{"id":7028,"date":"2025-08-11T08:34:19","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T08:34:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.top25golfcourses.com\/indonesia\/global-travel-news\/korea-tourism-organizations-rising-star-yeji-cho-named-pata-face-of-the-future-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-08-11T08:34:19","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T08:34:19","slug":"korea-tourism-organizations-rising-star-yeji-cho-named-pata-face-of-the-future-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.top25golfcourses.com\/indonesia\/global-travel-news\/korea-tourism-organizations-rising-star-yeji-cho-named-pata-face-of-the-future-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Korea Tourism Organization\u2019s Rising Star, Yeji Cho, Named PATA Face of the Future 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Korea<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Korea<\/a>Bangkok, Thailand, August 11, 2025 \/ TRAVELINDEX \/ The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)<\/strong> has announced Yeji Cho, <\/strong>Assistant Manager \/ International Cooperation Team, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), as the Grand Winner<\/strong> of the 2025 PATA Face of the Future Award<\/strong>. In addition, three outstanding young professionals have been recognised for their achievements: Poornaka Delpachitra<\/strong>, Country General Manager\/Director \u2013 Sri Lanka, Intrepid Travel, for Sustainability Initiatives; Dr. Bella Vongvisitsin<\/strong>, Assistant Professor for Hospitality & Tourism Management Programme, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, for Strategic Management; and Nikhil Jeet<\/strong>, Director, DDP Group, for Leadership.<\/p>\n

Since 2002, more than 20 exceptional young professionals across the Asia Pacific region have received the PATA Face of the Future title for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to sustainable tourism development \u2013 principles aligned with PATA\u2019s mission to promote responsible and inclusive growth in the travel and tourism industry. This award is the Association\u2019s most prestigious honour for rising leaders in the sector.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sincerely congratulate Ms. Yeji Cho on this well-deserved recognition. It reflects her dedication, skills, and achievements, qualities that will undoubtedly inspire other young professionals in our industry,\u201d said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. \u201cHer contribution exemplifies the potential of the next generation of tourism leaders in the Asia Pacific, and the innovative, determined, and resilient spirit they bring to shaping a new era for our sector.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy commendations also extend to the other three recognised youths, all the nominees, and every young person working hard for our industry. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. You are the key to our future and the ones who will define it,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Ben Montgomery, 2025 PATA Face of the Future head judge and PATA Executive Board Member, commented, \u201cI truly believe the future of our industry rests in the hands of passionate, curious, and courageous young leaders. It brings me immense joy to see new talent stepping up with fresh ideas and bold aspirations.<\/p>\n

As industry professionals, we have a vital role in guiding, supporting, and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation to thrive. Supporting initiatives like PATA Face of the Future allows us to celebrate these rising stars and inspire even more youth to take part in shaping the future of tourism.\u201d<\/p>\n

She concluded, \u201cTo all young professionals \u2013 embrace every opportunity, stay curious, and lead with heart. The journey ahead is full of potential, and we\u2019re here to champion you every step of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yeji Cho said, \u201cReceiving this award is a meaningful milestone in my journey through tourism. At the Korea Tourism Organization, I have worked to promote the value of humanity through tourism, supporting disadvantaged tourists and building networks of international cooperation. It is incredibly encouraging that PATA recognises the importance of these efforts and gives a voice to young professionals in the tourism industry. I hope this award might inspire other young people to believe in their ability to create global impact. By sharing our stories and experiences, I believe we can shape a more inclusive and meaningful future through tourism.\u201d<\/p>\n

An awardee of KTO\u2019s Employee of the Year, Ms Cho has played a key role in strengthening relationships between KTO and leading organisations, including UN Tourism, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, ASEAN+3, and PATA.<\/p>\n

Her contributions to PATA have been particularly impactful. She has been instrumental in expanding the PATA\u2013KTO Internship Programme, including recruiting and dispatching interns from Korea to the PATA Secretariat, supporting the development of the programme\u2019s alumni network, and helping young tourism professionals advance their careers. She also played a pivotal role in securing Gyeongsangbuk-do Province as the host destination for the PATA Annual Summit 2026, and has supported KTO\u2019s active participation in the PATA Gold Awards.<\/p>\n

From 2021 to 2023, Ms Cho led KTO\u2019s Accessible Tourism Project, spearheading the development of infrastructure and educational programmes to enhance travel experiences for tourists with disabilities. Her efforts aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and earned KTO the PATA Gold Award 2022 in the Tourism for All category.<\/p>\n

As the 2025 PATA Face of the Future, Ms Cho has been invited to join the PATA Board, representing the youth community of the Association. She has also received full sponsorship to attend PATA Travel Mart 2025 PTM 2025 and will be featured as a panellist at the PATA Knowledge Forum 2025, speaking on the topic: \u201cVoices of the Future: Next-Gen Perspectives on Tourism\u2019s Evolving Workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n

Three Emerging Leaders<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition to the main award, three individuals were recognised for their significant contributions in key focus areas:<\/p>\n

Poornaka Delpachitra<\/strong>, Country General Manager\/Director \u2013 Sri Lanka, Intrepid Travel, was recognised as the PATA Face of the Future in Sustainability Initiatives.<\/p>\n

Mr Delpachitra oversees Intrepid\u2019s Shared Service Center and Destination Management Company in Sri Lanka\u2014one of the company\u2019s largest global operations\u2014and serves on its Global Leadership Team. Under his guidance, Intrepid Sri Lanka achieved strong post-crisis recovery and earned national recognition. His work champions climate-conscious, community-focused, and inclusive tourism practices.<\/p>\n

Dr. Bella Vongvisitsin<\/strong>, Assistant Professor for Hospitality & Tourism Management Programme, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, was recognised as the PATA Face of the Future in Strategic Management<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Dr Vongvisitsin specialises in community-based tourism, destination management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion DEI. Her work spans policy development, grassroots initiatives, and collaboration with major tourism bodies across Thailand and the Asia Pacific region. She is the founder of Inclusive Tourism Asia, a social venture supported by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, and is a vocal advocate for gender equality and inclusive tourism on international platforms.<\/p>\n

Nikhil Jeet<\/strong>, Director, DDP Group, was recognised as the PATA Face of the Future in Leadership<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Jeet launched COVID eLearn, a platform that trained and certified over 2,000 travel agents across India. He also pioneered India\u2019s first digital travel conclaves. Under his leadership, these initiatives evolved into sustainable digital ecosystems that continue to support industry development. He mentors young professionals and collaborates with underrepresented communities to foster inclusivity in the travel sector.<\/p>\n

Distinguished Panel of Judges<\/strong><\/p>\n