A last call has been issued to agents to register for the free annual Taste of Pata event.
Pata UK & Ireland said there were still places left to attend its flagship trade event on September 15, which aims to help agents learn about Asia Pacific destinations.
It is hoping to attract 250 agents, up from last year’s 200.
The event is being held at Huckster in London, a larger venue than previously, and will include eight new suppliers from the region, bringing the total number to 24.
Pata account director Matt McCausland said: “With the majority of the Pacific Asia region open again and 80% of our agent network receiving enquiries now is the time for agents to meet our members to keep learning more and expanding their contacts.
“We’re sincerely grateful to travel agents across the UK for their continued support and this event is set to be a fun night to celebrate that and thank them.”
There will also be training and recruitment stands for agents to talk to professionals from Travel Uni and Pata to seek advice on career opportunities and expanding their skillset within travel.
McCausland said the event was not “your average trade show”, describing it as “interactive, immersive and fun, where agents can experience destinations coming alive” with regional food and drinks on offer.
“The evening is jam-packed with entertainment, allowing everyone to have a good time, win fantastic prizes, and establish new networking relationships,” said McCausland, adding this year’s event has extra games, prizes and activities.
Australian organisations, including Team Australia, will be testing agents Aussie knowledge in return for Dingo Dollars to buy drinks at their table while Tourism Thailand’s beach bar offers a place to relax in the sand or indulge in a massage. The Standard Hotels will host a bingo game and Keemala & Premier Resorts will test agents with puzzles and picture games.
The eight new suppliers joining the event this year are: Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board; AAT Kings; Standard Hotels; Keemala Resorts Premier Resorts & Hotels Company Limited; Vinpearl Explore Central North Island and TMG Hospitality.
Prizes up for grabs at the event include: a pair of economy tickets with Malaysia Airlines; a space on a Taiwan Tourism fam trip; two-night stays courtesy of The Standard Hotels in Bangkok, Hua Hin and the Maldives; a two-night stay at Rayavadee Resort in Krabi, Thailand; two and three-night stays at Vinpearl resorts in Vietnam; and an Aussie hamper of tasty treats.
A Taste of Pata is the first of a programme of forthcoming training events. The next one is an Asia Online Quiz on September 22 and a South Pacific Roadshow in London on September 29.
Agents can sign up for free here