As the tourism industry evolves in response to technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, new career opportunities are being carved out, expanding professional roles beyond the more visible ones like tour guides or hotel managers.
Experts speaking at the PATA Youth Symposium at Dusit Thani College on August 27 shed light on how youths can navigate their way into fulfilling roles within the industry.
Industry experts highlighted emerging career paths during the PATA Youth Symposium on August 27 (Photo: Anne Somanas)
Nerea Caldes, senior software developer at Travel Compositor, emphasised the growing importance of technology in tourism, highlighting the need for tech-savvy professionals who can bridge the gap between traditional tourism practices and innovative digital solutions.
She said: “We have developed a new search box powered by AI (artificial intelligence), where you can type in your holiday preferences in natural language, and it will filter the best options for you. This machine learning-driven approach is something that will become increasingly powerful in the coming years. The future will see even more integration of AI, making tech roles in tourism increasingly vital.”
She noted that youth entering the field should consider careers in software development, data analysis, and AI implementation.
Mike Stewart, general manager for Thailand and Laos at Intrepid Travel, noted opportunities for environmental sustainability experts.
For young professionals passionate about environmental issues, careers in sustainability management, eco-tourism consulting, and environmental impact assessment offer promising prospects.
He said: “The marketplace is changing; 10 years ago, sustainability was just talked about. Now, it’s gone into hyperdrive. True sustainability is being demanded and recognised, and it’s only going to grow.”
Andrew Jones, who holds the role of guardian at Sanctuary Resorts, shared his unique career path that led him to merge hospitality with community service.
“Tourism can be a force for good in the community. I’ve found a way to balance my career in hospitality with my passion for community service,” he reflected.
Speakers also underscored the growing importance of human resources (HR) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles as businesses strive to create inclusive environments and manage diverse teams.
Jones highlighted opportunities in often-overlooked roles within the various industry sectors.
“The airline industry offers more than just pilot and cabin crew positions. There are opportunities in aircraft maintenance, engineering, and even AI-driven loyalty programmes. Similarly, resort management encompasses roles in community development and sustainability, not just front-line positions,” he explained.
There are also opportunities to work in museum event management or as a mystery shopper for hotel chains.
“As the industry continues to adapt, there is a wealth of opportunities for young professionals to explore,” he concluded.
Niramol Jindanuwat, chief people officer at Dusit International, also pointed to the top ten “power skills” and attributes for a hospitality career in the modern era: detail orientation, the ability to be high-touch and high-tech, collaboration and teamwork, multi-tasking, global citizenship, and more.
As the tourism industry evolves in response to technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, new career opportunities are being carved out, expanding professional roles beyond the more visible ones like tour guides or hotel managers.
Experts speaking at the PATA Youth Symposium at Dusit Thani College on August 27 shed light on how youths can navigate their way into fulfilling roles within the industry.
Nerea Caldes, senior software developer at Travel Compositor, emphasised the growing importance of technology in tourism, highlighting the need for tech-savvy professionals who can bridge the gap between traditional tourism practices and innovative digital solutions.
She said: “We have developed a new search box powered by AI (artificial intelligence), where you can type in your holiday preferences in natural language, and it will filter the best options for you. This machine learning-driven approach is something that will become increasingly powerful in the coming years. The future will see even more integration of AI, making tech roles in tourism increasingly vital.”
She noted that youth entering the field should consider careers in software development, data analysis, and AI implementation.
Mike Stewart, general manager for Thailand and Laos at Intrepid Travel, noted opportunities for environmental sustainability experts.
For young professionals passionate about environmental issues, careers in sustainability management, eco-tourism consulting, and environmental impact assessment offer promising prospects.
He said: “The marketplace is changing; 10 years ago, sustainability was just talked about. Now, it’s gone into hyperdrive. True sustainability is being demanded and recognised, and it’s only going to grow.”
Andrew Jones, who holds the role of guardian at Sanctuary Resorts, shared his unique career path that led him to merge hospitality with community service.
“Tourism can be a force for good in the community. I’ve found a way to balance my career in hospitality with my passion for community service,” he reflected.
Speakers also underscored the growing importance of human resources (HR) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles as businesses strive to create inclusive environments and manage diverse teams.
Jones highlighted opportunities in often-overlooked roles within the various industry sectors.
“The airline industry offers more than just pilot and cabin crew positions. There are opportunities in aircraft maintenance, engineering, and even AI-driven loyalty programmes. Similarly, resort management encompasses roles in community development and sustainability, not just front-line positions,” he explained.
There are also opportunities to work in museum event management or as a mystery shopper for hotel chains.
“As the industry continues to adapt, there is a wealth of opportunities for young professionals to explore,” he concluded.
Niramol Jindanuwat, chief people officer at Dusit International, also pointed to the top ten “power skills” and attributes for a hospitality career in the modern era: detail orientation, the ability to be high-touch and high-tech, collaboration and teamwork, multi-tasking, global citizenship, and more.