REPORT – 55th PATA CONFERENCE – THAILAND: Closing speakers at the 55th PATA Annual Conference pinpointed poverty reduction, enhanced charitable efforts and corporate social responsibility as the keys to the…
REPORT – 55th PATA CONFERENCE – THAILAND: Closing speakers at the 55th PATA Annual Conference pinpointed poverty reduction, enhanced charitable efforts and corporate social responsibility as the keys to the travel industry`s success in the year ahead.
The tourism industry can reduce the number of people living in poverty more than the United Nations and more than any government can, said Dr Mechai Viravaidya, Chairman of the Population and Community Development Association (PCDA).
Dr Mechai`s speech, entitled, The Privatisation of Poverty Reduction said business creation, not welfare, was the key to poverty reduction. He said a welfare culture created dependency, while business enhanced skills and enabled people to borrow money for much needed investment.
He called for hotels in rural areas to sponsor villages. Hotels should buy products such as vegetables from their village, donate funds for tree planting and help teach skills such as food preparation as part of a charitable knowledge transfer programme.
Dr Mechai said the PCDA and others have had success in persuading the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to donate 30% of its profits to charities and encourage philanthropic activities among SET members.
The social activist, a former government minister, said such policies were indicative of a new era of social responsibility by companies.
Assuming the role of 2006-2007 PATA Chairman today, Mr Richard Beere, Director-International Marketing, Tourism Australia, said his role would be to help establish PATA as an acclaimed source for travel industry leadership, advocacy and tackling big issues through consultation and evolution, not revolution.
Mr Beere said: Our mission is to have everyone say `Wow! That`s great!` to everything that PATA does.
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