PATA Agrees Range of Green Initiatives
Delegates at the inaugural Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) CEO Challenge agreed to collaborate on a range of initiatives to confront climate change, such as Banyan Tree’s green audit program, Intrepid Travel’s project management plan and Expedia’s World Heritage Alliance.
“The CEO Challenge successfully facilitated the sharing of these valuable, practical initiatives,” the Association’s President and CEO Peter de Jong told the 236 industry leaders during the closing session.
“It has really delivered on our goals, with so many good ideas, innovative programs and practical solutions, and, most importantly, opportunities for collaborative action.”
More than 350 people, including officials of the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, registered media and accompanying persons, engaged in the day-and-a-half program.
While summarizing the outcomes of the PATA CEO Challenge, event facilitator Rohit Talwar of Fast Future suggested there was a simple action plan for any leader of a travel and tourism organization:-
1) Start a discussion with your management team and Board to agree on principles and priorities for a climate change strategy
2) Create a compelling vision to ensure internal and external stakeholder support
3) Conduct an environmental audit; set targets; measure, verify and record results (There are specialized service providers, such as Green Globe, that can assist)
4) Communicate your environmental action plan with internal and external stakeholders
5) Where emission reductions are impractical, offer optional offset charges to your customers and provide adequate incentives for their take-up
“As the President and CEO of PATA, I now give you our commitment that we will carry forward the momentum generated by this event,” said Mr de Jong.
“We will develop our website to create an information portal for continuing the dialogue on best practice and collaborative action and we will upload all the presentations and outcomes from the CEO Challenge, with edited video clips of key sessions.”
“We also plan to produce a highlights package — including edited film clips — which can be used by PATA members, PATA Chapters and other partner organizations to share CEO Challenge outcomes with new audiences.”
Mr de Jong also announced that PATA would formally endorse the declaration from the aviation and environment summit in Geneva, signed by global aviation leaders including the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
For further information visit PATA.org
By:Valere Tjolle
Valere
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