Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland plans to deliver even more training for its travel agent members in partnership with Travel Uni. Over the coming months, PATA plans to connect with more than 1,000 travel agents across the UK and Ireland as part of its biggest training programme in recent years. Kicking off the schedule of online and in-person training, is the return of PATAs 'Virtual Vacations'. The virtual online training concept is a series of virtual fam trips taking agents on a narrated online tour of a variety of hotels such as Dusit D2 Chiang Mai, Thailand, Jumeirah Bali, Outrigger Mauritius, Anantara Hoi An, Vietnam. It also covers attractions and tours including The Vietage (train) by Anantara, Nomad Archipelago Indonesia (cruises), Sunsail & The Moorings (boat charters) and more. The first PATA 'Virtual Vacation' will feature Asia (20 Feb 2024, 11:00-11:45), followed by Indian Ocean (22 Feb 2024, 11:00-11:45). PATA is also going on the road to meet agents across the UK, with their original roadshow concepts, in three cities: Birmingham PATA Roadshow, 11 March 2024 Manchester PATA Roadshow, 13 March 2024 Glasgow PATA Roadshow, 14 March 2024 Each roadshow will follow the format of a speed-networking event where travel agents will meet with 10+ suppliers from across the PATA region in short, 10-minute appointments. The evening will include food, drinks, networking and prizes up for grabs from luxury hotel stays to restaurant vouchers. Betsie Barr, Marketing & Events Manager for PATA UK & Ireland said: "Trade engagement is stronger than ever and we have some exciting plans to make PATA's events bigger and better this year.” “We've connected with a host of new suppliers from the Asia Pacific region that agents can meet at our roadshows this year." To register for any of the above PATA events:  www.pata.org.uk/events   

Related News Stories:  Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)     Hong Kong Tourism Board     Partner News    

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), UK & Ireland hailed the Vietnam visa waiver announcement, which this week came into effect. Longer-stay visas and visa waivers can have significant benefits in boosting tourism and attracting foreign investment, PATA Chairman Chris Crampton says. “It is great news that the Vietnamese authorities have extended their visa offerings including visa free travel increasing three-fold from 15 to 45 days. In addition, the Vietnam e-visa stay duration for the UK and other select countries increased from 30 to 90 days. It comes as airlift from the UK to Vietnam increases from October. David Kevan, Director of CHIC Locations, a PATA member, said: "The immediate advantage is that travellers are encouraged to stay longer.” “For us, Vietnam is largely sold as a multi centre touring destination,” “They often combine at least four places so they can now do it at a more leisurely pace." Thailand last year increased the visa free travel period from 30 to 45 days over peak season. This was also a positive step that boosted tourism and welcomed long stay travellers for winter sun, PATA says. Several other countries in the region have revised or extended visa free policies to attract more visitors. It includes New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. “More flexible visa options regionally boosts tourism by enhancing regional connectivity,” Crampton added. In more positive visa news, Australia recently increased the maximum age for their Working Holiday Visa from 30 to 35 years old. This potentially means 16 million more Brits could live and work in Australia.

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland has welcomed seven new members into the network.  The new members are Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Hobbiton Tours, Alila Kothaifaru, Cara Hotels & Marketing, Tolani Hotels, Heritance AARAH, Maldives and Vivu Journeys. "This exciting development reflects the continuous growth of our organisation, and commitment to promoting Pacific Asia," said Chris Crampton, Chairman. "We extend a warm welcome to our new members, who represent various sectors of the industry.” Pinyada Thanturanond, Group Director of Sales at Tolani Hotels, said: PATA is a well-established and effective channel to reach out to many UK and Ireland travel trade members.” Annually, PATA hosts over 30 separate events throughout the UK and Ireland as well as offering exclusive benefits and discounts. PATA is also in talks with ‘several’ prospective new members, including a major Asian airline and tourism board. PATA has different types of memberships depending on the type of business. For travel agents, membership continues to be free.  

