well as visit PTM2012. This forum will build on the recent student forum held during the PATA Annual Conference at Taylor’s University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mr. Martin J. Craigs, PATA CEO, said: “We are proud to have The Manila Youth Forum as part of PATA’s goals to usher in the Next Gen of travel and tourism leaders. This forum is about bringing together today’s industry-wide professionals with the tourism and hospitality students of tomorrow to engage, analyze, and innovate for the future of the travel and tourism industry.”

Mr. Peter Semone, Chairman, PATA Education and Training Committee, said: “An initiative of PATA’s Education and Training Committee, the PATA Youth Forum is an annual event. It is meant to inspire enthusiasm and excellence in the Next Gen of Asia Pacific tourism leaders. This year’s event is sure to be exceptional with outstanding organizational contributions by both Taylor’s University and Lyceum of the Philippines University.”

Dr. Perry Hobson, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Taylor’s University, said: “The goal of the two universities has been to connect the industry leaders of today with those who will become tomorrow’s Next Gen leaders. This forum will offer stimulating ideas about the future of tourism and allow for unique engagement between senior executives and students.”

MA Christina G Aquino, Executive Director of Lyceum of the Philippines University, said: “We would like to thank PATA and Taylor’s University for the opportunity to organize the forum here in Manila at the Lyceum of the Philippines University. Students from various universities and colleges offering tourism and hospitality programs will benefit from interactions with tourism leaders and get real business experience at PATA Travel Mart.”

Confirmed speakers are Mr. Martin J. Craigs, PATA CEO; Ms. Ivy Chee, PATA Regional Director-East Asia; Mr. Peter Semone, Chairman, PATA Education and Training Committee; Mr. Jens Thraenhart, Dragon Trail Co-Founder and President; Mr. Bert Van Walbeek, Founder and Managing Director The Winning Edge; and Dr. Perry Hobson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Taylor’s University.

Students will have a chance to visit PTM2012, as well as join the Social Hour at the Network Lounge hosted by Ginebra San Miguel.