PATA's environmental plan

JAKARTA (JP): The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) launched the "Green Leaf" environmental awards program yesterday, designed to promote environmentally-sensitive business practices.

PATA's chairman Joop Ave, at the opening of the eighth meeting of the organization's Asian chapters yesterday, said that Green Leaf status will be awarded to companies and organizations involved in the travel and tourism industry that meet PATA standards for environmentally-responsible tourism.

Joop, who is also Indonesian Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, said travelers can support the program by purchasing from companies which have achieved "Green" status.

In 1995, PATA will issue a brochure with tips on how to travel in an environmentally responsible way. The publication will also feature a listing of companies and organizations that have earned PATA Green Leaf status.

Joop said the program will be supervised by a panel of industry leaders and environmentalists.(icn)