Two hundred leaders took part in the survey for the report, with respondents on average running nine events a year for around 1,200 attendees collectively.
The Club Med report found 90 per cent of those surveyed were implementing sustainable measures at their events, with food waste and single use plastic minimisation the top two areas of focus for planners. Two in three respondents were taking steps to reduce their environmental impact in these areas. Energy efficiency and sourcing local or organic food were the next highest priorities.
Meanwhile, 33 per cent of survey respondents said corporate values were the impetus for sustainability action but 35 per cent said there was no CSR policy for the events they were organising.
Seventy-three per cent of respondents said they were planning sustainability initiatives for events over the next year, while the report also identified cost and lack of options as the two most significant barriers to making events more sustainable. Fifty-eight per cent of respondents cited cost, while 43 per cent cited lack of options.
Club Med has seen its business events market segment grow by 30 per cent since 2019.
“We are seeing the desire for sustainable practices, in particular ‘give-back’ sessions rise in popularity so our Meetings and Events Sustainability Report is here to provide our valued partners and prospectus clients with valuable insights, data and guidance on how they can move one step closer to making a positive impact on the environment,” said Club Med Pacific’s general manager, Michelle Davies.
“Sustainability has been at the heart of the Club Med ethos since its inception almost 75 years ago.
“Over the years we’ve implemented a range of sustainable initiatives that strive to empower local communities and minimise the impact on the environment.
“As the industry grows and the needs of our clients evolve, we want to be there on that journey with them and support them every step of the way.”
