Welcome to the PATA UK & Ireland Chapter
PATA UK is the hub of activity for Pacific Asia. We have a community of over 5,000 travel professionals who strive to be travel experts for a wide array of destinations throughout the region. Our goal is to educate the UK travel trade by hosting events throughout the UK, where members can keep up-to- date about the latest happenings in Pacific Asia.
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The rise of cyber crime in the UK and its impact on travel businesses
Reports of high profile and sometimes existential cyber attacks on major UK companies and institutions have become an almost daily occurrence in recent times.
Recent data suggests over 43% of businesses have suffered such attacks in the last 12 months ranging from micro businesses to SME’s and PLC’s.
In today’s digital age, UK tour operators and agents face increasing exposure to cyber threats that can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and damage reputations. As travel businesses rely heavily on online booking systems, digital payments, and customer databases, they have become attractive targets for cybercriminals. Attacks such as ransomware, malware, phishing, cloning, fraud and data theft can lead to significant financial losses, business interruption, and loss of customer trust.
A single cyber incident can cripple an operator’s booking platform or expose clients’ personal and financial details, inviting scrutiny from regulators and financial penalty. Smaller travel businesses which can lack dedicated IT security and support, are particularly vulnerable and may struggle to recover without external and sometimes expensive intervention.
To mitigate these risks, cyber insurance has become an essential safeguard. Comprehensive policies can cover costs associated with data recovery, system restoration, legal expenses, and public relations management following an attack. Insurers are also offering risk scanning and cyber health checks to reduce the likelihood of incidents. Punitive damages for failure to adequately protect customer data can be severe.
In a competitive travel industry increasingly dependent on digital systems, and data protection, investing in robust cyber security measures and suitable insurance coverage is vital to ensuring resilience, bottom line financial protection and customer confidence.
Please contact us for a free, no obligation cyber insurance quote: lee.hills@jensten.co.uk or alan.pattison@jensten.co.uk
Local travel experiences in Shizuoka, Japan
Shizuoka boasts a variety of community-based experiences - enjoy fresh, locally-produced food, explore its rich natural landscapes, engage with local cultures, and so much more.
Take a look at some of the experiences unique to Shizuoka:
Wasabi fields and Tofu-making workshop
Experience a unique culinary adventure in Japan. Immerse yourself in the culture, traditions, and flavours by exploring the beautiful wasabi fields and learning about wasabi cultivation. Discover the secrets of Tofu-making using locally sourced ingredients. Get hands-on experience in creating this versatile and nutritious staple food. For more information, click here.
The traditional dyeing technique Hamamatsu Chusen tour
‘Chusen Some’ is a traditional dyeing of ‘Yukata’ (traditional Japanese summer kimono style wear) which has been passed down since the mid-18th Century.
In this tour, visitors can observe the authentic dyeing craftsmanship and a hands-on experience dyeing your own special ‘Tenugui’ (Hand Towel) at the factory. For more information, click here.
Green tea farm experience in Kawane
Kawane is a small town, a one hour train ride through the mountain along the river, where you can see real local farmers and experience their own heart-warming Omotenashi. Your experience will include sightseeing, harvesting, studying green tea, cooking and also tea experience. For more information, click here.
250-year old Japanese farmhouse experience
Suishamura is located in a mountainous area not far from Shizuoka City – a 250-year-old Japanese traditional house with a thatched roof. Enjoy an authentic Japanese experience cooking traditional meals using natural ingredients and immersing yourself in a traditional Japanese countryside living from a bygone era. For more information click, here.
Mt. Fuji famous food tour
This Mt. Fuji Food tour takes place in the lovely town of Fujinomiya, just at the base of the most famous mountain in Japan. With deep clear mountain spring water- Fujinomiya is a great place for delicious food, sake, soba noodles and green tea. Fujinomiya is an easy day trip from Tokyo (or an overnight visit that will give you more time to explore!). For more information, click here.
NEW! Explore Lake Hamana on Two Wheels
A new bicycle rental shop, Bentenjima Cycle Gate, has opened in Bentenjima Seaside Park, offering a fresh way to explore the shores of Lake Hamana. Just steps from Bentenjima Station on the JR Tokaido Line, it gives visitors easy access to one of Japan’s largest lakes, known for its unique mix of freshwater and seawater and its calm, scenic views.
There is also a new 12 km one-way route from Bentenjima to Kanzanji Onsen, perfect for beginners, featuring mostly flat terrain and stretches of bike-only paths. This self-guided ride is easy to follow and ideal for enjoying lake breezes, wide-open scenery and local favourites such as hot springs, cafés and Hamamatsu’s famous grilled eel. For more information, visit here.
To learn more about Shizuoka, visit Explore Shizuoka.
Your UK Representative for Shizuoka is Sandra – sandra@humewhitehead.co.uk – get in touch for training opportunities.
Auckland’s Eco-Certified Whale & Dolphin Experience — Guided by Marine Scientists
Departing right from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, this eco-certified whale and dolphin safari is one of the most unique wildlife experiences you can have in New Zealand. You’ll join marine biologists on a purpose-built research vessel for a 4.5-hour cruise through the spectacular Hauraki Gulf, one of the world’s richest marine parks. It’s a fantastic chance to see dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds in the wild while learning about their behaviour and conservation. Because you’re part of real research, every trip is different. It’s educational, sustainable and memorable — perfect for couples, families and anyone wanting a meaningful Auckland adventure.
MEMBERS DIRECTORY
Use our membership directory to browse PATA members and find contacts for DMCs, airlines, tourist boards & hotel partners in the Pacific Asia region.
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