Travel boss issues warning on need for sustainable tourism practices

Nepal is set to witness a fivefold growth in adventure tourism over the next three years, according to UK-based Peter Burrell (picture left), MD of Exodus Travel. He told delegates attending the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference in Kathmandu that more consumers now choosing adventure, ethical and environmental holidays. But this increased demand will place additional pressures on destinations to adopt sustainable tourism practices.
     "Consumers want to see that tourism is a force for good and they want proof that the benefits are reaching the local communities. If we don't embrace these practices we will all suffer," he said.

     US-based Kathleen Dragon (picture right), representing the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), told the conference that this specialist sector was doing better than most in weathering the economic recession. A recent ATTA survey of more than 250 international tour operators (representing over two million customers) indicated that inventories will increase this year on the back of above-average financial performances in 2009. "These companies will help to define the future and substance of travel," she said. "It's a driver of economic development where it's often needed most."
     The conference opened yesterday (2 February) with upbeat messages from Nepal Tourism Board CEO Prachanda Shrestha and PATA chief Greg Duffell. Today's programme includes sessions on 'zero waste challenges' and 'responsible tourism – making business sense'. The Mart opens in the grounds of the Soaltee Crowne Plaza hotel later today (Wednesday). Attending the Kathmandu event are 174 delegates from 25 destinations. Updates online at: www.pata.org
     Next week's PATA webinar will deliver feedback on the event in Kathmandu. Tune in at 15.00hrs Bangkok time on Wednesday February 10th. To register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/237027314

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Banyan Tree eyes tiger welfare

Banyan Tree Gallery has launched an innovative 'tiger-inspired' collection to welcome this month's Lunar New Year. Ingenious artwork is featured across a range of apparel and accessories. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this collection will be donated to the Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund. Banyan Tree Gallery hopes to raise awareness about the plight of the tiger, declared an endangered species in 1969, and is now one of the world's fastest disappearing species. www.banyantreegallery.com

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Amadeus solution aids travel agents

Amadeus has launched Amadeus Master Pricer Agent Fare Families, enabling travel agents to make it easier for their customers to compare airlines' fares and their associated conditions online. The solution permits a more transparent purchase process for the end consumer. Master Pricer Agent Fare Families improves the travel agency's ability to direct customers to their most profitable content and upsell higher fares with more flexible conditions. This helps travel agents to be more attractive distribution channels, strengthening their relationship with airline partners.

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Ambitious targets set by Munich Airport

FMG, the Munich Airport operating company, has released its first-ever sustainability report documenting FMG's concept for a sustainable business policy. The airport's goals for climate protection and the environment serve as examples to illustrate its demanding objectives for sustainable airport operations. FMG has set an ambitious target for its future corporate policy by seeking to achieve CO2-neutral growth in Munich Airport's operations by 2020.
     FMG has developed numerous energy-saving measures. One key area has been in the field of sustainable construction. Through expanded use of renewable energy, all new buildings are expected to show a 40 percent reduction in CO2 emissions as compared with existing structures. FMG is also saving energy with the lighting of ramp areas at Munich Airport. About one quarter of the nearly 3000 floodlights that ensure proper visibility on the aprons and park positions during the hours of darkness are now switched on only as needed. They are activated automatically by a flight timetable computer. That's saving nearly one million kilowatt hours of electrical power and about 570 tons of carbon dioxide.

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JAL makes key management changes

Masaru Onishi is the new president of Japan Airlines Corporation (JALS) and main air transport operator Japan Airlines International (JALI). He is also Chief Operating Officer for the holding company. Onishisan joined Japan Airlines in 1978. Hisao Taguchi assumes the role of executive vice president of the Group and of Japan Airlines International, after serving as an executive officer in charge of the overall operations of the JAL Group in the Kyushu region since April 2009.

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Alexander makes Bangkok switch

Accor Asia Pacific has appointed Alexander Stenrud Parry (pictured) as Hotel Manager of Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square. He was previously General Manager of Le Fenix Sukhumvit Hotel by Accor. Mr Parry, a Swede, has held several management positions in the US, UK and Thailand. The hotel's The Square restaurant is offering romantic candle-lit dinners on 14 February complete with photo packages at a well-known local studio.
     More details: www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-1031-novotel-bangkok-on-siam-square/index.shtml

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TG boss looks for Star qualities

Thai Airways International president Piyasvasti Amranand is pressing for further competitive advantage from its position as a founder member of the Star Alliance. Meeting Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht to discuss strategies and cooperation he said that TG must use the obvious advantages of Star Alliance membership including connectivity, cost saving opportunities, access to technologies and value-added benefits such as the frequent flyer mileage earnings and redemptions across all 26 member carriers.