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tackle head-on with modern technology .
For example , building a diversified and sustainable water supply has been a necessity due to the city ’ s pressing lack of it . Additionally , Singapore ’ s limited land mass means that , when they run out of usable space , land from the surrounding ocean needs to be reclaimed . These challenges put sustainability at the top of the country ’ s agenda early on .
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Green tourism The STB has stated that tourism accounts for 4 % of Singapore ’ s GDP , meaning that the events and hospitality industries are crucial to the city ’ s sustainable development . Following in the footsteps of the Green Plan , the newly launched MICE Sustainability Roadmap has outlined its industry ’ s path to net zero by 2050 .
The roadmap moves quickly . It pushes its six MICE venues and 80 % of its MICE association ’ s ( SACEOS ) members to become nationally or internationally sustainable-certified by 2025 . Its MICE industry will start tracking waste and carbon emissions by 2023 .
Proving the green thumb When investigating Singapore ’ s sustainable commitments , it ’ s easy to get lost in the numbers without seeing the proof in the pudding , so to speak . Here we circle back to the city ’ s verdant urban landscape , where it ’ s clear to every visitor that time and care have been put into curating the vibrant greenery . It ’ s an ongoing initiative , started in 1967 by Singapore ’ s first prime minister , Lee Kuan Yew . Today , its hospitality industry has rallied to the cause – with the PARKROYAL hotels standing out .
The PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay boasts a ‘ garden in a hotel ’ as its main hub is brimming with both flora and fauna – clusters of housed birds serenade the suited business travellers . The emphasis on incorporated greenery seems standard across the hotel chain , as its Pickering location grants guests an
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Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay
unobstructed view of its expansive plant-filled balconies . To complement its array of solar panels Marina Bay has another eco-friendly surprise up its sleeve : an on-site edible garden completely accessible to guests . The hotel chain is so deeply invested in its sustainable urban farm , which provides its kitchen ingredients , that the Pickering location has plans to establish its own .
Exploring Singapore Event organisers prioritising sustainable locations don ’ t have to skip Singapore ’ s tourist spots . The city ’ s Supertree Grove is a staple of the Singapore skyline . The iconic abstract giants are home to sprawling vertical gardens , and 11 of the 18 trees are powered by solar energy –
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“ Sustainability for us is no longer a nice to have , it ’ s a must-have . Make sure your stakeholders are sustainable , or you will price yourself out of the business travel [ market ]” |
Nico Rosberg at the Greentech Festival
making the night-time light display even more magical .
The Grove sits in the renowned Gardens by the Bay , which also features a stunning indoor flower display and its very own mountain . The latter is found in the Cloud Forest , where visitors explore a lush misty forest which currently features statues from James Cameron ’ s ‘ Avatar ’ franchise .
A large part of Singapore ’ s incentive allure is the distance – or lack thereof – between its must-visit sights . This is incredibly evident from the seat of a sidecar : travelling along the city ’ s main roads past the Marina Bay Sands and down picturesque side streets lined with food and coffee shops . There are plenty of these opportunities for the hungry delegate also . Organisers can enrol their crew on an expert-led food tour of the city , ranging from the famous Satay Street to lesser-known Hawker Centres . Drinks and relaxation abound also , especially when enjoying a cocktail at the sustainability-focused Native bar , or sipping on a Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Hotel .
For Singapore , prioritising sustainability does not mean sacrifice . By maintaining the green practices at the centre of its infrastructure , the city takes nothing away from its incentive adventures . n
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