Marriott International has unveiled Connect Responsibly with Marriott Bonvoy Events, a new initiative designed to help meeting planners integrate sustainability into their events at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties. The program, set to roll out globally by the end of October, will offer event organizers detailed Meeting Impact Reports to assess the environmental impact of their gatherings and the option to purchase carbon credits to offset emissions.
The program will be available at nearly 133 hotels in India and nearly 500 properties across Asia Pacific (excluding China).
Erika Alexander, Chief Global Officer, Global Operations at Marriott, commented, “There’s nothing like connecting in person, and doing so responsibly makes it even more impactful. Connect Responsibly empowers our customers to understand their event’s environmental footprint as we work together towards a more sustainable future for travel.”
The Meeting Impact Report, a key feature of the program, will provide planners with an overview of sustainability practices implemented during the event, including carbon and water footprints, based on established hospitality industry standards. This report will be available in 11 languages, depending on location.
In collaboration with South Pole, a leading carbon consultancy, Marriott will allow event planners to access a variety of verified carbon offset projects through an online platform, offering a range of options to mitigate the environmental impact of their events.
Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President, Global Sales at Marriott, added, “Our meetings and events customers are increasingly eager to engage in sustainability efforts. Connect Responsibly enhances our sustainability initiatives, offering detailed environmental reporting and carbon offset options in partnership with South Pole.”