Singapore launches sustainable MICE destination roadmap

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) have joined forces to launch a roadmap aimed at raising sustainability standards across Singapore’s MICE industry over the coming years.

The roadmap is guided by the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals and lists three specific targets to position Singapore as one of the most sustainable MICE destinations in Asia Pacific. 

Singapore wants to go big on experience and small in footprint

Sustainability takes central theme as Singapore Tourism Board ramps up enhanced support programmes for international MICE groups. Read more here

These include developing a set of sustainability standards by 2023 that the industry can readily apply, with the aim of making these internationally recognised by 2024 and ensuring that purpose-built MICE venues and 80% of SACEOS members obtain internationally or nationally recognised sustainability certification, or both, by 2025.

The venues in question include Changi Exhibition Centre, Raffles City Convention Centre, Resorts World Convention Centre, Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore EXPO and Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.

A third target relates to the Singapore MICE industry 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.

The commitment to sustainability comes on the back of Singapore’s strong MICE recovery following the reopening of its borders in April this year and a growing demand for sustainable business travel. More importantly, STB says the industry recognises the key role it plays in reducing the impact of MICE events on our environment.

Dr Edward Koh, executive director, conventions, meetings & incentive travel at STB and co-chair of the MICE Sustainability Committee said: “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.”

Sukumar Verma, SACEOS vice president for Industry & Enterprise and co-chair of the MICE Sustainability Committee said: “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.”

Roadmaps 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 earlier this year.