IWTA speaks with Surayyal Hizmi – PATA 2021 Face of the Future
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We are delighted to introduce you to Surayyal Hizmi, PATA 2021 Face of the Future.
Surayyal is a lecturer at the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic, under the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Republic of Indonesia. She is instrumental in educating students and local communities in sustainable tourism concepts, managing natural resources and developing community tourism projects.
Surayyal majored in Natural Resource Management, and worked as an environmental consultant before moving into tourism. In order to develop a complete understanding of her chosen field, she undertook internships in travel agencies and hotels, and worked closely with research and community services supporting tourism in Lombok.
Surayyal launched a PATA Student Chapter at the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic in 2019, conducting several sustainability programmes on campus, with great success. This led to an extension of programmes supporting village tourism and community tourism, leading to the recognition as 2021 PATA Face of the Future.
Who Inspired you?
Supportive parents have encouraged Surayyal to pursue her dreams and to be the best she can. She has also received considerable support and guidance from both local government and PATA officials, which has helped her to confidently reach out to local communities and in turn inspire her students.
What is next?
Surayyal hopes to study for her PhD and further improve local knowledge around sustainable tourism. She and her students are documenting dying local traditions and working with local communities to re-introduce these traditions, and to recognise the value of local culture in establishing sustainable tourism objectives.
Improving Lives
By focusing on local traditions and sustainable practices, Surayyal is helping improve the lives, and income potential of local communities. Educating her students in sustainable growth of tourism, and instilling pride in their traditions and history.
Advice for the Future Generation
Dream big, and fight for what you believe in. Do what you love, and do not be afraid of failure.
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