The MICE Sustainability Roadmap is the second such initiative, following the launch of the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap early this year
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) have jointly launched a MICE Sustainability Roadmap, that sets out clear targets and strategies to raise sustainability standards across Singapore’s MICE industry over the next few years.
According to a press statement, such roadmaps, which guide industries in the sector to meet unique sustainability goals, are part of STB’s overall strategy to build a sustainable tourism sector. The MICE Sustainability Roadmap is the second such initiative, following the launch of the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap early this year.
The statement adds that the roadmaps are guided by the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. The MICE Sustainability Roadmap lists three specific targets to position Singapore as one of the most sustainable MICE destinations in Asia Pacific. The first is to develop a set of sustainability standards by 2023 that the industry can readily apply and aim to be internationally recognised by 2024. It also mandates that all six purpose-built MICE venues and 80 pc of SACEOS members shall obtain internationally or nationally recognised sustainability certification – or both – by 2025.
The third key milestone in the roadmap is for the Singapore MICE industry to start tracking waste and carbon emissions by 2023, to reduce waste as aligned with the Singapore Green Plan by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in line with the national net-zero target, says the statement.
To achieve these targets, the statement adds, STB and SACEOS set up the MICE Sustainability Committee (MSComm) in August 2022 to raise awareness of sustainability efforts and best practices, rally the industry to adopt sustainable practices, and deepen sustainability competencies.
The commitment to sustainability comes on the back of strong MICE recovery following the reopening of Singapore’s borders in April this year and a growing demand for sustainable business travel. More importantly, the industry recognises the key role it plays in reducing the impact of MICE events on our environment.
STB also launched its Tourism Sustainability Programme (TSP) earlier this year to support the sustainable development of tourism industries such as attractions, hotels, MICE, and tours. The TSP includes grant schemes that are open to more than 1,800 eligible companies in the tourism sector, says the press release.
The six purpose-built venues include Changi Exhibition Centre, Raffles City Convention Centre, Resorts World Convention Centre, Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore EXPO, Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.
“Event delegates and corporate travellers are increasingly concerned about the environment, prompting event organisers to turn to destinations that make sustainability a priority. It is imperative that Singapore’s MICE industry evolves to meet the growing demand for responsible business travel. The MICE Sustainability Roadmap provides clear direction and targets to enable this transformation, eventually contributing to our national sustainability goals,” says Edward Koh, Executive Director, Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel, Singapore Tourism Board and Co-Chair of the MICE Sustainability Committee.
“As MICE events continue to make a strong comeback and bring communities together again, the industry is committed to becoming more sustainable and reducing our impact on the environment. To this end, many MICE players are incorporating and prioritising sustainability in a way that is meaningful for their business proposition. Singapore’s MICE Sustainability Roadmap will ensure that MICE players forge ahead in pursuing attainable and relevant sustainability goals that are tracked at appropriate milestones, with STB and SACEOS leading the charge and providing support as needed to further develop a sustainable business events landscape in Singapore,” says Sukumar Verma, SACEOS Vice President for Industry & Enterprise and Co-Chair of the MICE Sustainability Committee.
