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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PATA UK & Ireland brings dedicated Asia training to Chester for the first time
PATA UK & Ireland brings dedicated Asia training to Chester for the first time
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland successfully hosted its first dedicated Asia-only travel agent roadshow in Chester, attracting a strong turnout of local travel professionals for an evening of destination training, networking and travel inspiration.
Held at The Queen at Chester Hotel, the event brought together leading tourism boards, airlines, hotels and destination representatives from across Asia, including:
• EVA Air
• Hong Kong Tourism Board
• SALT Representation
• Taiwan Tourism Board
• Samanea Wellness Resort - NEW supplier!
• Tourism Authority of Thailand
• Banyan Group
• TreeHouse Villas
• Canopy Marketing
• YTL Hotels
• Tourism Malaysia
Partnership Marketing Manager, Ally Cockburn of ITC said: “The event has been a great opportunity for us, particularly in the luxury sector, to connect with a wide range of suppliers and other professionals across the industry. It’s great to have an event of this scale in Chester. It was lovely to see so many people, build connections with suppliers, and learn more. There are always new products and developments in the region, so I found it really informative and a very worthwhile event.”
The successful Chester event followed PATA UK & Ireland’s Asia-only roadshow in London on Wednesday 1 July, which also attracted an exceptional turnout of travel agents, even with England playing in the FIFA World Cup that evening.
Photo caption: Travel agent training in action at PATA UK & Ireland’s inaugural Asia-only roadshow in Chester. Pictured (L-R):
Kannika Mac/Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ally Cockburn/ITC, Ruth Weaver/ITC, Hayley Fernyhough/ITC. Darren Vurnum/Escape Worldwide, Mark Haughton/Escape Worldwide
Is luxury island travel undergoing a quiet evolution?
Is luxury island travel undergoing a quiet evolution?
“French Polynesia offers something more. Here, the landscapes are dramatic, the culture is vibrant, and each island has a personality of its own. Travelling this far is rarely a one-stop trip. What I love most about the Islands of Tahiti in the south Pacific is the incredible variety and natural beauty you find across each island. While Bora Bora rightly gets a lot of attention, Moorea is full of adventure and charm.”
Luxury island travel is undergoing a quiet but significant evolution. While classic long-haul beach destinations remain highly appealing, luxury operator If Only reports today’s luxury travellers are increasingly seeking more layered itineraries that combine multiple destinations, varied landscapes and richer cultural engagement. This trend is reflected in If Only’s own booking performance, with French Polynesia bookings trading +53% year-to-date and 2026 arrivals currently pacing at +72% compared to 2025.
While the Maldives may be known for its crystal-clear waters and luxurious overwater villas, it is a difficult time for the region.
Recent insights from a PATA UK & Ireland survey of its travel agent network found that 55% of respondents reported much softer enquiry levels for Maldives itineraries, with agents attributing this to rising airfares and issues with Middle East transit connections.
Is this an opportunity for agents to turn their attention to French Polynesia and lean into the consumer demands for a more luxury experience? If Only’s booking data suggests the answer may be yes, with French Polynesia bookings up +53% year-to-date and 2026 arrivals already tracking +72% ahead of 2025.
The Islands of Tahiti align beautifully with the shift towards multi-island journeys rather than single-stay holidays. French Polynesia is made up of distinct islands, each offering a different experience.
Alison Haining, PATA UK & Ireland Spokesperson and Senior Product Manager at If Only thinks there is and shares her advice and selling tips to help agents.
“French Polynesia offers something more. Here, the landscapes are dramatic, the culture is vibrant, and each island has a personality of its own. Travelling this far is rarely a one-stop trip. What I love most about the Islands of Tahiti in the south Pacific is the incredible variety and natural beauty you find across each island. While Bora Bora rightly gets a lot of attention, Moorea is full of adventure and charm.”
