A common language: the GSTC MICE Criteria

A global effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism has resulted in the formation of the new GSTC MICE Criteria published by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

The Criteria are used for education and awareness-raising, policy-making for businesses, organisations and government agencies, measurement and evaluation, and as a basis for certification. They are arranged in four pillars: sustainable management; socioeconomic impacts; cultural impacts; environmental impacts.

As the third GSTC Criteria set, it follows after GSTC Industry Criteria (for hotels and tour operators) and the GSTC Destination Criteria. Still under development is the GSTC Attraction Criteria.

Strong support from industry players

A MICE Criteria Development Advisory Group was involved in the GSTC MICE Criteria development which included Green Key Global; Osaka Convention Bureau; SACEOS, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA); Suwon Convention Center; Visit Berlin; and Visit Oslo.

“After a year of dedicated work and effort, we announce the formal release of the GSTC MICE Criteria for venues, event organisers, and events & exhibitions. We thank the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), who has been a key contributor to its development. Let's seize this opportunity together to significantly advance the MICE industry's journey towards sustainability,” said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.

Yap Chin Siang, deputy chief executive, STB, said: “Our collaboration with the GSTC and Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) to develop the GSTC MICE Criteria underscores Singapore’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and solidifies our position as a leading MICE destination. The MICE Criteria represents a major milestone on this journey, empowering industry players with the relevant tools to contribute to and thrive in a sustainable tourism landscape. I strongly urge all stakeholders in the MICE ecosystem to embrace the criteria and play a pivotal role in forging a greener future for global tourism.”

The Criteria development process was an 18-month-long journey from September 2022 to February 2024. The GSTC will launch an Early Adopter Programme for the MICE Criteria. It will run for two years, giving industry players the opportunity to apply the Criteria in the field and form a network for knowledge and experience sharing. Information on the Program will soon be announced.

Key features of the Criteria:

· Help define sustainability in a holistic manner

· Raise awareness of the breadth and nature of sustainability

· Serve as the basis for certification for sustainability

· Offer both public and private sectors a starting point by providing basic guidelines for MICE businesses to become more sustainable, including guidance for identifying more sustainable suppliers and service providers

· Help consumers identify sustainable MICE businesses

· Serve as a common denominator for recognising sustainable MICE businesses, helping businesses in choosing sustainable suppliers and partners

· Serve as basic guidelines for education and training on sustainable MICE practices

· Demonstrate leadership that inspires others to act

Greenhouse gas emissions

Among its features are criteria for venues regarding greenhouse gas emissions:

· The venue should measure greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1, Scope 2, and areas of significant influence in Scope 3 and have specific greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets

· These should be aligned with recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidance

· The venue would also have a written plan to avoid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and areas of influence

· This plan is being actively implemented

· The venue encourages and collaborates with suppliers to avoid and reduce significant greenhouse gas emissions

· The venue offsets some or all of its greenhouse gas emissions that remain after avoidance and reduction efforts

· The venue has a policy to prefer offsets that remove carbon rather than offsets that avoid emissions and to select carbon offsets that are additional, permanent, and verified by a credible organisation.