PATAcademy-HCD to tackle sustainable practices across travel and tourism sectors

BANGKOK - The 5th PATAcademy-HCD will address the importance of sustainable policies and practices, under the theme ’Designing Our Future – The Grass is Greener Wherever We Stand’. The three-day workshop on Sustainability in Tourism will take place on December 1-3, 2015 at the PATA Engagement Hub in Bangkok.

The workshop will feature presentations, interactive workshops, group sessions and field visits led by international sustainability experts. The programme is designed to appeal to a broad cross-section of industry managers and executives. PATA members enjoy a discounted registration fee.

Speakers and presenters include Jane Lawton from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Jane will be presenting an overview of ecosystems services and business environments, enabling participants to gain a much better understanding about the impact of tourism activities on the environment.

Eric Ricuarte, founder and CEO of Greenview, will brief delegates on the importance of embracing marketing plans and reporting procedures when compiling a destination’s sustainability plan. Other confirmed guest speakers include Antje Martins, (EarthCheck), Olivier Colomes (EXO Travel) and Jude Kasturi Arachchi (Jetwing Hotels).

PATAcademy-HCD participants will also go on a field trip to Bang Krachao, known as the lung of Bangkok, in the province of Samut Prakan (one hour drive from Bangkok city centre) to study an urban biodiversity conservation project.

“We want participants to understand the importance and the fragility of the environments in which their organisations operate. This is an intensive programme that capitalises upon the proven expertise of international sustainability experts,” PATA CEO Mario Hardy said. “It will enhance the knowledge and understanding of all participants, providing them with the practical tools and materials required to implement effective sustainable practices in their own organisations.”

Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok will host a special cocktail event and special screening of Gringo Trail, a feature-length documentary showing the ‘unanticipated impact of tourism on cultures, economies, and the environment, tracing some stories over 30 years’.

VIE Hotel Bangkok is the Official Accommodation Partner for PATAcademy-HCD.

After successful completion of the course, participants will be awarded with a PATAcademy-HCD certificate entitled ‘Certified Asia Pacific Visitor Economy Expert — Sustainability in Tourism’.

The registration fee for PATAcademy-HCD is US$1,028 for PATA members, US$1,235 for Chapter members and US$1,543 for non-members.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia