ICCA and Costa Rica Tourism Board Announce Sustainability Partnership

ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association, has announced that it has joined forces with Costa Rica as a Sustainability Partner, and will work with the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) and the Costa Rica Convention Center in a joint 3-year project focused on the creation of concrete initiatives and tools for the meetings and events industry.

These resources will contribute to better sustainable tourism destinations, venues and providers in the meetings industry. The agreement aligns with ICCA's commitment to sustainability in the global meetings and events industry, and is the latest addition to ICCA's portfolio of progressive environmental initiatives, including the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS) and the Net Zero Carbon Events Roadmap.  

After three years, new tools like the new Meetings Industry Sustainable Tourism Certification will become available for use by other ICCA members within the events sector, enabling them to apply for this certification to show their commitment to sustainability and sustainable meetings and events. 

"ICCA is excited to team up with the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) as a Sustainability Partner," said Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA. "One of our pillars as an organisation is sustainability, and this initiative promises to advance this key issue on the global stage, as well as provide our members with further means to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility in the meetings and events space." 

Additionally, ICCA will work with the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) and the Costa Rica Convention Center toward the development of a carbon offset calculator for use by the meetings industry, focused specifically on venues. This calculator will be made available to ICCA members in the venue sector to better understand the environmental impact of events and to more easily set and achieve goals related to reducing carbon emissions.  

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) will offset the carbon emissions from travel to Frankfurt for attendees of the ICCA Plenary meeting at IMEX. Participants will receive a certificate indicating the carbon offset. 

"We're looking forward to a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership with ICCA as our Sustainability Partner," said Mr. William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica. "As a respected leader in the meetings and events community who shares our vision and mission for a more sustainable future, ICCA is the ideal organisation to partner with as we work toward our objectives for reduced carbon emissions and more sustainable meetings and events around the world." 

In the coming years, ICCA will name additional Sustainability Partners throughout the world who meet specific requirements, including well-defined and active environmental initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions; green infrastructure; water conservation; and sustainable accommodations, among other qualifications.