PATA Exchange 2026: Flagship Event Unites 140+ Pacific Asia Suppliers & Buyers

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland’s flagship annual trade event, PATA Exchange in partnership with its headline sponsor Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo took, place last week on Thursday 26 February 2026 (09:00–17:30) at Prospero House, 241 Borough High Street, London.

Commenting on the event, Betsie Barr, Marketing & Events Manager for PATA UK & Ireland said:

“We are proud to see PATA Exchange firmly established as a key fixture in the UK travel industry calendar. As a must-attend B2B event for both established and emerging travel businesses seeking greater market exposure.  It’s continued success reflects the strength of our community. With so many new faces and exciting developments emerging across the region, there has never been more to talk about. We are incredibly grateful for the support of all our suppliers and everyone who attended to make the event such a success.” 

The one-day appointment-based workshop connects UK and Irish buyers with leading suppliers from across the Pacific Asia region. Bringing together tourism boards, hotel groups, independent hotels, airlines, cruise lines, DMCs and representation companies. The event provides a valuable platform for networking, product development, contracting, and driving sales and marketing opportunities.

Over 140 attendees were at this years event, including the following first-time PATA Exchange members:

• Norse Atlantic Airways
• Beppu Tourism Board
• ML Representation –

• • Clients: Twin Lotus Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta, Nora Buri Resort & Spa Koh Samui, Nora Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui, Nora Lakeview Hotel Koh Samui
• Chapter & Compass

• • Clients: Kimpton Maa Lai Bangkok & InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
• Path DMC

Representing Ireland, Brendan Barry, Discover Travel flew over from Ireland especially to be at this years PATA Exchange:
“Primarily, I’m here at PATA Exchange to reconnect with long-standing industry colleagues, as it’s been some time since we’ve had the opportunity to meet in person. It’s also a valuable platform to establish new relationships and, ideally, secure new business opportunities. The industry has evolved significantly over the years, so it’s refreshing and important to be back engaging face-to-face and strengthening those connections.

Pacific Asia has started the year very strongly for us, with first-quarter performance exceeding expectations. We’re seeing particularly strong demand for small group journeys, which continue to be a key growth area. While the honeymoon segment remains steady, it’s the retirement market that is driving substantial growth. This segment is investing in high-quality, immersive travel experiences, especially in destinations such as Thailand and Japan. Overall, the region is performing exceptionally well for us and represents a market that continues to expand year on year.”

“What’s new and clearly a growing trend is that Japan has become extremely busy. As a result, people are starting to look toward South Korea, and we’re seeing an increase in enquiries for the region. With Japan experiencing such heavy tourism, travellers want something different but not too dissimilar, making South Korea one to watch over the next year or two.”

Building on this year’s strong momentum, PATA UK & Ireland looks forward to continuing to strengthen connections between the UK, Ireland and the Pacific Asia region in the months ahead. Plans are already underway for next year’s PATA Exchange, promising even greater opportunities.