Global Tourism Forum Security Summit

Safeguarding Travel for a Secure Future

18th April, 2023, Brussels, Belgium

Sustainability Action Plan

 

The World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI) is an organization dedicated to reshaping economies through tourism development, especially in countries with untold tourism stories. Its main goal is to reduce the negative impact of tourism by fostering a more favorable impression of sustainable development goals within the global tourism sector. Furthermore, the World Tourism Forum Institute is committed to promoting sustainable practices within the tourism industry, striving to achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental and social responsibility.

The flagship initiative of WTFI is the Global Tourism Forum (GTF), which communicates sustainability messages and implements sustainability activities in event organizations to attain carbon neutrality for host countries.

The Global Tourism Forum Security Summit, themed “Safeguarding Travel for a Secure Future,” is scheduled to take place in Brussels, Belgium, on April 18, 2024. The event aligns with the greener event guidelines of the European Commission, following seven key actions to ensure that the Global Tourism Forum Security Summit meets the standards of a more environmentally friendly event.

1. Consider going online!

The Global Tourism Forum (GTF) embodies our commitment to inclusivity within the global tourism supply chain. By taking strategic actions to remove barriers to accessibility, we aim to ensure that all stakeholders have access to the transformative knowledge and insights offered at the event. To align with this vision, we are considering an online approach to enhance participation.

Participants will have the option to join the event virtually, allowing for increased inclusivity and flexibility. This hybrid approach is designed to accommodate attendees, including high-profile speakers, who may not be able to be physically present. We encourage a diverse audience by incorporating a digital participation option in our invitations and on the registration page.

To facilitate virtual attendance, we are implementing reliable videoconferencing and webcasting services. Our program will be adapted to be short, engaging, and interactive, with content spread out over several days if necessary. This ensures a seamless online experience for participants.

Moreover, live broadcasting and providing permanent access to session recordings will be part of our strategy. This guarantees that participants can engage with the content at their convenience, reinforcing our commitment to accessibility and knowledge dissemination. As a result, the impact of GTF goes beyond physical boundaries, contributing to the enhancement of Brussels’ reputation as a hub for sustainable tourism development.

2. Prefer green conference venues
   

The World Tourism Forum Institute is pleased to announce that the contract has been signed with Steigenberger Wiltcher’s in Brussels as the venue for the upcoming GTF Security Summit. Several factors influenced this decision, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and accessibility.

Located alongside the prestigious Avenue Louise, Steigenberger Wiltcher’s serves as the ideal base for exploring the vibrant heart of Brussels. Its strategic position ensures excellent connectivity with good public transport links, close to major transport hubs, thereby minimizing the need for shuttle buses and taxis. The hotel is conveniently situated just 11.37 km from BRU-Brussels Airport, and the Metro station Louise, a mere 413 meters from the venue, provides easy access for attendees.

Furthermore, the Steigenberger Wiltcher’s is a certified environmentally friendly hotel, holding prestigious certifications such as the EU Ecolabel, Green Key, and ISO 14001. These certifications reflect our commitment to selecting venues that adhere to high sustainability standards for both their buildings and processes. It aligns with our focus on energy efficiency and waste reduction.

DEUTSCHE HOSPITALITY, the operator of Steigenberger Wiltcher’s, places a strong emphasis on sustainability, saving on consumable items and implementing circular economy practices in their internal structures and processes. They have already significantly reduced consumption in the area of guest cosmetics by eliminating hard soaps and predominantly using large containers, resulting in a reduction of 12 tons of hard soap and saving 4 tons of plastic annually. Additionally, since 2021, they have completely eliminated the use of coffee-to-go cups in the EU, further contributing to their commitment to sustainability.

By choosing Steigenberger Wiltcher’s as the venue for the GTF Security Summit, we prioritize a location that not only meets our logistical needs but also aligns with our values of environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.

3. Go for low carbon travel

 We are proud to announce that, in line with our commitment to sustainability, we have partnered with DEUTSCHE HOSPITALITY to provide Green Services, a blend of sustainability and excellent service for our event attendees. This initiative reflects our dedication to offering eco-friendly transportation options and offsetting carbon emissions.

DEUTSCHE HOSPITALITY is actively contributing to sustainable mobility by outfitting all their infrastructurally suitable leasehold and management hotels with e-charging stations by the year 2024. This commitment aligns with our vision to support eco-friendly practices, particularly in the realm of transportation.

Furthermore, as part of the Green Services, DEUTSCHE HOSPITALITY aims to offer special rates for local and long-distance transportation to its guests. For select hotel brands, there is even a plan to provide complimentary transportation on local public transport, promoting the use of sustainable modes of commuting.

