Pata plots ‘bigger and better’ training events for UK and Ireland trade

Pacific Asia Travel Association UK & Ireland promises “bigger and better” events this year, with more than 1,000 agents being trained during February and March.

The association is working with Travel Uni to deliver even more training for its travel agent members, as the organisation looks to boost bookings in the UK and Irish market.

Pata said it 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.

Its Virtual Vacations online programme resumes later this month, taking agents on a narrated tour of selected hotels in Thailand, Bali, Mauritius and Vietnam – as well as attractions, tours and cruises.

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The first Virtual Vacation will feature Asia on February 20, followed by the Indian Ocean on February 22.

Next month, the Pata team is meeting agents across the UK with roadshows in three cities: Birmingham (March 11); Manchester (March 13); and Glasgow (March 14).

Each roadshow will follow the format of a speed-networking event with agents meeting 10 or more suppliers from across the Pata region in 10-minute appointments.

The evening will include food, drinks, networking and prizes ranging from luxury hotel stays to restaurant vouchers.

Betsie Barr, marketing and 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, taking our roadshow across UK and Ireland and reaching more agents than we ever have before through our hybrid virtual/in-person event schedule.

“We’ve connected with a host of new suppliers from the Asia Pacific region who agents can meet at our roadshows this year.”