Prevue September/October 2011 - (Page 63)

Sustainability: in focus Q: Cindy hoddeson Director-Meeting & Incentive Sales Monaco Government Tourist Office visitmonaco.com Q: Are there any developments presently underway to help planners reduce their meeting’s carbon footprint? A: Monaco is reducing its carbon footprint in a variety of ways. The cost of a bus ticket, including the “Bus Boat” water shuttle that crosses the harbor, has been decreased to just one Euro. Electric bicycles are available for free throughout the Principality. All public service vehicles are either electric, hybrid or run on bio-fuel. Q: What are some creative group venues and Planners can compensate for the ecological impact of their events through attractions that educate attendees about the carbon offsetting, part of a sustainability importance of sustainability? program supported by the Prince Albert II Foundation. In return, programs are officially A: Founded by Prince Albert I in the early designated as Carbon Neutral. 20th century, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is known for its prestigious setting, All Monaco’s 4-5 star hotels are following the green path. Fairmont Monte Carlo offers a famous aquarium, historic collections, themed guide called Eco-Meet divided into four areas: exhibitions, and famed director Jacques Eco-Accommodation, Eco-Cuisine, EcoCousteau (from 1957 to 1988). Service and Eco-Programming. This very popular museum hosts a Cindy Hoddeson permanent collection featuring archives, The Environmental Charter of MonteCarlo SBM includes 23 measures covering areas such photographs and giant skeletons. On the lower level, as energy and water consumption, reduction of green the world renowned aquarium gathers 400 fish, 300 gas emission, and use of recycled paper and eco-friendly invertebrates and 100 coral species. It also features the products. Le Meridien Beach Plaza offers the option of Shark Lagoon, a giant 20-foot deep shark tank with 12-inch keeping linens for several days, and low watt lightbulbs are thick glass windows. in place. The museum offers interactive workshops for small groups to help raise awareness about the beauty and Q: What types of group experiences are popular that fragility of Mediterranean ecosystems. Exclusive “Behindeducate attendees about the importance of sustainability? The-Scene” VIP tours can also be organized for small groups. They consist of captivating tours of the areas, A: Monaco’s local destination management companies usually closed to the public, reserved for quarantine, offer a variety of green tours and activities. DMCs offer acclimation, treatment and breeding of species. tours that combine cooking classes using local and seasonal produce, an organic lunch at a gastronomic restaurant, and a visit of the city by electric car. Other green activities include eco-friendly games on an island, a visit to an oil mill, and organic bread baking. One can also organize a variety of tours through national parks in Provence to increase public awareness on environmental protection. prevueonline.net | 63 http://www.visitmonaco.com http://www.prevueonline.net

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue September/October 2011

Back Bay, Boston
Manchester
Meliá Hotels & Resorts
San Francisco/Denver/Cleveland
HSMAI + Soles4Souls
IRF/MGM Resorts, Las Vegas
Daytona Beach
Sustainability: The Next Big Thing
Central America
India
Sweden
Barcelo Resorts/Samana, DR
Portland

Prevue September/October 2011