Meet The Team

Day job: Managing Director, Red Elephant Reps

Chris has been Chairman for many years and is widely respected across the travel industry for his leadership, insight, and longstanding relationships. In his role with PATA, he works to strengthen links between Pacific Asia destinations and the UK & Ireland travel trade and media, championing sustainable tourism, supporting member growth, and ensuring the region remains high on the agenda for agents, tour operators, and industry partners.

Favourite place in the region is…..always the next one he hasn't been to yet! 

Day Job: Regional Manager UK & Europe, South Australian Tourism Commission

What started as a student exchange to Japan at the age of 17, lead to Janice’s passion for travel and a career spanning more than three decades in the travel industry. Janice brings a wealth of experience to her role as Deputy Chair of the PATA Board.

Her journey has taken her from Australia to the UK, starting in retail travel sales and progressing through various roles within the APT Group, followed by a stint in the luxury sector before joining the South Australian Tourism Commission where she leads the promotion of the region.

Favourite place in the region is.....Australia which Janice still calls ‘home’. When she returns to Australia, it's the small things that pull her heart - the distinct smell of gum trees and the ocean, miles of white sandy beaches, friendly people and strangers who say hello without making it a big deal, Kangaroos in her mum's back garden - she never tires of watching these incredible animals, beach culture (it doesn't get much better), sports and the long weekend brunches with friends. It's the Australian way.

Day job: CEO, Equator Global & Travel Uni

Ian is an accomplished marketing, media, training and technology specialist with over 25 years of senior management experience in; American Express, British Airways, Emirates, OAG, and Virgin Atlantic. He also founded the continuously successful Business Travel and Travel Technology Shows. He is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Marketors.

Favourite place in the region is…..Sydney because it’s a beautiful city and my daughter lives there.

Day job: Senior Product Manager, Best At Travel

Having lived in Asia & the US, Sam was determined to find a way to continue travelling whilst being paid. Starting at iconic Bridge The World, a series of acquisitions saw his role expand to cover Travelbag, Expedia and Cendant. Seeking a less corporate experience, stints at Voyana & Rainbow Tours led to him co-launching Ethos Travel - an Asia (and Christmas Island) tailormade specialist. 8 years at PATA and 12 years later Sam is now the Far East Product Manager at Best At Travel.

Favourite place to go in the region….undoubtably Indonesia - a country Sam partly grew up in, and with 50 visits (and counting) there is still so much more of the archipelago he wants to visit. A country of extreme beauty!  

Day job: Senior Product Manager, Tailormade - Elegant Resorts & If Only

Alison began working in travel after spending a year exploring Australia and Thailand, quickly realising this was the industry for her and she has worked across multiple sectors, starting in tour operator sales before moving to an airline and spending the last eight years specialising in product development across a wide range of destinations. Working across two leading luxury travel brands, her passion is in bringing authentic, meaningful and experiential product together that elevates travel through thoughtful design and genuine insight.

Favourite place in the region is…..difficult to choose! but Sri Lanka definitley holds a special place in Alisons heart. She says for a small country there is such diversity, and you can have such a wide range of experiences in one trip. It is the people though, their warmth and generosit of spirit that really make it special for her. And of course the food - she says you haven't feasted until you have had a proper Sri Lankan curry with all of the many, many dishes that go alongside!  

Day job: Partner at Chic Locations responsible for Product, Partnerships and other fun things.

David is an industry veteran in the truest sense. He travelled to most of Europe in his teens and then switched to even more exotic tropical destinations in his twenties. His age is a mystery even to himself but he first visited the region in the mid 1970's! He continues to travel to SE Asia on a regular basis , with several places visited well over a hundred times. David is known for his impressive knowledge, usually stated in a straightforward yet polite manner. Starting in the postroom at Thomas Cook, literally, he has been a luxury tour operator partner or owner for 30 plus years. In every negotiation David wants 3 winners - the client, the hotel or destination and the tour operator. He happily brings these values and knowledge to PATA , along with a quick pragmatic approach to most subjects.

Favourite place in the region is….David could come up with at least 14 top favourite places in the region - he enjoys virtually all of South East Asia!

Day job: Partnerships & Distribution Manager UK & Northern Europe, Tourism Australia

With a career in the travel sector extending over three decades, Pete brings significant expertise to his role as PATA Board member.
Pete’s career began in sales at Trailfinders in the 1990s before joining the airline industry where he spent 15 years, firstly with the U.S. carrier Continental Airlines and thereafter with Emirates. Pete currently holds the position of Partnerships and Distribution Manager UK & Northern Europe for Tourism Australia, where he is responsible for managing partnerships, events, campaigns, marketing initiatives, as well as the lead on Tourism Australia’s luxury strategy for the region.

