Singapore has launched a roadmap to become APAC’s leading sustainable MICE destination by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.

The MICE Sustainability Roadmap, launched by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), sets out clear targets and strategies to raise sustainability standards across Singapore’s MICE industry over the next few years.

It follows the launch of the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap early this year. 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:

1. Develop a set of sustainability standards by 2023 that the industry can readily apply and aim to be internationally recognised by 2024.
2. For all six purpose-built MICE venues and 80% of SACEOS members to obtain internationally or nationally recognised sustainability certification – or both – by 2025.
3. 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.

To achieve these targets, STB and SACEOS set up the MICE Sustainability Committee in August 2022 to raise awareness of sustainability efforts and best practices, rally the industry to adopt sustainable practices, and deepen sustainability competencies.

Strategies will include conducting half-yearly sustainability training for the MICE industry, exchanging best practices with other top MICE destinations that participated in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-I), and identifying pain points that impede sustainability adoption and partnering innovative technology providers to tackle challenges and co-develop industry pilots.

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.

Edward Koh, executive director, Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel, Singapore Tourism Board 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.”

The MICE Sustainability Roadmap was launched at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the first carbon-neutral MICE venue in Singapore, and in partnership with Climate Impact X and Unearthed Productions to ensure a low-carbon and low-waste event.