By leveraging these services, our event attendees will have access to convenient and sustainable transportation options, including electric charging stations and special rates for local and long-distance travel. This initiative not only enhances the overall attendee experience but also contributes to our broader goal of minimizing the environmental impact of our events.

We are committed to providing clear directions and timetables for public transport, utilizing (electric) buses or minibuses for local transfers, and offsetting carbon emissions from intercontinental flights, if any. Additionally, we encourage walking and will provide maps to make it easy for attendees to explore the surroundings on foot. Together, these efforts aim to create an environmentally conscious and accessible experience for all participants.

4. Refuse – Reduce – Re-use – Recycle

In alignment with our commitment to sustainability and responsible event management, we have implemented several measures to minimize the environmental impact of the GTF Security Summit.

To reduce waste, we have opted for digital name boards for all physical speakers, ensuring their reusability for future events. This decision not only eliminates the need for printed materials but also aligns with our goal of promoting sustainability in event signage.

In a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary printing, we have chosen not to produce any materials for the GTF Security Summit. This includes promotional items, signposting, and print material traditionally associated with events of this nature. We firmly believe that this decision contributes to a more environmentally friendly event.

All speaker presentations will be hosted permanently on WTFI’s platform at https://live.worldtourismforum.net. This move to a digital platform not only eliminates the need for printed copies but also facilitates easy access to conference information for participants. Embracing a paper-smart approach, we encourage attendees to access conference details online, minimizing the environmental impact associated with paper production and disposal.

By adopting these practices, we strive to set an example for responsible event management, prioritizing sustainability and minimizing our ecological footprint.

5. Green the plate

We are proud to announce our commitment to sustainable and responsible catering for the upcoming event. We have collaborated closely with the hotel to ensure that our tea breaks and gala dinner feature organic, local, and seasonal menus, reflecting our dedication to supporting local communities and minimizing our environmental impact.

In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, we are opting for plant-based food choices for the event. This decision aligns with our commitment to sustainability and promotes environmentally friendly dining practices.

To further minimize waste, we are taking a proactive approach by adapting the quantities of food to the number of confirmed participants. By providing a meals registration link to speakers and attendees, we aim to efficiently plan and cater to the exact needs of the event, avoiding unnecessary excess and subsequent waste.

In our commitment to sustainability, we will avoid the use of disposable tableware wherever possible. If disposable items are deemed necessary, we will ensure they are made from sustainable materials, prioritizing eco-friendly options.

To address the issue of water consumption, we will provide tap water or, if necessary, water dispensers, encouraging the use of reusable containers to reduce single-use plastic.

In line with our dedication to social responsibility, we have partnered with the Sense Foundation Brussels to facilitate the donation of event leftovers. This collaboration ensures that any surplus food will be directed towards providing ad hoc assistance to charitable organizations and NGOs, contributing to the well-being of those in need.

Through these initiatives, we strive to create an event that not only provides a memorable experience for participants but also upholds principles of sustainability and social responsibility.

6. Make it beautiful

In line with our commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact, we strongly prefer digital signposting for our upcoming event. Participants will be informed about the digital signposting through electric invitations sent via emails.

This approach not only aligns with our dedication to minimizing paper usage but also enhances the overall efficiency and convenience of navigating the event. Digital signposting allows for real-time updates and flexibility, contributing to a more dynamic and environmentally friendly event experience.

By communicating this preference to our participants in advance, we encourage everyone to embrace the digital platform for event navigation, contributing to our collective efforts towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious gathering.

Furthermore, we believe that adopting digital signposting not only reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility but also showcases our dedication to utilizing technology for a more streamlined and contemporary event experience..

7. Spread the word

To promote our commitment to sustainability from the outset, we use our invitations as a platform to make participants aware of the green choices incorporated into the GTF Security Summit. This initial communication ensures that attendees are informed about our environmentally conscious approach right from the beginning.

Harnessing the power of social media, we actively utilize these platforms to showcase and promote our green actions and activities. By sharing information about our sustainable initiatives, we aim to reach a global audience and engage millions of viewers who follow our channels. Social media serves as a dynamic and far-reaching tool to communicate our dedication to green practices.

To further enhance participant awareness during the event, reusable displays will be strategically placed at key spots such as the buffet table and registration desk. These displays will highlight the positive environmental initiatives and actions being undertaken, providing participants with a visual representation of our commitment to sustainability.

As part of our ongoing commitment to improvement, we will seek feedback and suggestions on sustainability as an integral component of our post-conference evaluation. This ensures that participants have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas, contributing to a continuous dialogue on how we can enhance and expand our sustainability efforts in the future. We value the input of our attendees and view it as an essential aspect of our journey towards creating more sustainable and responsible events.

 

Hanni Tran

Chief Sustainability Officer – World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI)