Travel business as force for positive change

BANGKOK – Global travel industry leaders are saying it's now time for travel businesses to adopt new attitudes towards the environment and social justice.

That is the view being expressed by many of the business leaders attending the PATA CEO Challenge, Confronting Climate Change, organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association in Bangkok, April 29-30.

Leading tourism strategists, Anna Pollock, CEO of the UK-based DestiCorp, said that this is indicative of where corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the travel industry is going.

"In the face of decision paralysis on the environment that has occurred in some destinations, businesses are now driving the agenda for a reduction in carbon emissions," she said.

"Smart companies have now moved beyond reluctant compliance with green regulations. Leading companies are turning to environmental care to build brand loyalty, add shareholder value and drive new levels of competitiveness and innovation. In this context of rapid change, it's vital that tourism leaders do not drag their feet or risk losing credibility and damaging reputations," said Pollock, who is also a facilitator at the CEO Challenge.