Conference & Meetings World Issue 127 | Page 23

Sustainabilty

organisations to reach this goal .
Most venues are nowadays developing guidelines and policies for organisers to follow sustainable practices during their events . By incorporating these sustainable practices , all of these venues are playing a vital role in reducing their environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable events industry . Through their efforts , they are setting an example and are encouraging event organisers to prioritise eco-conscious choices in their event planning and execution .
Hotel Marques de Riscal
Do you have specific examples of sustainable initiatives implemented by venues in popular destinations ? To name but a few : Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference Centre : The Marriott Auditorium Hotel has earned LEED Gold certification ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ), showcasing its commitment to sustainable building design and operation . The venue has partnered with local farmers and suppliers to source organic and locally produced food for catering services , reducing food miles and supporting the local economy .
To minimise water usage , the hotel has installed water-efficient fixtures and implemented a water recycling system . Seville Conference and Exhibition Centre ( FIBES ): FIBES has adopted a Green Procurement policy , prioritising the use of eco-friendly and recyclable materials for events hosted at the venue . The venue has installed a solar panel system to harness renewable energy and reduce its reliance on conventional power sources .
It has also implemented an environmental education programme for event attendees , promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about environmental issues . Valencia Conference Centre ( Palacio de Congresos de Valencia ): The Valencia Conference Centre has earned the ISO 14001 certification , demonstrating its commitment to environmental
management and sustainability .
The venue actively encourages event organisers to implement paperless registration and communication systems to reduce paper waste .
They collaborate with local organisations on reforestation and environmental conservation projects to offset carbon emissions from events . Málaga Exhibition and Conference Centre ( FYCMA ): FYCMA has implemented a Green Events programme , providing event organisers with guidelines and support to implement sustainable practices during their events .
The venue has replaced single-use plastic water bottles with water stations , offering attendees reusable bottles to minimise plastic waste .
They actively promote sustainable transportation options , such as public transport and cycling , and offer dedicated bike lanes and parking areas .
These are just a few examples of the sustainable initiatives that certain key event venues in Spanish destinations have implemented .
These venues are not only reducing their environmental impact but also setting a positive example for the events industry and contributing to a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector in Spain .
“ These venues are not only reducing their environmental impact but also seetting a positive example for the events industry ”
How does the Spanish Tourist Office encourage event organisers to prioritise sustainability when choosing venues for their events ? Through various strategies and initiatives in collaboration with our regional partners . Our efforts focus on raising awareness , providing resources , and offering incentives that highlight the benefits of selecting sustainable venues .
Through workshops , seminars , and familiarisation trips , we share best practices , case studies , and success stories of events held in sustainable venues . This information empowers organisers with knowledge and ideas for incorporating sustainability into their own events .
During these fam trips we facilitate networking opportunities between event planners and sustainable venues . By bringing these parties together , we create a platform for exchanging ideas , experiences , and best practices in sustainable event planning , fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement .
In this regard we are open to actively engage and contribute to any forthcoming sustainability workshop , seminar , or conference organised by the MICE sector .
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