Forum: Sustainability key to making Singapore a top Mice destination
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I applaud the Government’s target of increasing tourism spending in Singapore from $29.8 billion in tourism receipts in 2024 to between $47 billion and $50 billion by 2040 (Singapore targets $50 billion in tourism receipts by 2040; eyes Mice sector as key growth driver, April 11).
This represents a shift from chasing arrival figures to quantifying the quality of tourism products Singapore offers, based on how much people spend here.
One of the key growth engines lies in the Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) segment, which brings in many international business travellers within a short period of time. Besides hotels and the convention venue, downtown restaurants and attractions also benefit from having delegates here.
However, apart from developing and sprucing up Mice venues and attractions in the city to enrich the visitor experience, should policymakers also consider the sustainability of Mice events to set Singapore apart from other choice destinations in the region?
Focusing on sustainability is no longer optional, but rather a strategic necessity. As global corporations face pressure from shareholders, clients and employees to align with environmental, social and governance goals, hosting events at the wrong venues can damage brand credibility and attract public scrutiny, especially if high-profile events fail to address environmental impacts.
Positioning Singapore as the most sustainable Mice destination in the Asia-Pacific region would also align with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, making it a strong rallying call for industries and individuals to play a part.
Here are some suggestions:
Upgrade meeting venues instead of building new ones. Constructing and demolishing buildings create large carbon footprints that are difficult to offset. Developers should therefore be incentivised to upgrade existing facilities and optimise their mechanical systems for energy efficiency before considering new developments.
Prioritise green-certified venues and suppliers with a track record of reducing the use of energy and other resources. Having venues with global sustainable certifications would showcase Singapore’s commitment to net-zero goals and best practices in sustainable event planning.
Implement sustainable catering and waste management. Singapore is known as a food paradise, so why not make it a leader in food sustainability, too? Caterers can implement steps such as banning single-use plastics, sourcing ingredients locally, and using food waste-to-energy systems, thereby lowering the emission of greenhouse gases.
To become the foremost choice for Mice travellers, getting convention halls, hotels and other destinations to be sustainable and energy-efficient would be a game changer.
Ian Tan
