The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is launching an expansive training programme for UK and Ireland travel agents, aiming to enhance knowledge and boost bookings.
- Over 1,000 travel agents are expected to participate in the events throughout February and March, marking a significant outreach effort.
- The initiative will include virtual tours, roadshows, and networking events, focusing on the Asia Pacific region’s attractions and hospitality offers.
- PATA is collaborating with Travel Uni to offer a comprehensive learning experience through both virtual and in-person events.
- Marketing and events manager Betsie Barr highlights the strong engagement of the trade, with plans to expand event reach and supplier partnerships.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced a comprehensive training initiative set to take place in the UK and Ireland. This expansive programme aims to connect with over 1,000 travel agents across the region, marking it as one of the organisation’s most significant outreach efforts in recent years.
During February and March, PATA will host a variety of events, including virtual fam trips and physical roadshows. These events are strategically designed to enhance agents’ knowledge of Asia Pacific destinations, with a particular focus on promoting tourism and boosting bookings. The collaboration with Travel Uni aims to provide a robust educational platform through which agents can deepen their understanding of key destinations and offerings.
The Virtual Vacations programme is a highlight of this initiative, allowing agents to embark on online tours of selected hotels and attractions in regions such as Thailand, Bali, Mauritius, and Vietnam. These narrated tours are scheduled to begin with Asia on February 20, followed by the Indian Ocean on February 22, offering a unique opportunity for virtual engagement with these locales.
PATA will also conduct roadshows in Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow next month. These events are structured as speed-networking sessions, where agents will have the opportunity to interact with over ten suppliers from the Pata region in a series of 10-minute appointments. These dynamic sessions aim to facilitate connections and discussions on potential collaborations and bookings.
Betsie Barr, the marketing and events manager for PATA UK & Ireland, emphasises the heightened engagement and the exciting plans to enhance the scale and impact of their events this year. “We’ve connected with a host of new suppliers from the Asia Pacific region who agents can meet at our roadshows this year,” Barr stated, highlighting the expanded opportunities for agents to engage with new industry partners.
PATA’s initiative underscores its commitment to enhancing travel trade education and bolstering the Asia Pacific region’s presence in the UK and Irish markets.