Favourite place in the region is…..Pete is a little biased having lived in and travelled to Australia for over 30 years but the land ‘down under’ has a special place in his heart. He says the diverse food scene, incredible wine, ancient culture, wildlife, friendly locals, spectacular scenery, warm sunny weather, and amazing beaches all make Australia a compelling place for him to visit time and time again. 

Day job: Marketing Manager UK & Ireland - Singapore Airlines

Post university I travelled extensively and through this passion carved a career in tourism. I have worked in marketing, communications and sales for tourism boards, airlines, and tour operators always focussing on long-haul travelfor the UK & EU consumer. I have been in my current role with Singapore Airlines for 9 years, promoting the extended PATA region across Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Favourite place in the region is....New Zealand for Louise's family there, and she also loves Thailand for the food and beaches.

Day job: Director, Equator Global and Travel Uni

Kristian has been a leading global figure in online travel trade training, marketing, and communication for many years. He has collaborated with various Asian destinations, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Macao, China and Taiwan, to market and promote these countries, actively encouraging thousands of travel agents and tour operators to offer their services. He is also incredibly well-travelled and has lived and worked in Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia for many years. His extensive experience working in the Pacific Asia travel industry, combined with an extensive background working in media, including running his own digital marketing and media company, has provided him with a unique expertise and a deep passion to promote a wide range of locations and products in Asia and the Pacific.

Additionally, he is an expert in online marketing, social media communication, promotions and digital marketing strategies, bringing his unique skill set and experience to further the committee.

Favourite place in the region is……impossible to choose just one!
For Kristian, it is how wonderful and diverse the area is, which is so appealing. He thinks if you limit yourself to one or two countries, you will never truly see the full wonders and magic of this part of the globe. 

Day job: Aussie Specialist Trainer for UK and Northern Europe, Tourism Australia

Taylah is a dedicated and passionate tourism professional with a deep love for travel, enhanced by both extensive professional and personal experiences.

With eight years of experience within the Tourism Industry, Taylah has cultivated expertise across reservations, direct sales, ground operations coordination, and staff training. She is currently focused on training agents across the United Kingdom and Northern Europe on how to effectively sell Australia. Taylah brings to PATA her extensive knowledge and personal passion for Australia to inspire agents, help grow visitor numbers, and foster confidence in selling the destination.

Favourite place in the region is…..Australia (she admits she maybe biased!). Not only is it her home, but it offers a wealth of vast experiences, incredible landscapes, unique wildlife, and thrilling adventure. The true magic lies in getting off the beaten path and discovering those authentic moments that truly stay with you. Australia is more than just a destination; it's a place that completely hooks you in and makes you want to return for more every single time.
 

Day job: Director - Kew Bridge Travel

John founded his company, Kew Bridge Travel in 2018 following a successful career in the aerospace industry. During his career, he was fortunate to travel widely and he had the opportunity to live in the USA and in Singapore. Kew Bridge Travel specialises in designing tailor-made bespoke holidays to worldwide destinations; a passion to help inquisitive, adventurous people create inspiring journeys. John is proud to be the first travel agent elected to the PATA committee and he supports PATA's efforts to educate the travel trade through newsletters, training and events.

Favourite place in the region is….. Japan, which John says presents a fascinating contrast of ancient tradition and high tech innovation. The country is noted for crowded cities with spectacular infrastrure, but below the skyscrapers you'll will find delightful gardens and historic shrines. For John, travelling in Japan is an immersive experience, it's a pleasure to wander the streets and soak in the atmosphere.

Day job: Product Manager, Freedom Destinations

Gavin brings a wealth of experience from his 28 years in the travel industry, encompassing roles from the early days of the .com era, through to the mid-size specialist tour operator where he works today. During this time, he has truly seen it all - from the good to the bad and everything in between! In addition to his specialist knowledge and experience of travelling in the PATA region, he offers the perspective of the independent sector, along with a broad knowledge of destinations outside the PATA region, especially Africa, from which both inspiration and lessons can be drawn.

Favourite place in the region is….. a tough one due to its sheer diversity! John’s favourites jostle for position over time but right now he would go with Vietnam. The country is on an exciting trajectory with improving infrastructure and new product constantly launching, whilst traditional favourites such as Hoi A never lose their allure. 

Day job: Product Manager - Head of Global Product, cazenove+loyd

With over 20 years experience of working for luxury tour operators Jonathan has been Head of Global Product for cazenove+loyd for four years. Working closely with top DMCs and hotels across the region he brings a deep understanding of high end product and services to the PATA comittee.

Favourite place in the region is……New Zealand as Jonathan has family there. However, he once spent a month exploring Cambodia on a motorbike in the early 2000's, long before the recent developments and fell in love with the country.

Day job: Luxury Leisure Director, Minor Hotels

Clare is a passionate advocate for the travel industry, with over 23 years shaping luxury hospitality and tourism from tour leading through the Tibetan Plateau to showcasing the unparalleled elegance of Asia’s most iconic destinations. She thrives on creating authentic, culturally rich experiences and building partnerships that elevate global travel.

