Welcome to the PATA UK & Ireland Chapter
PATA UK is the hub of activity for Pacific Asia. We have a community of over 5,000 travel professionals who strive to be travel experts for a wide array of destinations throughout the region. Our goal is to educate the UK travel trade by hosting events throughout the UK, where members can keep up-to- date about the latest happenings in Pacific Asia.
Upcoming Events View all events
Sep 11
Taste of PATA, London
The Dilly, 21 Piccadilly, London W1J 0BH
11 September 2025
11 September 2025
Sep 16
PATA Roadshow, Belfast
Clayton Hotel Belfast, 22-26 Ormeau Ave, Belfast BT2 8HS
16 September 2025
16 September 2025
Sep 17
PATA Roadshow, Dublin
Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
17 September 2025
17 September 2025
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From Wonder to Wisdom: Journeys That Bring Generations Closer
From Wonder to Wisdom: Journeys That Bring Generations Closer
Learn in Sri Lanka | Stargazing in Wilpattu & Anuradhapura
Perfect For: Multi-gen families craving depth, stillness, and star-fuelled imagination.
Play in Hong Kong | Fengyun Pavilion, Ngong Ping Village
Eat in Malaysia | Culinary Heritage in Penang
“You can trace family trees through flavours here. The food tells you who they are, and how they’ve stayed true to it.”
— Renee Osman, General Manager, DTH Travel Malaysia
Why Family Travel Still Matters
When it comes to family holidays, the goal isn’t just escape — it’s connection. Time away from routine becomes time well spent, and the most memorable souvenirs aren’t bought — they’re shared. This month, we spotlight experiences that speak to every generation: immersive, inspiring, and designed for togetherness. Whether you’re looking to stargaze, explore with your senses, or eat your way through history, these three destinations show how travel can teach, thrill, and bring families closer — one moment at a time.
Learn in Sri Lanka | Stargazing in Wilpattu & Anuradhapura
In Sri Lanka’s dry zone, the night sky isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a lesson in scale, silence, and science. Families can lie back under a sea of stars in Wilpattu or Anuradhapura, where guided stargazing becomes a blend of local legend and deep-space learning.
Children trace constellations once used by ancient navigators. Parents listen as myths are told alongside meteorology. The result? A shared sense of awe — and a better understanding of the night that connects us all.
“What begins as curiosity turns into quiet wonder. There’s something incredibly grounding about staring into the same sky your ancestors did.”
— Suranjith De Fonseka, Managing Director, DTH Travel Sri Lanka
— Suranjith De Fonseka, Managing Director, DTH Travel Sri Lanka
What’s Not to Be Missed: Telescope tours and star storytelling under some of South Asia’s clearest skies.
Perfect For: Multi-gen families craving depth, stillness, and star-fuelled imagination.
Play in Hong Kong | Fengyun Pavilion, Ngong Ping Village
This isn’t your average museum trip. At the Fengyun Pavilion, families step into the legend of the Three Kingdoms — not by reading plaques, but by entering the battlefield. Through projection mapping, motion-tracking games, and holograms, ancient China comes alive with cinematic intensity.
From launching virtual sky lanterns to devising battle strategies alongside legendary general Zhuge Liang, this is hands-on cultural play that blends education with adrenaline.
“Young minds want movement. This experience gives them action, history, and a reason to keep asking questions.”
— Fan Zhang, General Manager, DTH Travel China
— Fan Zhang, General Manager, DTH Travel China
What’s Not to Be Missed: Interactive battle zones, the Shu Roads Corridor, and the multisensory Zhuge Liang zone.
Perfect For: Families with teens, tech-savvy travellers, and those who prefer their heritage with a pulse
Eat in Malaysia | Culinary Heritage in Penang
In George Town, Penang, food is more than sustenance — it’s a love language passed through generations. From street stalls to Michelin-starred colonial mansions, families can taste their way through history while learning the stories behind each dish.
Sister-run food carts frying rice cakes with inherited precision. Claypot pancakes perfected over a century. Eight-course menus served in restored heritage mansions. Each bite is a chapter — and every meal, a moment to slow down and savour together.
“You can trace family trees through flavours here. The food tells you who they are, and how they’ve stayed true to it.”
— Renee Osman, General Manager, DTH Travel Malaysia
What’s Not to Be Missed: Duck noodle soup from a 40-year-old stall, wok-fried char koay kak (radish rice cakes), and coconut-crisp apom (mini pancake) made in claypots.
Perfect For: Food-loving families who travel with open appetites and curious hearts.
Why Family Travel Still Matters
Because the best souvenirs aren’t things — they’re shared moments. In the quiet of starlit skies, the thrill of history brought to life, or the warmth of a street-side meal, families don’t just bond — they grow together.
