he Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) achieved full carbon neutrality in 2024, offsetting emissions from all its activities through various projects in Cambodia and Thailand.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced it achieved full carbon neutrality for all its activities in 2024. This milestone was accomplished by offsetting emissions through several projects in Cambodia and Thailand, supported by PATA member Sustainable Travel International. PATA’s Carbon Neutral Events Guidelines and Climate Action Plan guided the association’s emission reduction efforts and backed credible carbon offset projects.
Two major projects that helped PATA achieve this were the Keo Seima Project and the Southern Cardamom Project in Cambodia. The Keo Seima Project, which offset emissions from PATA’s Annual Summit and Travel Mart 2024, protects a local wildlife sanctuary and supports the indigenous Bunong community. It also provides sustainable income opportunities and improves community well-being.
The Southern Cardamom Project, offsetting emissions from the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024, helps protect one of Southeast Asia’s last remaining primary rainforests. It promotes ecotourism, conservation-based employment, and sustainable agriculture while securing land tenure and providing access to micro-loans.
The PSTC Solar Farm 10 MW Project in Thailand, a renewable energy initiative, was the third project used to offset PATA’s emissions. This project reduces reliance on fossil fuels and supports environmental sustainability.
PATA’s CEO, Noor Ahmad Hamid, emphasized the association’s commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and community resilience. He also highlighted plans to refine PATA’s sustainability strategies and enhance its Climate Action Plan in 2025.