PATA sets date for second UK Exchange

A second PATA Exchange is to be held in London next March immediately after ITB in Berlin.

Organised by the UK Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, the PATA Exchange takes place on March 15 when large numbers of ITB delegates route through London on their way home.

This year’s inaugural event saw more than 50 Asia Pacific travel and tourism brands meet over 120 UK agents and sellers.

The event attracted product, contract and reservations managers, hotel groups, destination management companies and national tourist organisations from across Asia, Australia and the Pacific.

A similar delegate profile is expected next March, according to the PATA UK Chapter.

The one-day Exchange will again operate on an appointments system, giving UK-based agents and buyers the opportunity to meet key sellers from the Asia Pacific region in one manageable forum.

PATA UK Chapter executive director Ian Hawkes said: “Everyone associated with the inaugural PATA Exchange felt it marked an important initiative in bringing together tourist boards, hotel chains, tour operators and ground agents with the UK travel trade.

“The challenge now is to build on that success and address the needs of exhibitors and visitors as our industry faces on-going challenges as well as many new opportunities.”

Ian Mills, of Langham Hotels International, said: “The timing of the PATA Exchange – straight after ITB – is key and a large part of the event’s success. This is an excellent initiative for those unable to attend ITB and we will definitely be there again in 2010.”

Entry for PATA members and non-members attending in a buying capacity is free.

The cost for sellers is £310 per company for PATA members and £350 per company for non-PATA members.

PATA Exchange takes place at Australia House in London on Monday, March 15.

*For further information and to register visit www.pataexchange.com

by Phil Davies