PATA Names Yeji Cho 2025 Face of the Future Grand Winner and Honours Three Rising Tourism Innovators
(IN SHORT) PATA’s 2025 Face of the Future Award recognized Yeji Cho of the Korea Tourism Organization as Grand Winner for her leadership in accessible and cooperative tourism initiatives. Three additional honourees—Poornaka Delpachitra of Intrepid Travel (sustainability), Dr. Bella Vongvisitsin of Hong Kong Metropolitan University (strategic management) and Nikhil Jeet of DDP Group (leadership)—were celebrated for specialized achievements. CEOs and judges lauded the role of emerging professionals in driving responsible growth. Ms. Cho’s accomplishments span disability-inclusive infrastructure, international partnerships and internship programme expansion. As Grand Winner, she joins PATA’s Board, attends PATA Travel Mart 2025, and speaks at the PATA Knowledge Forum. The release underscores PATA’s dedication to nurturing youth talent that will shape tourism’s future.
(PRESS RELEASE) BANGKOK, 2025-Aug-5 — /Travel PR News/ — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has named Yeji Cho, Assistant Manager of the International Cooperation Team at the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), as the 2025 PATA Face of the Future Grand Winner. Alongside her, PATA honoured three rising professionals for their outstanding contributions in specific domains: Poornaka Delpachitra, Country General Manager/Director for Sri Lanka at Intrepid Travel, for championing sustainability; Dr. Bella Vongvisitsin, Assistant Professor in the Hospitality & Tourism Management Programme at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, for excellence in strategic management; and Nikhil Jeet, Director at DDP Group, for exemplary leadership.
Since its inception in 2002, the Face of the Future Award has celebrated over 20 young innovators whose work embodies PATA’s vision of responsible, inclusive tourism growth. PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid praised Ms. Cho, noting that her “commitment and achievements will inspire the next wave of Asia Pacific tourism professionals.” He also commended the honourees and all nominees, emphasizing that today’s young talent shapes the industry’s future.
Ben Montgomery, PATA Executive Board Member and head judge for the award, underscored the importance of nurturing emerging leaders. “Our industry’s vitality depends on curious, courageous youth stepping forward with new ideas,” he said, encouraging established professionals to mentor and open doors for these rising stars.
Yeji Cho expressed gratitude for the accolade, highlighting her work at KTO to advance humanitarian values through tourism. She spearheaded initiatives supporting travellers with disabilities—earning KTO the PATA Gold Award 2022 in Tourism for All—and strengthened partnerships with bodies such as UN Tourism and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Ms. Cho also expanded the PATA–KTO Internship Programme, facilitated Gyeongsangbuk-do Province’s selection as host for PATA Annual Summit 2026, and secured KTO’s active role in the upcoming PATA Gold Awards.
As Grand Winner, Ms. Cho joins the PATA Board as the youth representative, receives full sponsorship to attend PATA Travel Mart 2025, and will speak at the PATA Knowledge Forum 2025 on “Voices of the Future: Next-Gen Perspectives on Tourism’s Evolving Workforce.”
Emerging Leaders Recognized
Poornaka Delpachitra oversees Intrepid Travel’s Sri Lanka operations and Global Leadership Team membership. Under his direction, the destination management arm achieved a strong post-crisis rebound and national acclaim, driving climate-conscious and community-centred tourism.
Dr. Bella Vongvisitsin specializes in community-based tourism and DEI, founding Inclusive Tourism Asia and collaborating with major regional tourism authorities. Her strategic initiatives advance equitable policy and grassroots engagement across Asia Pacific.
Nikhil Jeet launched COVID eLearn to certify over 2,000 Indian travel agents and pioneered the country’s first digital travel forums. His platforms have evolved into enduring digital ecosystems that empower underrepresented communities and mentor new industry entrants.
For further details, visit www.pata.org/pata-face-of-the-future or contact Nick Chun, Manager of Membership & Youth Programmes at PATA, via fof@pata.org.
Media contact:
Tel: +66 (0)2-460-9264
E-mail: communications@PATA.org
SOURCE: Pacific Asia Travel Association
