Findings from the 2022 Incentive Travel Index showed a gap in attitudes toward sustainability between the US and the rest of the world.

This gap persists despite statements by groups like the World Health Organisation (WHO), which proclaimed in November that “Climate change and the crises it has triggered have long been clear health emergencies…action has been dangerously inconsistent and far too slow.”

Combatting climate change, in part, requires promoting and encouraging more sustainable behavior across all industries, including incentive travel. It’s especially encouraging to see emerging leadership from US destinations that we’ll need on board to help change hearts and minds and pursue key industry sustainability goals.

We’ve spotlighted one destination in particular: our friends at NYC & Company.

Global organizations are making a grander effort to emphasize sustainability in meetings and events. World leaders in this vital space include New York City, where future-forward progress includes:  

• Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives 
• Low-impact food, energy and waste measures 
• Repurposing and recycling event materials  
• Building new eco-friendly venues 

Timeless green landmarks like Central Park in Manhattan and the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, as well as newer spaces like Manhattan’s Little Island, provide perennial reference points and exceptional venue options for planners and organizers across the five boroughs. 

“New York City is a hub for climate action—from major events like Climate Week NYC to the efforts made by small businesses and local communities that help their neighborhood,” says Jerry Cito, NYC & Company Executive Vice President for Convention Development.  

“As we continue to recover from the pandemic, the hospitality, tourism and meetings industries are presented with a unique opportunity to build back more sustainably. There’s no better place for planners to drive these conversations and do business than NYC.”