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.

According to one of the world's leading tourism strategists, Ms Anna Pollock, CEO of the UK-based DestiCorp, it's indicative of where corporate social responsibility 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," Ms Pollock said. 

Larger companies have changed their positions in the last few years. Some 68% of CEOs interviewed by the IBM Institute of Business Value said they were focusing on corporate social responsibility to create new revenue streams. Over half believe that their CSR activities are giving them a competitive advantage.

"Smart companies have now moved beyond reluctant compliance with green regulations," said Ms Pollock, who is also a facilitator at the CEO Challenge.

"It's now apparent that 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."

PATA has found that leaders are now embedding social and green issues into company marketing strategies. During the PATA CEO Challenge, ten business leaders including Mr KP Ho, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Mr Edwin Fuller, President and MD, Marriott Lodging International, Mr Peter Trautmann, Chief Operating Officer of Munich Airport, and Ms Jane Ashton, Head of CSR, First Choice Holidays / TUI Travel, will share their company's respective experiences on specific carbon reduction projects.

"This is not a conference, but a working session for travel industry leaders," said PATA President and CEO, Peter de Jong. "None of these leaders claim to have the Midas touch on green issues. They are coming because they want to share practical experience and come away with practical solutions and partnerships to drive the green agenda."

Ron N. Andruff, President and Managing Partner of US-based RNA Partners, told PATA: "I am attending the event to gather as much actionable information as I can. There is no issue of more paramount importance than sustainability - to both the hospitality industry and the world at large."

Mr Joe McInerney, President and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, said: "As global warming and other threats to the environment increasingly affect the entire international community, AH&LA is turning its efforts to encourage sustainable tourism and eco-friendly hotel operations."