Marriott International, Inc. (Marriott) today announced the launch of Connect Responsibly with Marriott Bonvoy Events, a program designed to help event planners incorporate sustainability into their events at participating Marriott Bonvoy portfolio hotels. Connect Responsibly will offer partners detailed reporting to measure the environmental impact of their events, as well as options to purchase carbon credits. The program is expected to be available at participating brands’ managed and franchised properties globally by the end of October.
“ There’s nothing like connecting in person, and doing so responsibly is even better. With ‘Connect Responsibly’, we’re giving our partners the tools to better understand the impact of their events and meetings, while working together towards a more sustainable future for the travel industry , ” said Erika Alexander, Global Chief Operating Officer, Marriott International.
In response to the growing demand for sustainable event solutions and based on the experience of its global pilot program, Marriott has focused on offering a Meetings Impact Report through this new program. After each event, members will receive a clear and easy-to-interpret report that will include details about the event, the sustainable practices implemented at the property, and the calculation of the water and carbon footprint, using methodologies recognized in the hotel industry. Marriott also plans to make these reports available in 11 different languages, depending on the region.
In collaboration with South Pole, a carbon offset project developer and climate consultancy, Marriott will offer its members the ability to support specific carbon offset projects. Through the Meetings Impact Report, members will be able to access South Pole’s online store, where they can choose from a variety of carbon offset projects, all verified by independent organizations, and purchase them as part of their event.
“Meetings and events are an important business for Marriott. Our partners are eager to engage in sustainability efforts. Connect Responsibly expands our ongoing initiatives and reinforces our sustainability-focused efforts within hospitality,” said Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Marriott International. “We are excited to continue to build out our sustainability reporting capabilities to offer our partners detailed Meeting Impact Reports, and access to a select portfolio of verified carbon offset projects, through our collaboration with South Pole.”
This announcement is part of Marriott’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at its properties and throughout its supply chain. Beginning in April 2024, Marriott became the largest hotel company in the world to receive Science Based Targets (SBTi) approval for its science-based, short- and long-term emissions reduction goals. To advance these goals, Marriott launched its Climate Action Program (CAP), which includes concrete carbon reduction goals at each of its properties.
Source: Marriott International.