Favourite place to go in the region is….. Laos represents the heart of authentic travel - where serene landscapes meet rich cultural heritage. Clare is drawn to its gentle pace, vibrant traditions, and commitment to sustainable tourism, making it a destination that offers both luxury and meaning. It embodies a perfect blend of immersive experiences and responsible travel, a place where every journey tells a story worth sharing. 

Day job: Sales Manager, Air New Zealand

Tom has gained experience over the last decade working in both direct sales and Aviation product within the Tour Operator environment, and now works in airline sales with Air New Zealand. During time in travel industry, Tom has deepended his specialist Australasia knowledge with a particular focus on destination New Zealand. Now working on the airline side, Tom is able to bring to PATA a deep understanding of Aviation Tour Operator requirements to assist travel agents have the tools they need to best sell Air New Zealand and in turn, Destination New Zealand.

Favourite place in the region is…..New Zealand, where Tom says the laid back and easy going way of life is complemented with such a variety of activities and to cater to all travellers. Tom has not heard of someone not having an amazing experience visiting New Zealand. His favourite places include the Bay of Islands at the top of the North Island with beautiful restaraunts and beaches alongside the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. In the South Island, the route from Christhcurch - West Coast has unbelievable dramatic scenery that is a must see. Further south, staying in Wanaka and Queenstown provide amazing scenery, food, wine, hiking and adrenalin activities that has something for everyone. Two areas he cites include the cities of Milford or Doubtful sound which he says are two of the most magical places.

Day job: Product Manager - Premier Holidays

With almost 25 years of experience in the industry working for one of the UKs largest independent tour operators, John brings a wealth of experience and a passion for travel, particularly to the Asia Pacific Region. With a background in reservations and sales roles, Johns current role as Product Manager means that he has a broad understanding of different industry sectors as well as extensive knowledge gained from travelling and working with products and destinations across Asia and Australasia.

Favourite place in the region is……many places! Having visited all over and loved so many destinations across the Asia Pacific region, John says it's almost impossible for him to choose just one. The abundance of history and culture makes Indochina a very special place for him whilst Japan he describes as a wonderfully unique and inspirational destination with rich traditions and some of the most stunning landscapes and sights that visitors can possibly experience. John says there is something about Thailand though that always grabs him whenever he visits. Whilst some of the smaller Thai island escapes remain as enchanting as ever, it is Krabi that is perhaps his favourite. There is something about that first sighting of those iconic limestone karsts that still wows him now as much as it did when he first visited as a teenager.
 

Day job: Destination Executive IO & APAC, British Airways 

An experienced professional with 40 years experience working in the Travel and Tourism industry. Last 18 years employed full time at BA Holidays in product management with a particular focus on Asia, Australasia and Indian Ocean for the last 12 years, with emphasis on Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Indonesia. Skilled in product and contracting, business development and marketing.

Favourite place in the region is…..Malaysia for the islands of Borneo, Langkawi for the Urangutans and for the Dusky leaf monkeys and wonderful Eco forests  . Fiona loves all the regions but being a monkey lover these are her particular favourites.
 

Day job: Director - Fork Marketing

Greg's life has been shaped through his love to travel & visit new destinations. Having travelled to over 100 countries he has barely started on his destination bucket list. Having previously worked in luxury and online travel before moving to representing hotels & DMC's both in Asia & other continents, Greg brings his wide experience in the marketplace to PATA

Favourite place in the region is……lots of places! Greg loves a range of different destinations at different times. Cities like Bangkok and Singapore have entirely different vibes but are both great destinations. The beaches of Bali are different to the beaches in Vietnam or Thailand. Asia has so much variety and thats what draws people back again and again. 

Day job: Asia Destination Manager - Travelbag

With over 15 years of experience in the travel industry from being a front-line agent selling round-the-world ticket and £7 hostel stays to curating Travelbag's current Asia portfolio, Helen brings a wealth of experience and an understanding of budget all the way to luxury. With a retail background and connections across the industry, Helen has a passion for tourism and especially the Asia Pacific regions.

Favourite place in the region is….. although Asia is Helen’s baby at work, she doesn’t think anywhere in the world competes with the endless plains of Australia. Having lived there 3 times in her 20s and 30s, and being a total beach bum at heart, she can easily say that it's a destination she could return to time and time again and never get bored. From being chased by a cassowary in Cape Tribulation to watching cricket at the MCG, Helen feels at home each time she visits and starts planning her return as soon as she lands back in the UK.
 

Day Job: Director, Tell Tale Travel

Dee is the Director of Tell Tale Travel and serves as the Sustainability Spokesperson for PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) UK & Ireland. Based in London, she is a travel industry expert and entrepreneur.