For travellers seeking holidays that create connection across generations, DTH Travel is here to help design the journey. Reach out to Mr. David Carlaw, Sales Director for the UK & Ireland, at david.carlaw@dth.travel. For more curated travel ideas, visit www.dth.travel.
The Ultimate Aussie Family Road Trip
Ready for a fun-filled family getaway packed with beaches, wildlife, and unforgettable adventures? Buckle up and hit the road on one of Australia’s most iconic drives—from Adelaide to Melbourne—along the stunning Great Ocean Road. For family-friendly accommodation along the route, look no further than Discovery Parks complete with everything families love: BBQ areas, playgrounds, and swimming pools.
Kick off your journey in Adelaide, South Australia’s friendly and relaxed capital city. Here, the kids can enjoy an amazing wildlife experience with Temptation Sailing—hop aboard a catamaran and swim alongside wild dolphins, guided by marine biologists. After your sea adventure, relax at Discovery Parks – Adelaide, West Beach, right on the beachfront.
Next stop: Kangaroo Island! Just a short 1.5 hour drive from Adelaide followed by a 45 minute ferry ride, this island is packed with incredible wildlife. Spot kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and more in their natural habitat. Stay at Discovery Parks – Kangaroo Island, a comfy home base for a couple of nights while you explore beaches, bushland, and animal encounters the whole family will never forget.
Back on the mainland, cruise into the charming coastal town of Robe, a local favourite for family holidays. Check in at Discovery Parks – Robe, where sandy beaches, fish and chips, and relaxed holiday vibes are all part of the fun.
Now it’s time for the big finale: the breathtaking Great Ocean Road. Think dramatic cliffs, towering forests, and the world-famous Twelve Apostles. There are plenty of family-friendly Discovery Parks along the way, so you can stop, explore, and play at your own pace.
From dolphin swims to kangaroo spotting, beach days to BBQ nights, this road trip is packed with family-friendly adventure from start to finish.
Check out Discovery Parks in South Australia here.
Family adventure in Okinawa, Japan
Experience the raw natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Okinawa, from the castle ruins and heritage sites of the main island to the secluded coves, vibrant reefs, and clear waters of the Kerama and Yaeyama islands. Discover Okinawa at your own pace, island by island, moment by moment.
Here are just some experiences for the family to enjoy:
NEW! JUNGLIA OKINAWA (Northern Okinawa Main Island)
Due to open on 25 July, JUNGLIA OKINAWA, is a new nature-immersive theme park in the heart of Okinawa's Yambaru forest! Combining the natural beauty, JUNGLIA offers cutting-edge attractions, family-friendly entertainment, and delicious cuisine. Discover their “Power Vacance!!” concept. Escape city life, enjoy stunning scenery, and feel an unparalleled sense of freedom. Your adventure awaits in this World Natural Heritage Site of Yambaru. For more information, visit JUNGLIA OKINAWA.
Tsuboya Pottery Studio Ikutouen (Naha)
Tsuboya Pottery Studio Ikutouen has been creating Tsuboya pottery at Tsuboya, the birthplace of Yachimun, for many generations. Book a Ceramic Art Experience Class and make your very own piece of Okinawan Pottery. Choose from a Shisa (90 minutes) or make your own cup/bowl on the potter's wheel. Pottery projects must be dried and fired and so these will be shipped to your home address. Alternatively, choose an existing product and paint your very own design! Click here for more information.
Okinawa World (Nanjo City)
Okinawa World is a theme park consisting of three distinct areas: Gyokusendo, a limestone cave considered to be the most beautiful in East Asia; the Habu Museum Park, where an exciting show features the habu, a venomous Okinawan snake; and the Ryukyu Kingdom Castle, which reproduces the townscape and traditional lifestyle of the Shuri castle town of days gone by.
Click here for more information.
Iriomote Osanpo Kibun (Yaeyama Islands)
Iriomote Island is a place where you can enjoy a beautiful Shiny Emerald Green Ocean all year round. Most of the island is covered by a sub tropical jungle and mangrove forests. While you are here you can relax on the beach, and take a hiking, kayaking, or snorkeling tour with well trained professional guides. Perfect for families. Click here for more information.
Other attractions to explore with the family:
Nago Pineapple Park (northern Okinawa Main Island) – click here
Kouri Ocean Tower (northern Okinawa Main Island) – click here
Busena Marine Park (central Okinawa Main Island) – click here
Family friendly hotels in Okinawa to check out :
MAIN ISLAND:
YAEYAMA ISLANDS:
For FREE training opportunities on Okinawa, contact Sandra at sandra@humewhitehead.co.uk
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