Raiatea and Taha’a offer sailing and cultural depth, while Bora Bora delivers iconic lagoon luxury. For ultimate exclusivity, Tetiaroa offers a private atoll experience focused on nature and seclusion. “I highly recommend a yacht charter through the lagoons of Taha’a and Raiatea, it’s a truly special and peaceful experience” adds Haining.
What distinguishes The Islands of Tahiti is the ability to combine these experiences within one journey.
Alison’s top tips include: “Target clients with a “where next?” mindset, those wanting more than just a beach stay. If you are new to selling the region, my suggested flow of the islands is Tahiti - Moorea - Raiatea/Taha’a - Bora Bora; this route builds variety, culture, seclusion and iconic luxury. Timing wise, the shoulder months offer the best balance of weather, value, and availability.”
French Polynesia isn’t a replacement for the Maldives, it’s what comes next. For customers who want to diversify beyond traditional beach and island trips and single-centre stays, French Polynesia is a great option.
The PATA Australasia & Pacific Roadshows return this December, giving travel agents the chance to connect with a range of suppliers across all three events.
Among the exhibitors, there will be The Cook Islands and Hidden Doorways, representing The Brando in French Polynesia, offering travel agents the chance to learn more about these South Pacific destinations and experiences.
Spaces on the PATA roadshows are limited. Travel agents can register their place to attend for free HERE.
PATA Polls 2026
Asia & Australasia tourism growth led by Japan, Thailand, Vietnam
On flights, 94% reported rising prices, 57% reduced availability, and 37% route changes and longer journey times, highlighting wider pressure on international travel.
One travel agent responding to the poll, Michelle Pollock at Constance Hotels & Resorts commented: “Many clients won’t entertain travelling via the Middle East, whilst some are still willing and wanting to travel to or via the region. Direct carriers such as BA & Air Mauritius have unfortunately dampened the demand for Maldives and Mauritius due to high pricing at £2500 - £3500pp in economy! At times like this we should all work together as an industry to keep consumers travelling to our destinations.” - Michelle Pollock, Constance Hotels & Resorts.
Tourism growth across Pacific Asia is being driven by strong demand in Japan, Thailand and Vietnam, boosting regional travel.
Chris Crampton, Chairman of PATA UK & Ireland, said: “Many Pacific Asia and Australasia destinations rely on the Middle East as a key travel gateway, so we wanted to understand what impact the conflict is having on enquiries and bookings, and which destinations are either suffering or seeing increased demand.”
The survey of 85 travel agents found several Pacific Asia and Australasia destinations saw elevated interest, with Japan strongest at 43% reporting a spike. Thailand stood out at 39%, while Singapore and Vietnam each saw increased demand from 32%.
On flights, 94% reported rising prices, 57% reduced availability, and 37% route changes and longer journey times, highlighting wider pressure on international travel.
One travel agent responding to the poll, Michelle Pollock at Constance Hotels & Resorts commented: “Many clients won’t entertain travelling via the Middle East, whilst some are still willing and wanting to travel to or via the region. Direct carriers such as BA & Air Mauritius have unfortunately dampened the demand for Maldives and Mauritius due to high pricing at £2500 - £3500pp in economy! At times like this we should all work together as an industry to keep consumers travelling to our destinations.” - Michelle Pollock, Constance Hotels & Resorts.
55% noted the Maldives saw a significant decrease in demand due to rising airfares and concerns around Middle East transit.
31% reported Australia, India and Malaysia gains, while Sri Lanka and New Zealand were cited by 18%.
Pacific Asia was identified by 44% as a stronger demand region, with 59% noting a boom in Europe bookings, 54% in the Caribbean, and 31% in the USA.
Some agents remain positive: “Demand has gone very quiet for all destinations…We expect demand to bounce back with last minute requests.” - Pascal August of Move Mountains Travel.
Overall, the survey is positive and indicates continued demand for Pacific Asia and Australasia, despite ongoing travel challenges.
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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