The Pacific Asia Travel Association UK Chapter (PATA UK)
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.
PATA UK & Ireland Events
PATA Exchange 2019 Buyer Registration
When: Monday 11th March 2019, from 9:30 – 17:00 To complete your buyer profile to attend PATA Exchange 2019, please complete the following:
Christmas Lunch 2018 – 13th December 2018
Celebrate the festive season with friends and industry colleagues!
Reading Quiz Night – 26th March 2019
Join PATA UK & Ireland for a unique pub quiz in Reading, where we ask you questions about the fabulous destinations and products from around the Pacific Asia region.
Bristol Quiz Night – 27th March 2019
Join PATA UK & Ireland for a unique pub quiz in Bristol, where we ask you questions about the fabulous destinations and products from around the Pacific Asia region.
Exeter Quiz Night – 28th March 2019
Join PATA UK & Ireland for a unique pub quiz in Exeter, where we ask you questions about the fabulous destinations and products from around the Pacific Asia region.
Latest News
2019 Macao Guide – out now!
2019 Macao Guide – out now! The Macao Government Tourism Office has released a new 16-page glossy Macao Guide, as a one stop tool for everything people need to know about the destination, located only 40 miles from Hong Kong. With information ranging from what to do by day and night in Macao and how to get there, to essential details on the destination’s food scene and calendar of events, it’s a comprehensive tool for anyone selling or visiting Macao. Click Here for more information.
“Fantastic Beasts of Asia”
“Fantastic Beasts of Asia” In the latest movie from the mind of author JK Rowling, the Indonesian Naga has a starring role. Have your own magical experience with the Naga throughout south east Asia with these excursions: Spend the day with Balinese artists, including intricate artworks of dragons.(Click Here!) See the multi-headed serpents at the Temple of Doi Suthep in Chaing Mai, Thailand. (Click Here!) For the more petrol-headed, a day touring the temples of Bali in a classic convertible Volkswagen might be just what is needed to see these cultural icons and the stories behind them. (Click Here!) For more information, please contact Chris Crampton – chris@is-intl.com
Singapore Airlines has teamed up with Tourism Australia and Tourism Western Australia
Singapore Airlines has teamed up with Tourism Australia and Tourism Western Australia Singapore Airlines has teamed up with Tourism Australia and Tourism Western Australia to be the official European airline for Corroboree West 2019. It is the third time Singapore Airlines has partnered with the annual training and familiarisation event, which next year will be held in Perth and allow frontline sellers to get to know Singapore Airlines’ extensive Australian network as well as all the extraordinary travel experiences Australia has to offer. For more information, click Here!
Taiwan’s Exciting Upcoming Celebrations
Taiwan’s Exciting Upcoming Celebrations Christmasland: 16th November 2018 – 1st January 2019 Rivalling the best Christmas markets Europe has to offer, each festive season Christmasland transforms the Banqiao District of New Taipei City into a spectacular winter getaway. With delicious food stands, fun-packed rides, concerts, parades, glitzy light shows, markets selling handmade goods and a neon tree, the twinkling festivities of Christmasland are sure to add a sparkle to any festive trip to Taiwan. For more information, click Here! New Year’s celebrations in Taipei: 31st December 2018 Taipei is famed for its spectacular New Year’s celebrations which culminate in an impressive firework display which lights up the famous 101 building – the largest countdown clock in the world. As the countdown begins, the building lights up floor by floor until the final level is reached and a spectacular display of fireworks is set off in an unmissable show that is sure to make a cracking Instagram video. Another crowd pleaser is the New Year’s Eve Countdown Concert where internationally renowned artists entertain a crowd of thousands from 6pm until midnight. For more information, click Here!
Diving Accolades for Papua New Guinea
Diving Accolades for Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea is home to some of the world’s most spectacular diving and in recognition the country has featured in the Dive Travel Awards top ten destinations for the third successive year. Graeme Gourlay, publisher of DIVE magazine, said: “We are delighted that Papua New Guinea has again done extremely well in our annual travel awards. It consistently tops the polls with divers from around the world. It is a testament to the stunning quality of the diving available in the country. For many divers PNG is at the top of their wish list – wonderful coral brimming with marine life and plenty of historic wrecks. PNG clearly has a dedicated and enthusiastic following among discerning divers.” The Country has three main dive locations, New Guinea, New Britain and New Ireland. Visitors can either explore from a Papua New Guinea live- aboard, or stay on land at one of the comfortable ‘sea-side’ resorts, many of which have both options on offer. For more information, click Here!