The Pacific Asia Travel Association UK & Ireland has expanded its training schedule, adding a new South East Asia training roadshow.   The new training roadshow visits travel agents in both London and Birmingham. It kicks off on 18 July 2023 with the Southeast Asia tourism Roadshow at Revolution Leadenhall in London. The following day it takes place at Revolucion de Cuba, Birmingham. Sponsored by Travel Uni, the roadshow events will give travel agents the chance to meet and train with PATA's partner hotels, tourist boards and tour operators. It is via speed-training sessions with time in the evening for networking and further contracting discussions. Both roadshows are aimed at product managers and frontline sales staff to learn more about new South East Asia tourism products and destinations. Matt McCausland, Account Director for PATA said: “This will enable attendees to learn and build connections with key hotels, tourist boards and products during a fun evening.” Suppliers joining PATA are Tourism Thailand, Hidden Doorways, Singapore Tourism Board, Samujana, Thailand, Outrigger Resorts, Malaysia Tourism Board, Akorn DMC and Pan Pacific Hotel Group. There will be food and drink and prizes up for grabs. They include three nights for two people at Samujana, Thailand, £100 All for One voucher from Malaysia Tourism Board and a one-night stay at Pan Pacific Orchard Singapore. Agents can register for the events by emailing [email protected]

Japan is definitely back on the radar for UK travelers, say Pacific Asia Travel Association UK & Ireland agents. The latest 'PATA Polls' surveys revealed over half (53.85%) have seen an increase in enquiries and bookings for Japan since the beginning of May. Now travel to Japan is restriction free, a significant 76.92% of UK and Irish travel agents reported plans to proactively promote Japan holidays. Of countries selling best in the last few weeks, agents named New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam,, Laos and Japan. Chairman of PATA UK & Ireland, Chris Crampton said: "We are so pleased so many Asia Pacific countries have lifted requirements.” “Sri Lanka and Maldives have also made a strong comeback as a popular honeymoon combination.”

PATA travel agents are seeing their business boom in early 2023. The latest Pacific Asia Travel Association 'PATA Polls' surveys show 70% of PATA's UK and Ireland agent network is reporting strong first quarter bookings for Asia travel. That is up more than 20%, year on year. Agents are reporting that travellers are keen to travel and show no signs of cutting back this year. Pacific Asia (42.86%) is outperforming other regions in terms of popularity, with the exception of Europe (61.9%). It is higher than Africa (19.05%), Middle East (28.57%) and the US (23.8%). The 2023 PATA Polls was more detailed and in-depth than ever before Within Pacific Asia, Thailand is receiving the most enquiries, cited by 61.9% of agents closely followed by Australia (57.14%). Other popular long-haul destinations included Singapore and Vietnam (both 33.33%), Sri Lanka (28.7%) and Maldives (23.81%).. “Luckily one of Pacific Asia's strongest selling points remains it's value for money,” said tour operator member, Alison Murphy of Elegant Resorts. “This is more evident than ever amidst rising costs not just at home but across other long-haul destinations.” The PATA Polls were conducted in April, focusing on the Peaks 2023 holiday booking period.

  Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland in partnership with Travel Uni has added even more training events for travel agents this Winter, including a new destination-based virtual roadshow.   The upcoming training events calendar sees the return of PATA’s popular online quizzes and destination roadshows.  First up is the organisation’s Indochina Roadshow Sponsored by Thien Minh Group (TMG) in London* on 20th October 2022, (6:00PM - 10:00PM).   Commenting on the first of the winter training events, Matt McCausland, Account Director for PATA UK said:   “We’re delighted to invite agents to join our upcoming Winter training programme.  The Indochina Roadshow marks the first in the line up and also the return of our roadshows being in person!   The last time the Indochina roadshow was organisedwas before the pandemic in 2019.”   “This event is dedicated exclusively to the Indochina region and will give agents the chance to meet and network with hotels, tourist boards, DMCs, and rep companies from within the region, whilst enjoying food and drinks throughout the evening.”    The evening will run as a speed-dating format where agents will have timed meetings with the below PATA suppliers to get an insight into some of Indochina's most exciting product:   • Thien Minh Group (TMG) • Alma Resort Cam Ranh • EXO Travel • Vietnam Tourism Board • Vinpearl Resorts • Akorn Destination Management • Visit Quang Nam • Hidden Doorways   There are several other agent training events coming up in the PATA winter calendar including, for the first time, a training roadshow dedicated to the Indian Ocean:  

• Thailand Online Quiz, 19 October 2022
• Vietnam Online Quiz, 15 November 2022
• Indian Ocean Virtual Roadshow, 30 November 2022 -NEW!
• Australia Online Quiz, 01 December 2022

  Agents interested in registering for any of PATAs training events listed above can sign up here

After lagging behind the West for several months, the tourism sector recovery across Asia Pacific is well-advanced. According to John Coles, travel agent spokesperson for Pacific Asia Travel Association UK and Ireland, travel to much of the region is even easier than entering the US. Coles is Director of Kew Bridge Travel. “Great news continues for Pacific Asia with nearly all countries now fully open for international travel. The most recent positive development is reopening of Laos with no quarantine, testing or travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers.” “A golden opportunity now awaits agents selling Pacific Asia holidays and we are already seeing a resurgence in bookings,” Coles said. If follows the reopening of Malaysia (1 April 2022) and New Zealand (13 April 2022), while Japan is set to begin a trial programme for small groups from four countries. Indonesia just eased curbs further by scrapping pre-travel tests. Coles says Kew Bridge Travel’s enquiries have returned to at least 80% of pre-covid levels, with the two most popular destinations being Australia and Thailand.

 

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2022 (PDMF 2022) at the International Convention Center (ICC) in Songkhla, Thailand from August 2-4.

  The event, under the theme “Building Back Sustainably through Cultural Heritage and Community-based Tourism”, is generously hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Songkhla Convention and Exhibition Bureau (SCEB) and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) with the support of Songkhla City.   “At this year's PATA Destination Marketing Forum, we are ready to celebrate the start of a robust Asia-Pacific tourism recovery. Our experiential conference programme highlights best practices in destination marketing and destination management in the post-pandemic recovery world.  We’re here to support a sustainable recovery for the region” said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera. “All of us at PATA are excited to host our next in-destination event and show that Thailand is open for international MICE events such as ours. We all look forward to welcoming you to Songkhla, Thailand.”   Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, TCEB, said, “TCEB is proud and delighted to promote and co-organize the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2022, Songkhla in Thailand. The event, which will serve as a driving force for international MICE events in Thailand, contributes to implementing the government’s policy of stimulating and developing the regional economy. Songkhla is one of Thailand’s leading MICE cities, with strong potential and readiness to host international conventions to world-class standards. The city has already built a strong track record in hosting numerous high-profile MICE events.”   “The event will contribute greatly to raising visibility and awareness of Songkhla and other regional MICE cities as international MICE destinations. At TCEB we are committed to supporting responsible, low-impact, sustainable growth in the MICE business, to harness MICE events to benefit local communities, and to drive inclusive economic growth across the country,” he added.   Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas), TAT, said, ”A historic town with rich cultural heritage, Songkhla is also blessed with beautiful beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and a tranquil lake. In addition, Songkhla exudes a vibrant character of a dynamic commercial and knowledge hub with unique local architecture and exemplary cuisine. We look forward to welcoming all PATA delegates to Songkhla to immerse themselves in this remarkable destination.”   Mr. Ampon Pongsuwan, Vice Governor of Songkhla, said, “Welcome to Songkhla, one of the most beautiful cities in Southern Thailand. Since the city is surrounded by water, you will find some of the freshest seafood cuisine, making this town perfect for seafood lovers. All PDMF 2022 delegates are invited to join our unique cultural activities, well-preserved heritage building sight-seeings, and a boat trip out to see exotic tropical plants and creatures in the largest natural lake in Thailand. Furthermore, Songkhla is also home to the biggest convention centre in Southern Thailand, as well as a range of quality hotels. If you have never visited an ethnically diverse town before, then Songkhla is the destination that is worth a visit. Sawasdee krub!”   The event offers a unique opportunity for networking, learning, and discovery, consisting of a one-day conference and a one-day destination experience through a technical tour, as well as various hosted social functions.   Delegates attending the event will have the opportunity to choose from three unique destinations experiences, planned and craft by DASTA, including:  

• Nod Na Lae Lifestyle @ Tha Hin Community: Encounter Tha Hin Community local tribe’s traditional way of lifestyle and learn how they are promoting Ecotourism.

