The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland, in partnership with TravelUni, welcomed members and their guests to their annual Christmas charity lunch, this year supporting The Salvation Army.
The, once again, sold out event saw attendees enjoy a festive menu, carol singing, and a raffle and auction, all in aid of this fantastic charity who support the most vulnerable, especially in winter.
Reflecting on this year’s gathering at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London on 10th December 2025, PATA UK & Ireland Chairman Chris Crampton said: “Our Christmas lunch is our favourite event of the year, raising thousands of pounds for worthy charities. This year we raised £36,400, and we are immensely grateful to all 216 guests who attended for their generosity in the raffle and auction, and the kind suppliers who donated amazing prizes.
“I’d also like to extend my thanks to the PATA Board and Committee members for their help in all our events throughout the year. A special note of gratitude to Sir Mike Gooley for his exceptionally generous contribution this year. The afternoon was also a great way to reflect on and celebrate 2025’s achievements. It’s been a fantastic year for the Pacific Asia region in terms of growth and product development and agent engagement at our events has been greater than ever.”
Representing the charitable beneficiary, Mark Rose of The Salvation Army commented:
“Thank you for your amazing donation. It will be used to change the lives of people who we meet every day in London. We are blessed by your generosity. The money raised will help support our community wardrobe, providing clothes and shoes and school uniforms, and the homeless drop in service which has supported over 6,000 drop-ins already this year, providing a place of community for loneliness and warmth.”
A key part of the afternoon was celebrating exceptional talent within the travel sector. Chris Crampton, Chairman of PATA UK & Ireland, presented Dawn Page, Marketing Director at True Traveller, with the ‘Outstanding Industry Contribution Award 2025’.
On receiving the accolade, Dawn expressed her sincere thanks to PATA: “I’m totally amazed, honoured and absolutely delighted, and really can’t express how much gratitude I have for the industry for giving me this award. I’ve been involved with PATA for such a long time, and also the industry, but never ever thought this would happen to me. Thank you PATA, I’ve enjoyed every minute of this ride and it means so much to me!”
The festivities concluded with spirited carol singing and lucky winners walked away with luxury hotel stays, afternoon tea vouchers, Christmas hampers, gift bags, Champagne and more.
PATA’s full schedule of events for 2026 will be announced in the new year.
