The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) launched a number of initiatives at IMEX in Frankfurt in May, all designed to raise sustainability standards across the meetings industry. A Legacy Toolkit and a carbon and waste baselining study are part of STB’s declared ambition for carbon neutral participation at international trade shows.
“Since the launch of the MICE Sustainability Roadmap in 2022, STB has remained steadfast in our commitment to fostering a more sustainable and impactful MICE industry. [These] initiatives we are unveiling will not only steer the MICE industry towards a more sustainable future, but also provide tangible ways in which event organisers and planners can make meaningful, lasting impact in Singapore. We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and uphold our ambition to be the World’s Best MICE City,” said Mr Yap Chin Siang, deputy chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board.
The Legacy Toolkit contains a clear framework titled ‘FIRM’ and encourages planners to Frame their vision, Ideate their initiatives, Realise action plans and Measure impact. It also contains case studies designed to inspire legacy possibilities in Singapore.
The legacy planning process aims to foster greater engagement between event organisers, venues, local communities and stakeholders. This includes working with established community organisations and institutions that serve as local points of contact to provide support and resources. The National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre is a prime example of such an institution in Singapore, providing valuable networks and expertise to build an inclusive and caring society.
The STB Legacy Toolkit can be downloaded here
Singapore was one of the first countries in the world to commence a national MICE Industry Carbon and Waste Baseline exercise in 2023 to study the MICE industry’s environmental impact. Through this study, an aggregated baseline of sustainability data points was established, focusing on Energy, Water and Waste. These metrics can be consistently measured and are aligned with the global Net Zero Carbon Events Methodology. The findings revealed that the average MICE venue-related carbon emissions per attendee stand at 14.13 kgCO2; and a large proportion, 94% of MICE venue-related emissions, comes from energy.
Insights gained should be instrumental in driving waste reduction and decarbonisation strategies for positive environmental outcomes.
STB is also aiming for carbon neutral for its participation at key international trade shows from 2024, namely IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America and IBTM World.
IMEX Frankfurt 2024 was the first trade show where STB is committed to holding itself accountable to robust standards and aims to adhere to ISO14068 standards published in December 2023.
The enhanced Singapore MICE Advantage Programme (SMAP) was rolled out in March 2024 which included a range of new and revamped benefits added from partners such as Singapore Airlines, Changi Airport Group, tourist attractions and food & beverage experiences.
More information about SMAP and other assistance schemes is available at www.visitsingapore.com/mice.
2024 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB), a group of the Singapore Tourism Board and the city state has marked it already by achieving its highest-ever ranking, securing 2nd position on the ICCA Worldwide City Rankings 2023 which maintains also Singapore’s position as Asia Pacific’s Top Meeting City for 21 years now.
The latest STB initiatives follow the launch of a new global marketing campaign last month, ‘World’s Best MICE City’, a campaign that invites MICE event organisers and planners to take a fresh perspective on Singapore’s value proposition as a leading MICE destination that can influence purposeful outcomes, amid a competitive landscape. It was the first of six global campaigns that STB is rolling out in the coming years to sharpen the way it tells the Singapore story, after it announced its refreshed marketing strategy in 2023.
