PATA CEO Challenge List Grows
JANUARY 21, 2008. A number of the world's travel and tourism leaders have committed to join the inaugural PATA CEO Challenge: Confronting Climate Change.
Mr Edwin Fuller, President & Managing Director, Marriott Hotels and Resorts; Mr Tony Tyler, CEO, Cathay Pacific; Mr George Hickton, CEO, Tourism New Zealand; and Mr Tony Wheeler, Founder, Lonely Planet are just some of the leaders who will be at the historic event in Bangkok on April 29-30.
In the opening session on April 29, immediately after Dr RK Pachauri delivers his keynote speech, Mr Michael Elliott, International Editor of TIME Asia, will conduct a live interview with the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
Dr Pachauri is Chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which shared the Nobel Peace Prize with former US Vice President Mr Al Gore last year.
The PATA CEO Challenge format features a combination of interactive discussions and plenary sessions focusing on critical climate change issues.
A core element of the event is the "Boardroom Challenges" on the first day.
In a rapid-fire morning session on April 29, industry leaders will briefly introduce a "Boardroom Challenge"; a specific practical initiative being developed now to counter the impacts of climate change.
In the following moderated breakout sessions, "Challenge Advocates" will explain the initiatives in more detail, highlighting opportunities for potential collaboration with other like-minded organisations.
By sharing their experiences and insights, travel and tourism leaders will inspire and challenge all delegates at the event to also commit to action.
Many other travel industry leaders have committed to join the Challenge, including Mr Geoff Lipman, Assistant Secretary General of the UNWTO; Mr KP Ho, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts; Mr Tom Wright, CEO of Visit Britain; Dr Sasithara Pichaichannarong, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand; and Mr Sonu Shivdasani, Chairman & CEO, Six Senses Resorts and Spas.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