COMO The Treasury awarded best hotel in Australia and New Zealand
COMO The Treasury awarded best hotel in Australia and New Zealand Perth’s COMO The Treasury has been awarded the Best Hotel in Australia and New Zealand for the third year in a row in Conde Nast Traveler’s 31st annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Known as ‘the best of the best of travel,’ the awards are considered the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. COMO The Treasury’s exclusive suites occupy the top floors of the immaculately restored 19th century State Buildings, located in the revitalised historic heart of Perth. Dining options at the precinct include the award-winning Wildflower, serving contemporary dishes revolving around the indigenous ethos of a six season calendar; Post, an all-day osteria serving Italian classics; Petition Kitchen and Long Chim. Also making the exclusive list for top hotels in Australia and New Zealand was InterContinental Perth City Centre – coming in at number 13. Opened in October 2017, the hotel offers guests a luxury five-star experience, with an ideal location in the charming King Street precinct in Perth city. For more information click Here!
Traditional Balinese evening at The Legian Seminyak
Traditional Balinese evening at The Legian Seminyak Guests of The Legian Seminyak can indulge in a special Indonesian Rijsttafel dinner every Tuesday at The Restaurant. Originally created by the Colonial Dutch as a way of enjoying a range of Indonesian dishes in one, the feast known as Rijsttafel combines rice, meats and vegetables in mouth-watering zesty sauces. For more information click Here!
City and Beach the Perfect Combination
City and Beach the Perfect Combination On 25th January 2019 Bangkok Airlines are launching direct flights from Thailand to Cam Ranh in Vietnam. Opening up a fantastic opportunity for the perfect twin centre. Enjoy the busy vibe of Bangkok before heading for rest and relaxation at The Anam on beautiful Long Beach. For more information click Here!
Journey Beyond Packages Now Bookable by UK Trade
Journey Beyond Packages Now Bookable by UK Trade In a first for UK trade, Journey Beyond packages featuring travel on Australia’s great trains, The Ghan and Indian Pacific, are now bookable by UK trade. The new Australia’s Great Train Journeys 2019-20 brochure is now available and highlights six packages all including rail travel as well as the chance to explore beyond the tracks. The packages are themed around outback, adventure, food and wine, nature and beaches and range from six to 22 days in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. Other crucial information regarding service levels, Off Train Excursions and rates is all included. Also out now, is Journey Beyond’s new marine brochure detailing Cruise Whitsundays and Rottnest Express experiences. Dive in to learn about a day on the Great Barrier Reef or how to make the most of Rottnest Island. To book packages, email reservations@railaustralia.com.au or to order brochures, email traveltrade@journeybeyond.com.au. To take a peek inside our trains, visit journeybeyond.com.au/traveltrade for 360° views of inside our cabins, Outback Explorer Lounges, Platinum Club and Queen Adelaide Restaurant.
Destination Asia Indonesia Recognized for Sustainability Achievements
Destination Asia Indonesia Recognized for Sustainability Achievements Audley Travel held their annual supplier breakfast meeting in London on Thursday 8 November following WTM 2018. This year they added an awards ceremony to highlight those suppliers who are doing something extraordinary. There was one award for each Audley Value and also one for responsible tourism. Destination Asia Indonesia was presented with the responsible tourism award. James Pook, Southeast Asia Regional Product Manager at Audley Travel commented, “This is for their great work on policies such as, reducing plastic (clients now receive glass bottles of Balinese volcanic water), and introducing eco-friendly cold towels. Lots of their product development helps local people benefit and is sensitive to issues such as animal welfare. Audley is also working on this but in some ways Destination Asia are probably ahead of us. Everything they do has a responsible focus as they are Travelife accredited.” Product Manager David Nuetzel visited the offices in London to receive the award. A second award was handed to Destination Asia Indonesia just a few days prior at the WTM when David collected their Travelife Partner certificate. Congratulations Destination Asia Indonesia! For more information click Here!
Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket Unveils New Look After Extensive Renovations
Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket Unveils New Look After Extensive Renovations “Refurbished guest rooms and new pool facilities are just two highlights awaiting guests at this luxury beach resort” Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, an upscale full-service beach resort on the north-west coast of Thailand’s largest island, recently underwent enhancement work and is now ready to provide Thai inspired gracious hospitality to guests during the upcoming high season. Owned and operated by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s foremost hotel and property development companies, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket first opened in November 1987 as one of the island’s finest resorts. Located on the pristine Bang Tao beach within the Laguna Phuket resort complex, it has since served as Dusit’s flagship resort in the south, delivering the company’s renowned gracious hospitality to guests from key markets worldwide. To maintain the resort’s competitive advantage, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket underwent a major renovation commencing June 2017 and continuing into 2018. The refurbishment of its guest rooms and suites in the North Wing, and the recent upgrading of its signature, award-winning Italian restaurant with its own outdoor pizza oven and public areas were recently completed in time for the upcoming high season to welcome back our loyal, […]
Diethelm Travel Group Moves Prestigious Royal Garuda Image During Grand Procession in the Heart of Bangkok
Diethelm Travel Group Moves Prestigious Royal Garuda Image During Grand Procession in the Heart of Bangkok As part of relocating its Bangkok headquarter offices this month, Diethelm Travel Group moved its golden royal Garuda image, representing the prestigious royal warrant of appointment from the Thai monarchy, to the new location. On Wednesday, 21 November the company organised a special ceremony to move the significant statue during a grand procession from its previous offices just north of Lumphini Park to the new location on Silom Road. Following tradition, the ceremony was led by a Hindu priest, or Brahman, who first made way to the new offices by convoy including a police escort, royal escort and the Garuda image enclosed safely within a vehicle followed by the company’s management team. Upon arrival at the offices, the entire Diethelm Travel Thailand team took part in a blessing ceremony as the Garuda was displayed in its new home. Receiving a royal warrant of appointment from the King is one of the highest honours available to businesses in Thailand bestowed based on impeccable corporate governance, serving the royal family or significantly supporting the country’s economic and social development. Denoting particular prestige and notoriety within the country, […]
Qantas Latest Dreamliner Named After an Outback Icon
Qantas Latest Dreamliner Named After an Outback Icon We’ve just taken delivery of our seventh Boeing 787 Dreamliner called Jillaroo. When it rolls up to airport terminals across the world, many will wonder what Jillaroo means. A jillaroo (or its male counterpart, jackaroo) is a young person working on a cattle station. They help muster livestock to new pastures, mend machinery and do a variety of other jobs to keep the station – often thousands of square kilometres in size – ticking over. It’s a tough job with a rich culture. And it’s uniquely Australian. That’s how all our Dreamliner’s are named – from Waltzing Matilda to Skippy to Great Southern Land. Jillaroo is the latest from the long list of things that are uniquely Australian put forward by the community to make it onto our aircraft. We have one more Dreamliner due to arrive this year (to be named Great Barrier Reef), and then another six from 2019. We’re really proud that Jillaroo will take to the skies and be recognised in London and New York and other destinations in between. We hope it’ll inspire travellers to find out a little more about this intrepid figure of the Australian outback.
Adelaide welcomes new Airport hotel
Adelaide welcomes new Airport hotel As if Adelaide CBD wasn’t close enough to the airport, travelers now have the option of staying right at the terminal. The 4 star Atura Adelaide Airport is now taking bookings and is perfect for any itinerary including an early departure/late arrival in Adelaide. The hotel is equipped with all necessary facilities including an onsite bar and restaurant, gym and 24-hour reception. For more information click Here!
Hong Kong Tourism Board Teams Up with National Geographic on Great Outdoors Hong Kong Campaign
Hong Kong Tourism Board Teams Up with National Geographic on Great Outdoors Hong Kong Campaign The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has joined forces with National Geographic, the world’s destination for science, exploration and adventure, to promote its 10th annual “Great Outdoors” campaign, featuring 13 of the city’s most stunning landscapes. The campaign will include an authoritative guidebook, Your Guide to Hiking & Cycling in Hong Kong, photo gallery as well as collaborative content with insights from National Geographic photographers and trail experts. Visitors to Hong Kong can now discover some of Hong Kong’s most picturesque nature trails through the contrasting lenses of the “One Place, Two Perspectives” narrative. Contrasting city views with verdant mountains; traditional villages with natural flora and fauna, and beautiful landscapes with stunning seascapes, the stories will present Hong Kong as a jaw-dropping, breathtaking visual dichotomy.
Tourism Australia is Calling All Travel Agents!
Tourism Australia is Calling All Travel Agents! Think you’ve got what it takes to get in front of the camera and show Australia to the world? You might just be the star travel agent Tourism Australia is looking for? Are you confident & charismatic? Passionate about all things Australia and itching to experience more? If you’re a qualified Aussie Specialist Travel Agent, or wish to be one, this may be the claim to fame you’ve been waiting for – become Tourism Australia’s first-ever Aussie Specialist Ambassador and win an amazing trip Down Under. Find out more.
Here’s Your Chance to Win a Fam Trip to the Amazing Thailand!
Here’s Your Chance to Win a Fam Trip to the Amazing Thailand! Tourism Thailand and Thai Airways are giving you the chance to win a fam trip to Amazing Thailand! For your chance to win, all you have to do is complete the 8 module training course on the Thailand Expert hub by 31 December. Visit Thailandexpert.co.uk for training, events, webinars, blogs, industry discounts and more!
Philippine Airlines Awarded Most Improved Airline In The World
Philippine Airlines Awarded Most Improved Airline In The World “Philippine Airlines’ bold expansion plans and its commitment to a next-generation, easy product made it a stand-out for the most improved airline.” – AirlineRatings.Com Editors AirlineRatings.Com awarded 4Star carrier Philippine Airlines as “Most Improved Airline Award 2019”, citing PAL’s “move to expand its global footprint using new generation fuel-efficient aircraft equipped with the latest cabins.” The rating body said, “Philippine Airlines (PAL) has expanded its global footprint by more than 60 percent in recent years with innovative services such as a single-aisle A321neo flight between Manila and Brisbane and an A350-900 trans-polar route to New York.” It added, “The four times weekly A321neo service featured the first flat-bed business product on a narrowbody aircraft operated to Australia and replaced three flights a week run by a fuel-hungry A340.” AirlineRatings.Com pointed out that PAL’s fleet modernization initiatives is a move “which is seeing the new breed of more extended range, single-aisle planes replace bigger aircraft on routes of up to eight hours and part of an ongoing expansion by the Filipino carrier.” The rating entity described the features of PAL’s brand new Airbus A321neos and A350-900s: “The A321neo offers12 flatbed business class […]
From ancient kingdoms and legendary heroes to mythical creatures and ethereal ghosts, Asia is steeped in local legends.
From ancient kingdoms and legendary heroes to mythical creatures and ethereal ghosts, Asia is steeped in local legends. Many of these myths were born from civilisations responsible for creating art, monuments and feats of engineering, the likes of which we struggle to comprehend today. So let’s ask the question – did they really have to rely on stories that existed in their imaginations only, or were they based on true events… For more information click Here!
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia – perfect for a visit over the festive season
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia – perfect for a visit over the festive season With some good availability options remaining during the festive period, why not consider a visit to Cambodia this winter. Song Saa Private Island offers a carefree paradise, an intimate escape in a far-flung archipelago. Crafted with love, inspired by its surroundings, Song Saa Private Island offers luxury, serenity and a deep connection with the environment. Created with sustainability in mind, Song Saa Private Island reflects the beauty of the Cambodian coastline. An evolved tropical getaway with a pristine private beach, spacious wooden villas, heavenly spa sanctuaries and a preserved coral reef, Song Saa Private Island lets you detach from the world and tune into simple luxuries. Song Saa Private Island is in the Koh Rong Archipelago, a 45-min speedboat ride from Sihanoukville Port. Nearest airport is Sihanoukville international airport with Phnom Penh a 3.5 – 4 hour drive. For more information please visit www.songsaa.com or email jo@hiddendoorwaystravel.com
Singapore Airlines named ‘Best Airline’ and assists with the transport of Europe’s only southern koalas to the UK
Singapore Airlines named ‘Best Airline’ and assists with the transport of Europe’s only southern koalas to the UK October been a busy month for Singapore Airlines. The carrier is delighted to have been named ‘Best Airline of the Year’, ‘Best Asian Airline’ and awarded for having the ‘Best Cabin Staff’ and ‘Best Economy Class’ by Business Traveller UK readers. At the same time, the airline has just assisted in creating a brand new International Koala Centre of Excellence in the UK. Working closely with Longleat Safari Park, a Singapore Airlines cargo aircraft flew five koalas and two wombats (their closest relatives) from Adelaide to the UK as part of a conservation project designed to help protect this vulnerable species. Alongside studying these beautiful animals, the new UK based population will provide a bio-secure back-up population safe from disease and bushfires in case the need should ever arise. The new arrivals are Europe’s only southern koalas and have been settling well into their new home in Wiltshire.
