During a visit to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) headquarters at the Siam Tower recently, Sukhumbhand Paripatra, the Governor of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) formally applauded PATA for its “longstanding and recent bridge building initiatives” across the Visitor Economy.” The Governor also confirmed his support for the upcoming “PATAcademy” which he has agreed to speak to and help host 11-14 December, 2013. The first PATAcademy will be delivered from the PATA Engagement Hub in Bangkok.
The PATAcademy demonstrates PATA’s next generation commitment to lifetime Human Capital Development (HCD). The initial trial programme will mix intense classroom interaction with leading practitioners and field visits to see best practices in action in and around Bangkok.
The PATAcademy is the Association’s Human Capital Development initiative. PATA has designed the first PATAcademy to attract between 15 and 20 rising stars with typically five years work experience.
Martin J Craigs, CEO, PATA said, “The PATAcademy will provide a 360 degree perspective of the ‘Complete Visitor Economy,’ its reach, its implications, its opportunities and challenges. The PATAcademy shows PATA’s commitment to Human Capital Development and supports the urgent humanware needs of a travel industry that is too often limited by “Silo” mentality and fragmented advocacy. The PATAcademy is not in competition with any existing full or part time academic courses. It is designed to complement the many offerings of PATA educational institutions members.”
He further added that human capital development is a PATA priority as the travel sector often suffers labour skills and leadership shortages. “Embracing a clear and focused campaign for human capital development addresses core needs of our members. The PATAcademy has been designed to enhance its students travel industry world view. It also underscores the value of PATA at the local, regional and global level,” said Craigs.
Peter Semone, Chairman, PATA Education and Training Committee stated, “I expect the networking and relationships developed at the PATAcademy to be inspirational and encourage life-long friendships, camaraderie and partnerships.”
