Chris Crampton spoke exclusively to Travel Bulletin on the market potential and what agents can look forward to.
With the recent flurry of border reopening in the Pacific Asia region, PATA is optimistic about the return of multi-centre holidays again. A hugely popular way to explore the region, the relaxation of Covid-19 entry requirements to many popular countries, which has been complicated for agents and a barrier to selling until now, will see an increase in enquiries and bookings for multi-destination itineraries.
Countries open quarantine free
Vietnam, Bali, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea are the latest countries to reopen quarantine-free, alongside: Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, Oman, Malaysia, New Zealand, India, Australia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Open with varying entry requirements are Brunei, Laos, Taiwan and Thailand, which are easing rules over the coming months. This brings some much-needed hope to our members, the wider travel industry and gives consumers the confidence to book their long-awaited holidays.
These positive developments in the region, coupled with the recent removal of the UK?s travel rules, means travel is becoming much easier for the summer and beyond.
Multi-centre itineraries
According to our recent travel trends report, ?PATA Patterns?, multi-centre itineraries were identified as popular for 2022/23. The region lends itself well to adventurous itineraries and it's easy to combine several points of interest and explore the diverse scenery offered in neighbouring countries. While there are popular individual destinations travellers are keen to get back to, as a region, we are excited to see multi-centre trips on the increase with multiple countries benefiting from international tourism again. For example, Sri Lanka or the Middle East plus the Maldives is very popular with honeymooners. Singapore and the Philippines are great stopovers for Australia and of course New Zealand and Australia are popular twin-centres for those with more time to explore. The Middle East is an easy stopover to Thailand and Cambodia is a great add-on. Slow travellers can also take the train from Bangkok through Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore for an oriental adventure.
Travel agent training
This year, PATA has a full calendar of training events for travel agents to get involved and continue learning more about the region, with the next virtual quizzes starting this month, followed by a number of in-person roadshows, and of course lots of amazing prizes to win at all upcoming events!
Travel agents can get further information about all PATA?s 2022 training events and register by emailing: events@pata.org.uk