• Nature meets Culture @ Koh Yo Community: Explore the culture of Southern ethnic people and enjoy the authentic village unaltered since the old times.

• Heritage Singora @ Hua Khoa Community: Savour the view of Songkhla Lake Estuar and venture around the Old Town that boasts a collection of UNESCO heritage site candidates.

 

Gp. Capt. Athikun Kongmee, Director-General, DASTA, said, “With our utmost excitement and readiness to welcome all delegates to Songkhla, DASTA has come up with three routes of technical tour wherein the excellence of community-based tourism, leading to sustainable tourism development, is to be unveiled.”

  Located in the southern part of Thailand, Songkhla is a fishing town, known as a major harbour and seaport, and the “City with Two Seas”. Most recently, Songkhla has been proposed by the Thai government as a World Heritage Site and UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy. Travellers will be amazed with the destination’s many beautiful attractions including the city’s Old Town, as well as its great local cuisine.   Songkhla is easily accessible by air from Bangkok, and many international airlines operate flights to/from Bangkok. Furthermore, direct access from Singapore and Malaysia to Songkhla, which had been suspended during the pandemic, will resume soon.   Registration for the event is complimentary, however, due to limited seating, PATA International members will be given priority on a first come, first serve basis.   As PATA acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region, the Association is proud to note that the PATA Destination Marketing Forum is a net zero carbon event and PATA is working with a local green project to help support organisations to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration sources in Thailand.

There is real optimism at the Pacific Asia Travel Association the recovery is gaining momentum. It follows a flurry of recent reopenings with Australia, Cambodia, Bali and the Philippines having all removed quarantine requirements for vaccinated tourists. Vietnam will also open without quarantine, opening the whole of Indochina – Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and neighbouring Thailand. Chairman of the PATA UK & Ireland, Chris Crampton, said: “There is real cause for optimism,” “However, the biggest barrier for travellers remains for those countries that require testing on arrival, which discourages visitors from travelling. Until we see more countries removing this stipulation, tourism to the region cannot fully recover.” Other travel border reopenings include Sri Lanka, Maldives, India and Oman which have also removed all quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated visitors to test before or after arrival. Malaysia is set to open on 1 April, followed by New Zealand in May. “This all brings some much needed hope to so many of our friends and colleagues in the travel industry and gives the British public the confidence to go ahead and book a long-awaited holiday,” Crampton added. “Speaking to some of our members, the consensus is that it finally feels like we are in the recovery phase of the pandemic and we can start planning again.” This April sees PATA return to in-person Spring Quizzes for travel agents, with recently opened Australia as one of the participating suppliers: On consecutive days between 25-27 April, events are held in Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow.  

     

  Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland announced three new committee members for 2022, including the first ever travel agent appointment bringing a new voice to the organisation. All three new members will be working alongside PATA UK & Ireland Chairman, Chris Crampton and fellow committee members to help shape PATA's strategy for the year ahead. "We are thrilled to welcome new committee members to the organisation, and the timing couldn't be better in the recovery of the industry," Crampton said. "We have never had a travel agent as a committee member before; their first-hand experience on the frontline will bring a new perspective to our agent outreach and help us continue to grow our travel agent network." "I'm honoured to be the first travel agent committee member, acting as a voice for all agents and working with the organisation to move forward with on-going ambitious plans on agent training and outreach," said John Coles, Managing Director, Kew Bridge Travel. PATA is welcoming new members for 2022 and has different types of membership packages for tourism businesses. For travel agents, membership is free. Further details: https://pata.org.uk/pata-membership/become-a-member/