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School of Humanities and Tourism Management — Featured Stories — PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter: New Generation Driving Sustainable Tourism

Thu Sep 2024

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PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter: New Generation Driving Sustainable Tourism

PATA Award of Excellence 2024 from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), being the only university in the Asia-Pacific region selected for this award.

In a world increasingly crying out for help through rising temperatures, severe storms, and air pollution, these situations are trying to remind us all to turn back and take care of our planet. Similarly, students from the International Tourism and Hospitality Management program at Bangkok University International have continued the intentions of their seniors in the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter, focusing on the preservation of marine ecosystems, which are vital natural resources for life on Earth. Through hands-on activities, knowledge sharing, and experience exchange, they have received the PATA Award of Excellence 2024 from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), being the only university in the Asia-Pacific region selected for this award.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a non-profit association promoting sustainable tourism growth throughout the region. PATA collaborates with BU International to establish the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter, providing students with opportunities to participate in responsible tourism change and development.

Before delving into the story of the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter, let's meet the person behind the group's establishment. Karnchana Phakpho, Chairperson, International Tourism Management Program, Bangkok University International Programs, is the founder and advisor of the student group. This group was established in 2022 and continues to operate to this day. In 2024, A.Kanjana received the PATA Face of the Future Special Recognition for Strategic Management from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), honoring her for laying the foundation and developing a solid strategy for this project.

A.Kanjana explains, "This award is given to new generations who participate as part of PATA. As one of the initiators and advisors of the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter, our goal is to create a community for students who share the same ideals in conducting social activities aligned with sustainable tourism concepts. Additionally, we focus on building partnerships and expanding new networks to collaborate on social activities both nationally and internationally."

Starting from a professor who prioritizes sustainable tourism, it has developed into encouraging students not only to understand but also to engage in social activities, giving birth to the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter. This year marks the second generation that has continued from their seniors to drive this project. The second generation continues to focus on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, collaborating with the tourism industry to push forward various activities that help conserve the oceans. One of these is the creation of a Podcast, which has two seasons, telling stories about conserving our world to raise awareness and be a voice for the new generation, hoping to make this generation more interested and involved in environmental conservation.

"Furthermore, our group conducted fieldwork on Koh Samet, Rayong Province, engaging in social activities with the local administrative organization and Koh Kaew Pisadan School. We cleaned the coastline with local community members and students, while also educating villagers to better understand and care more for nature, ensuring our communities' sustainability."

Another major event was the "Fast Forward YOUR Career in Tourism Thought Leadership & Panel Discussion," organized by the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter and students from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) course. The event attracted over 900 participants, including Thai and international students from countries such as India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. "The event featured experts from the tourism and hospitality industry participating in discussions, and representatives from the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter presented activities conducted over nearly a year, representing the new generation in raising awareness about important issues in the ocean realm. The event concluded with booths displaying tourism information, with officials from various agencies sharing knowledge on different aspects.

Sharing good stories from the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter:

Suzy and Davian: "Joining this activity group has brought many opportunities. We've engaged in activities with friends, shared knowledge about sustainable tourism that aligns with our field of study, gained new connections and experiences, and most importantly, discovered our own passions. This has given us confidence and a clearer vision of our career paths in this field."

Tut and Sai: "We've learned about teamwork, developed various skills, especially leadership skills, gaining more confidence and courage. We've learned to balance time between studies and activities, and most importantly, we've developed a 'Can do Attitude' – no matter how difficult, we can do it."