I first became aware of the concept of “green” tourism in the mid-’90s when the Pacific Asia Travel Association launched its Green Leaf program, heralding environmentally responsible leisure tourism companies and destinations.
PATA was ahead of its time, as the meetings and conventions industry is just now ramping up its efforts, and it seems every hotel company, convention center and conference center is rushing to join the party, spurred perhaps by major corporations and associations that are placing a high priority on saving the planet.
The time has indeed come for Green Meetings, as this industry by its very nature produces tons of waste. A recent research project conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the trade show industry is the second-highest trash-producing industry in the world, right behind construction. I’m guessing publishing must be up there, too, just to come “clean” on our end.
Check out our green meetings story, which starts on page 44, and continue learning more by accessing the story on MeetingsFocus.com, where even more information will be presented.
