Marriott International Launches Global Sustainability Program for Meetings and Events Headline

Marriott International, Inc. has unveiled a new initiative, Connect Responsibly with Marriott Bonvoy Events, aimed at helping event planners incorporate sustainability into their meetings and events at partner hotels. The program, expected to roll out globally by the end of October, will provide participants with detailed Meeting Impact Reports to gauge the environmental impact of their events and allow them to purchase carbon credits.

Erika Alexander, Chief Global Officer of Global Operations at Marriott International, stated that the Connect Responsibly program allows clients to comprehend the implications of their meetings as the industry works towards a resilient future for travel.

The initiative responds to a heightened demand for sustainable meeting solutions. The Meeting Impact Report, available post-event, will capture event details, sustainability practices utilized, and the event’s carbon and water footprints. This report is expected to be available in 11 different languages.

In partnership with carbon asset developer and climate consultancy South Pole, Marriott aims to offer customers access to select carbon offset projects. These can be chosen and purchased as part of their event through the South Pole online shop.

Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Marriott International, stated that Marriott’s customers are eager to participate in sustainability efforts, and this program bolsters their ongoing initiatives in sustainable hospitality.

The Connect Responsibly program is part of Marriott’s broader push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its properties and supply chain. The hotel chain’s Climate Action Program (CAP) includes property-level carbon reduction goals and actions. As of April 2024, Marriott is the largest hospitality company to gain approval from the Science Based Targets initiative for its near-term and long-term emissions reduction targets.

Connect Responsibly supports Marriott’s Sustainability and Social Impact Platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction.