The Hague: Sustainability Starts with Awareness

Magazine:
24th Apr, 2017
Category:
Image:
Body:

Choosing the right event destination that supports sustainable goals of an association or business event is crucial nowadays, and The Hague is one of the leading event destinations when it comes to sustainability. The synergy between The Hague and its surrounding nature is vital to the future of the city.

The city has made significant progress in achieving its ambition to become climate neutral by 2040, which is 10 years ahead of the national goal of the Netherlands. Any event held in The Hague can benefit from the city’s sustainability commitment, whether it is in making use of sustainable event venues, environmental-friendly accommodation or in exploring one of the many innovative projects in the city.

Awareness of sustainability in tourism
A report from booking.com published in 2016 shows that 65% of the 10 000 travellers who participated in the study did not know if they had stayed in a sustainable hotel. More interestingly only 42 % of the travellers considered themselves committed to sustainability. The low awareness of sustainability in the travel industry is one aspect that the UN wants to change by promoting a better understanding of the topic.

Numerous hotels in the Hague are proud holders of the Green Key Label, which stands for excellence in sustainable hospitality. City partners, such as the award-winning StayOkay Hostel or the Accor Hotel group with the Planet 21 project, support The Hague’s ambitions of becoming emission-free.

Sustainable efforts in The Hague 
The Urban Farmers is a stellar example of environmental friendly farming in the city. Located in a multistory building, the farm towers over the city and produces vegetables and fish for local consumption. Groups can visit the farm on guided tours, find out more about urban farming and even harvest vegetables.

The sustainable efforts in The Hague do not stop at dry land but continue far into the North Sea. While the Netherlands are known for horticulture on land, the Noordzeeboerderij Scheveningen cultivates seaweed in the sea. The produce is used in the food industry, as well as for renewable resources and supports the eco-system of the north sea.

The Hague would not be the same without its sandy beaches in Scheveningen and Kijkduin that attract many visitors every year. Plenty of beach bars, clubs and restaurants are located on the promenades and entertain tourists and locals alike. In 2017 the beaches of The Hague were once again awarded with the blue flag label which represents the outstanding cleanliness of the beach, which is one of the achievements of handling the city sustainably.

www.theconferencethehague.com

Other Articles

About Us

Supported by the Union of International Associations (UIA), the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and the Interel Group, the global public affairs and association management consultancy, Headquarters Magazines serve the needs of international associations organising worldwide congresses.