SUSTAINABILITY FEATURE

Marriott International launches connect responsibly for sustainable meetings

Marriott International has introduced ‘Connect Responsibly’, a new programme aimed at helping meeting planners integrate sustainability into their events at selected hotels within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.

The initiative will provide customers with detailed Meeting Impact Reports, which measure the environmental impact of events, and offer options for purchasing carbon credits. The programme is expected to be available globally, at participating properties, by the end of October.

“There is nothing like connecting in person, and doing so responsibly makes it that much better. With the Connect Responsibly programme, we are giving our conferencing and events customers options to better understand the impacts of their meetings as we collectively strive to create a more resilient future for travel,” said Erika Alexander, chief global officer, global operations, Marriott International.

Fuelled by the growing demand for meeting solutions that address sustainability and are informed by research and consumer insights from its global pilot programme, the property group is focused on offering a Meeting Impact Report through the Connect Responsibly programme. Available after an event has taken place, the user-friendly Meeting Impact Report is intended to capture event details, property-specific sustainability practices implemented, and the event’s carbon and water footprints, calculated through established hospitality industry methodologies. Marriott expects the Meeting Impact Report to be available in 11 different languages, based on location.

“Our customers are eager to participate in sustainability efforts. Connect Responsibly expands ongoing initiatives and strengthens our efforts focused on sustainability in hospitality,” said Tammy Routh, senior vice president, global sales, Marriott International.

This initiative aligns with Marriott’s broader commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainability within the hospitality industry. In April 2024, Marriott International became the largest global hospitality company to receive approval from the Science Based Targets initiative for its emissions reduction goals.