The Conference, called �Proud Past - Promising Future,� will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the Putra World Trade Centre.  BEST, a New York-based initiative of The Conference Board in association with the World Travel & Tourism Council, serves as a leading source of knowledge on innovative sustainable practices that advance the interests of the travel industry, individual travelers and the host communities. 

In his presentation entitled �Doing Business Well - Preserving Our Destinations� Assets,� Seltzer will cite examples from BEST�s growing international database of travel-related companies that have incorporated sustainable practices in their core operations. He will identify trends that are rapidly emerging in this area such as extensive efforts to preserve local culture and heritage and programs that encourage travelers to become partners in companies� community relations initiatives. 

According to BEST, travel and tourism enterprises that adopt such practices have the opportunity to increase profit margins and customer and staff loyalty, as well as develop favorable relations with local governments and communities. They also offer travelers more enriching experiences.  For example, tour operator Lindblad Expeditions, the subject of a recent �BEST Practices� report, teaches its passengers about the unique environment and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. The company also created the Galapagos Conservation Fund. Since 1997, passengers aboard Lindblad�s ship Polaris have donated to the Fund more than $950,000 - a significant contribution since the annual operating budget (after salaries) of the Galapagos National Park is $600,000.  Lindblad thereby protects the environment that makes its voyages so attractive to travelers and gives its passengers an educational experience and the chance to �give back� to the area they visit. 

Michael Seltzer said, �As people become more experienced world-travelers, they are also increasingly sophisticated in their choice of countries and holiday experiences. More and more are seeking out pristine destinations and unusual, authentic cultural and educational experiences.� He added, �I am pleased to participate in PATA�s 50th Annual Conference.  PATA�s members have pioneered some of the more innovative business initiatives that protect and even enhance their destinations� assets.�

Business Enterprises for Sustainable Travel (BEST) is the first industry-specific initiative undertaken by The Conference Board in its 84-year history.

Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association is the recognized authority on Pacific Asia travel and tourism.