PATA has recognised five emerging professionals through its 2026 Face of the Future honours, naming Lizam Dorji, CEO of MICE Bhutan, a subsidiary of Druk Asia, as Grand Winner, alongside four peers receiving Special Recognition awards in student excellence, strategic management, leadership and sustainability initiatives.
The Special Recognition recipients are Abdulla Iyaan Ahmed, former chair of the PATA Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter, for Student Excellence; Orawan Dinsor, team leader – Travelplan (Latin Markets) at Asian Trails, for Strategic Management; Alevtina Borodulina, lead heritage consultant at Aquamarine Projects, for Leadership; and Uyanga Galbadrakh, co‑founder and CEO of WildMongolia, for Sustainability Initiatives.
Since 2002, the PATA Face of the Future Award has recognised exceptional young professionals across Asia-Pacific for their leadership and dedication to sustainable tourism development.
Dorji is helping shape the country’s MICE sector, creating opportunities for economic growth and international engagement. She previously gained more than five years of experience in Thailand with the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall, managing international conferences and large‑scale conventions.
Her work in Bhutan includes partnerships with the Youth Development Fund to plant 2,664 flowering trees with guests, and collaboration with the Department of Culture to revitalise three nationally significant museums. She will serve on the PATA Board for one year beginning in 2027, representing the youth community.
“This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of the many young tourism professionals across the region working to shape a more sustainable and meaningful future for our industry,” shared Dorji.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “I sincerely congratulate Lizam Dorji on being named the 2026 PATA Face of the Future. This recognition reflects her leadership and contribution to the tourism industry, as well as the potential of the next generation of tourism professionals to shape a more innovative, responsible and meaningful future for our sector.”