Become a Thailand Expert!
Become a Thailand Expert! The new look online training programme has so many features to help you learn more and sell more of Thailand. Training: This short training programme will give you the knowledge to become a Thailand expert and the confidence to convert enquiries into bookings. Events: Register for the Amazing Thailand Road Show which visits nine cities in 2019 throughout the UK and Ireland. What’s New: Learn about new hotels and products keeping Thailand fresh and exciting. Webinars: Our first webinar will cover Northern Thailand including the off-the-beaten track Mae Hong Son district. Features: Read blogs and interesting articles. Industry Offers: Get the best industry discounts and offers for your own Thailand holiday! For training, competitions and so much more click here!
South Australia: Murray River Walk
South Australia: Murray River Walk The Murray River Walk is the perfect adventure for anyone wanting to get in touch with Australia’s nature. Part of the “Great Walks of Australia” signature experiences collection, the 25 mile journey spans 4 days/3 nights and allows walkers to encounter the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes the riverland is famed for. With an ‘easy’ walking grade and exclusive accommodation on a modern houseboat included, it’s perfect for adventurers of all ages. For More Information click Here!
Hong Kong’s Great November Feast
Hong Kong’s Great November Feast Hong Kong’s Great November Feast will return this year with over 100 participating restaurants, including 16 Michelin Starred restaurants, to offer visitors a gourmet experience in one of the world’s culinary capitals. Along with limited edition menus, the month long festival will also include a number of tasting tours and culinary events. Great November Feast Highlights: Great November Feast Menus From Michelin starred restaurants, to classic legendary restaurants, participating restaurants will offer exclusive menus priced as low as HK$450 (approximately £44) per person. Participating restaurants will require visitors to book in advance from 25th October through FeedMe Guru. www.feedmeguru.com/en/ The Hidden Food Menu of Hong Kong – Every Monday and Thursday throughout November Organised by Jebsen Holidays, The Hidden Food Menu of Hong Kong tour is a culinary adventure in Sham Shui Po. The tour begins with Hong Kong-style milk tea and egg tarts, followed by a visit to a modern wet market and samples of traditional Chinese tonics. The journey will also introduce the tastes of traditional Chinese teas and dai pai dong (open-air food stalls) dishes. Tickets start from HK$480 (approximately £47 per person). www.jebsenholidays.com/en/hongkong Tong Chong Street Market – Every […]
Aquatic Experiences Abound In Papua New Guinea
Aquatic Experiences Abound In Papua New Guinea PNG, is a unique, spectacular destination and as befitting its’ glorious coastline offers an enormous diversity of water sports. Key features for diving are the deep water and sharp drops offs, many within mere feet of the shoreline, together with an abundance of well-preserved wreck sites from WW11. There is a stunning array of species, from tiny seahorses to huge magnificent whale shark. PNG boasts the highest diversity of tropical fish and coral in the world. Fishing enthusiasts can put their skills to the test, try catching Black Bass and Barramundi, but don’t forget to throw them back. Kayaking in PNG offers outstanding cultural experiences when combined with village stays. The prime breaks and warm water combined with the Larubada trade wind makes Surfing and Kite Surfing a must. Cruising visitors can discover PNG’s remote areas in luxury; recently there has been a steady increase in the number of operators offering expeditions. See www.papuanewguinea.travel
PATA Training
PATA training links coming soon
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