'Why I've become PATA UK's first agent committee member'
John Coles, managing director of Kew Bridge Travel, is Pata UK & Ireland’s first-ever travel agent committee member, bringing fresh perspective to the organisation’s trade outreach and helping to grow its travel agent network. He shares his reasons for joining.
Why have you joined PATA?
I am relatively new to the travel industry, having started my company Kew Bridge Travel in 2019. I recognised that knowledge and contacts are prerequisites for success in the travel trade, and that’s why I joined Pata UK & Ireland – it is the premier trade organisation for the Asia-Pacific region.
Asia-Pacific is a large diverse area, offering an exciting range of destinations and varied experiences for clients. As a member of Pata, I have the opportunity to meet people who understand the region and are the experts on their specific destination. If a client has a question that I can’t answer, I can be sure someone at Pata will know the answer.
What does the membership involve for you?
It’s great to be part of an organisation which brings together travel agents and suppliers in a professional and friendly environment. I particularly enjoy the events, such as the annual Pata Exchange where I have one-on-one meetings with tourists boards, hoteliers and tour operators. Taste of Pata is a popular fun event where we meet socially and sample a range of Asian food and drink.
How will it help you increase your Asia travel bookings?
Pata UK & Ireland is helping me to grow my knowledge of the region, and that enables me to speak confidently with clients, to suggest places which will suit their interests, or recommend hotels that match their budget and lifestyle. Often clients are interested in experiences, so it’s great to be able to suggest something that captures their imagination, such as a cycling tour through the rice fields to Prambanan Temple (Java, Indonesia) or an overnight stay at a Buddhist monastery in Jeonju (South Korea).
More importantly, once I have captured a client’s interest, then I have to deliver. That’s why Pata is so important in introducing me to competent and dependable suppliers whom I can trust to provide my clients with a safe, enjoyable and often individual experience.
Which parts of Asia do you sell most often?
Thailand is a perennial favourite, combining the modern busy city of Bangkok, with lovely beach resorts, tasty food, and exotic history and culture.
Australia and New Zealand are also popular destinations. Many of us want to visit Aussie or Kiwi mates or relatives, and then take a road trip to explore more of the country.
Japan caught our attention with the Rugby World Cup and Olympics, so now that it is fully open to tourism there is strong pent-up demand to see the country.
And where do you think there is potential for the UK market to grow?
Travellers who have enjoyed a holiday to Thailand will love Indochina. Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia offer a fascinating cultural experience and new hotel and resorts offer fabulous luxury at relatively attractive prices.
Indonesia is not so well known to Britons. We generally think of Bali, which is a long-established and sophisticated tourist destination. But beyond Bali there are much to be discovered – how about sailing around the Komodo Islands and encountering the dragons?
South Korea is also overlooked by many British tourists. Seoul was the first place I visited in Asia, back in 1989. I thought I was being thrown in at the deep end! I was amazed by the sights and sounds, the smells and tastes. Korea has become a successful modern country with a unique character and a vibrant popular culture, with K-pop and Oscar-winning movies. But you can still find tranquillity at historic palaces and temples, even in the busy cities.
Calling the industry frontline ambassadors
Chris Crampton, Pata UK & Ireland chairman, explains why Pata's UK Chapter wants to grow its travel agent outreach:
“We are ever eager to expand our engagement with travel agents for a crucial reason. Travel agents serve as the industry's frontline ambassadors, possessing the power to shape travellers' choices and preferences. By fostering a closer partnership with these professionals, we aim to utilise their expertise to jointly continue growing the Pacific-Asia market. This collaborative effort not only enhances our outreach but also ensures that consumers receive well-informed guidance and access to the diversity of this region. Ultimately, our mission is to strengthen connections within the travel community and empower agents to better serve their clients, facilitating memorable experiences in the Pacific-Asia market.
“Travel agents specialising in trips to the Pacific-Asia region can benefit from joining Pata. We provide a range of resources and networking opportunities specifically tailored to professionals in the travel and tourism industry with a focus on the Pacific-Asia region. Travel agents who arrange tours, accommodations, and experiences in countries across Asia and the Pacific can gain several advantages from Pata membership by gaining access to networking opportunities, market insights, educational resources, and overall support for their business."
Agents can visit the Pata UK & Ireland website pata.org.uk and get in touch by emailing info@pata.org.uk.
Recommended For You
Most read features
Competitions
Upcoming events
TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2025
Place of registration: England and Wales.
Company number 08723341.
Registered address: 6th Floor, 2 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU
