Bangkok--18 Jan--PATA Thailand The PATA Thailand Chapter, which represents over 100 international tourism-related organizations in Thailand, has appointed its new executive committee for 2008/2009*. The executive committee was appointed at the chapter's annual general meeting on January 16. Mr Luzi Matzig, Group CEO of Bangkok-based tour operator Asian Trails was appointed Chairman. The committee's focus will be to deliver education and skill training workshops for members and to offer tourism policy advice to the Ministry of Tourism and Sport and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The committee will also address ways to give members practical knowledge to help them comply with environmental requirements. An increasing number of overseas tourism companies now insist that Thailand's tourism operators must have environmental policies and procedures in place before doing business with them. The chapter has therefore appointed Mr Vincent Tabuteau of East West Siam to head a new environment committee. It will be tasked with providing practical pro-environment procedures for member organizations to implement. Mr Matzig said: "The committee comprises very experienced hoteliers, travel agents, and experts in training, the environment, e-commerce and tourism support services. Together we will work to boost Thailand's competitive position in international tourism." The committee also comprises senior executives from THAI Airways International and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The Chapter has pledged its support for PATA head office, which will organize the PATA CEO Challenge "Confronting Climate Change". The two-day event, aimed at CEOs will take place in Bangkok April 29-30 and is being hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.