PATA employs “greening” measures in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD, India (September 17, 2008) – PATA is reiterating its commitment to the environment by taking actions towards the greening of PATA Travel Mart 2008 (PTM08), which opened today in Hyderabad, India.

PATA president and CEO Peter de Jong this morning outlined several “modest initiatives” that in aggregate amount to a significant reduction in the Mart¹s carbon footprint.

Only essential items have been placed in the delegate bags this year, thus minimizing the amount of paper distributed at the Mart. There is also electronic signage, such as plasma video screens, used throughout the Hyderabad International Convention Center (HICC) to reduce the need for disposable signage.

Plastic bottles will not be used, and recyclable cups will be available at the water dispensers in the exhibition hall and all common areas. Recycle bins will be placed for delegates to drop unwanted items, and all items will be sent for recycling.

The air conditioning temperature will be controlled in the exhibition hall and meeting rooms.

And for the fifth consecutive year, PATA is encouraging journalists to use the networked terminals in the Media Center, as well as the PATA web site to source information about the Mart, rather than rely on photocopies and print outs.

As for the important task of offsetting the carbon of the conference, PATA has received generous support from the Andhra Pradesh Government towards the planting of trees.

The total number of trees required to offset the carbon of the Mart could be anything between 20,000-30,000 trees.

However, Mr. de Jong explained that as this was the end of the planting season, only 3,000 saplings would be planted now, and the balance will be planted next season in June 2009.

“The 3,000 saplings will be planted nearby, and delegates are invited to go to the site and plant a tree,” said Mr. de Jong. “Furthermore, a donation box will be kept at the foyer, and all delegates are encouraged to make a donation of at least 100 rupees each towards the effort.

“This will only raise a small proportion of the total cost of planting these trees, but the balance will be generously provided by the Andhra Pradesh Government.”