Montréal certified as an environmentally sustainable destination for meetings and conventions

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 4, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Montréal has once again been certified by iCompli Sustainability according to ASTM-APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) standards. Developed in partnership with Green Meetings and Events, the certification confirms the city's position as an environmentally sustainable destination.

Crafted by over 300 professionals from the business tourism industry, the ASTM-APEX standards are the first in North America to establish performance criteria for sustainable practices and responsible management systems used by tourism stakeholders in the meetings sector. The standards cover various aspects of event organization, including meeting venues, communications, audiovisual, transportation, accommodations, energy sources, onsite offices and exhibits.

"Montréal is a popular destination for conventions and international events of all kinds. This certification gives the city an edge in a highly competitive global market in which business clients are increasingly attuned to sustainable development and environmental issues. Tourisme Montréal has been working with the tourism industry for several years to pioneer an ambitious environmental shift," said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.  

"The Palais des congrès de Montréal has been actively involved in sustainable development for many years and is proud to hold the ASTM Green Meetings Standards Certification. Our ambitious action plan is testimony to our commitment, with a comprehensive sustainable events program and an innovative Urban Agriculture Lab on our rooftop," said André Saucier, Vice-President, Finance and Administration and head of sustainable development at the Palais des congrès. "These initiatives contribute to positioning Montréal as a leading destination for sustainable conventions and to raising awareness among our clients."

"In an effort to pave the way, Montréal is committed to adopting exemplary practices in terms of sustainable development. In this capacity, we could not be prouder of this certification, which allows Montréal to be internationally recognized as a sustainable city. This certification is the result of numerous efforts towards integrating the principles of sustainable management in every facet of activity within our metropolis." said Mr. Jean-François Parenteau, member of Montréal's executive committee, responsible for citizen services, procurement, rolling stock and workshops, environment and sustainable development and mayor of Verdun borough.

About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position Montréal as a destination on leisure and business travel markets. It is also responsible for developing Montréal's tourism product in accordance with the ever-changing conditions of the market. For more information, visit www.mtl.org  

About the Palais des congrès de Montréal
The Palais des congrès de Montréal attracts and hosts conventions, exhibitions, conferences, meetings and other events, and generates major tourism revenues and intellectual wealth for Montréal and Québec, while also contributing to Montréal's international reputation as a premier host city. congresmtl.com

SOURCE Tourisme Montréal