Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) Launches Connect Responsibly Program to Promote Sustainable Meetings

Highlights:

• New program enables meeting planners to incorporate sustainability into their events at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• Features detailed Meeting Impact Reports to assess environmental impacts and carbon offsets.
• Anticipated rollout across managed and franchised properties globally by the end of October.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) has unveiled its innovative initiative, Connect Responsibly with Marriott Bonvoy Events. This program is designed to empower meeting planners to integrate sustainability into their events at participating hotels within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. With a strong focus on environmental responsibility, Connect Responsibly aims to provide detailed insights into the impact of meetings and events, offering customers the tools they need to make informed, eco-friendly choices.

In recent years, the demand for sustainable meeting solutions has surged, driven by increasing awareness and concern for environmental issues. Recognizing this trend, Marriott conducted extensive research and piloted the program globally, enabling them to fine-tune the offerings based on customer insights and feedback. Connect Responsibly is set to go live at managed and franchised properties by the end of October, providing a comprehensive suite of resources for event planners.

One of the key features of the program is the Meeting Impact Report, which will be made available to event organizers after their meetings. This user-friendly report captures essential details about the event, outlines property-specific sustainability practices implemented during the event, and calculates the carbon and water footprints using established methodologies in the hospitality industry. The Meeting Impact Report is expected to be available in 11 different languages, making it accessible to a diverse range of customers.

Erika Alexander, Chief Global Officer for Global Operations at Marriott International, emphasized the importance of in-person connections, stating, “There is nothing like connecting in person, and doing so responsibly makes it that much better. With the Connect Responsibly program, we are giving our meetings and events customers options to better understand the impacts of their meetings as we collectively strive to create a more resilient future for travel.”

To further enhance the sustainability efforts, Marriott has partnered with South Pole, a leading carbon asset developer and climate consultancy. Through this collaboration, meeting and events customers will have access to select carbon offset projects. These projects, verified by independent third-party organizations, can be purchased via the South Pole online shop as part of the event planning process. This not only allows planners to mitigate their events' carbon footprints but also supports meaningful climate initiatives.

Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Marriott International, highlighted the significance of this initiative for the company's business strategy. “Meetings and events are important business for Marriott. Our customers are eager to participate in sustainability efforts. Connect Responsibly expands ongoing initiatives and strengthens our efforts focused on sustainability in hospitality,” she stated.

The launch of Connect Responsibly underscores Marriott’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future in the hospitality industry. By providing meeting planners with the necessary tools and insights, the company aims to lead the charge toward responsible tourism and event planning. As more organizations prioritize sustainability, Marriott is positioned to cater to this growing demand, establishing itself as a pioneer in the eco-friendly meetings space.

As the program rolls out, Marriott looks forward to engaging with its customers to foster a collaborative approach to sustainability, ensuring that every meeting not only connects people but also contributes to a healthier planet.