The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) have joined forces to promote sustainable growth in the meetings industry. This partnership aims to support the global meetings industry in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering responsible practices and promoting sustainable tourism.
The meetings industry plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating jobs around the world. However, the industry also has a significant impact on the environment and local communities. By partnering with the UNWTO, the ICCA is committed to promoting sustainable practices and ensuring that the meetings industry contributes positively to society.
One of the key objectives of the partnership is to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability in the meetings industry. The UNWTO and ICCA will work together to provide resources and guidance to help meetings industry professionals adopt sustainable practices, reduce their environmental impact, and support local communities.
The partnership will also focus on promoting responsible tourism practices within the meetings industry. This includes encouraging event organizers to choose sustainable venues, support local suppliers, and promote cultural heritage and diversity. By promoting responsible tourism practices, the UNWTO and ICCA aim to ensure that the meetings industry has a positive impact on the destinations where events are held.
In addition, the partnership will work to measure and track the sustainability performance of the meetings industry. This will involve developing tools and frameworks to help event organizers assess their environmental and social impact, and identify areas for improvement. By measuring sustainability performance, the UNWTO and ICCA hope to drive continuous improvement in the industry and encourage more sustainable practices.
Overall, the partnership between the UNWTO and ICCA represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainable growth in the meetings industry. By working together to raise awareness, promote responsible practices, and measure sustainability performance, the UNWTO and ICCA are helping to ensure that the meetings industry contributes to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and creates positive impacts for both people and the planet.