Tuesday, August 5, 2025
The Korea Tourism Organization’s Yeji Cho has just been named the Grand Winner of the 2025 PATA Face of the Future Award. This esteemed title celebrates Cho’s outstanding commitment to accessible and sustainable tourism, her visionary leadership, and her tireless efforts to enhance global collaboration across the travel sector. Joining her on the honour roll are three other emerging tourism leaders, each commended for pioneering work in sustainability, strategic management, and transformative leadership.
Celebrating Excellence: Yeji Cho’s Contributions
Yeji Cho has played a pivotal role in advancing accessible tourism and sustainability practices at the Korea Tourism Organization. From 2021 to 2023, she led the Accessible Tourism Project, significantly improving infrastructure and educational programs tailored for travelers with disabilities. Her initiatives align closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and earned the Korea Tourism Organization the PATA Gold Award in the “Tourism for All” category in 2022.
Cho’s efforts also strengthened KTO’s international relationships, including partnerships with prominent organizations such as UN Tourism, Global Sustainable Tourism Council, ASEAN+3, and PATA itself. Her ability to foster global cooperation is exemplified through her instrumental role in expanding the PATA–KTO Internship Program. This initiative involves recruiting and dispatching Korean interns to the PATA Secretariat and developing a robust alumni network, thus significantly contributing to the career development of young tourism professionals.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism
Recognized for his dedication to sustainable tourism, Poornaka Delpachitra, Country General Manager/Director for Intrepid Travel in Sri Lanka, was honored for his outstanding sustainability initiatives. Delpachitra led Intrepid’s post-crisis recovery in Sri Lanka, championing eco-friendly and community-focused tourism practices. Under his leadership, Intrepid Sri Lanka significantly enhanced its sustainability profile, earning national acclaim for its commitment to responsible tourism practices that prioritize environmental conservation and community empowerment.
Advancing Strategic Management in Tourism
Dr. Bella Vongvisitsin, Assistant Professor in the Hospitality & Tourism Management Programme at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, has been honoured for her outstanding contributions to strategic management. Her research investigates community-based tourism, destination management, and the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Across Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific, she has translated academic insights into policy innovation and community-driven programmes. As the founder of Inclusive Tourism Asia, a social enterprise housed at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, she champions accessible tourism and gender equality, sharing best practices at international conferences and advisory boards.
Leading with Innovation
Nikhil Jeet, Director at DDP Group, India, was recognized for exemplary leadership during challenging times. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeet launched “COVID eLearn,” a digital platform designed to educate and certify over 2,000 travel agents across India. He further spearheaded India’s pioneering digital travel conclaves, establishing sustainable digital ecosystems that continue to bolster industry development. Jeet also actively mentors young professionals and collaborates with underrepresented communities, driving inclusivity within the travel sector.
The Significance of the PATA Face of the Future Award
Since its establishment in 2002, the PATA Face of the Future Award has honored over 20 exceptional young professionals within the Asia-Pacific region. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to sustainable tourism development, aligning closely with PATA’s mission of fostering responsible and inclusive growth across the travel and tourism industry.
Benefits and Recognition for Awardees
As the 2025 recipient, Yeji Cho will now represent youth interests on the PATA Board, significantly influencing the association’s future initiatives. Additionally, she will receive full sponsorship to participate in the PATA Travel Mart 2025 (PTM 2025) and feature as a panelist at the PATA Knowledge Forum 2025. Her presentation will address the evolving workforce within the tourism sector, providing valuable insights from a next-generation perspective.
PATA’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
The PATA Face of the Future Award underscores the association’s commitment to empowering young tourism leaders. By recognizing emerging talent, PATA aims to inspire and cultivate a new generation of professionals who will sustainably shape the future of tourism. The award fosters an environment where innovative ideas, resilience, and determination are celebrated and encouraged.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
Yeji Cho’s recognition highlights the vital role of young leaders in shaping the tourism industry’s future. Her impactful contributions exemplify how dedication, innovative thinking, and strong international cooperation can drive meaningful change within the sector. The recognition of other emerging professionals further emphasizes the industry’s collective strength and diverse approaches to addressing contemporary tourism challenges.
A Journey Towards Inclusive Tourism
Yeji Cho reaching this major career milestone is more than just a personal victory; it marks a hopeful step for inclusive and sustainable tourism everywhere. Her story encourages young pros throughout the Asia-Pacific, showing how important they are for responsible travel. By welcoming fresh chances and building strong global partnerships, Cho and the other award winners light the path to a tourism industry that is resilient, welcoming, and sustainable for everyone.
Image Credit: PATA
