ATTA Events Sustainability Strategy

ATTA's Mission

The ATTA’s mission is to empower a global travel community to deliver experiences that protect natural and cultural capital while creating shared economic value. Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a requirement, and ATTA has made it one of its main pillars. Guided by a pragmatic approach, the ATTA has pledged in its Sustainability Policy to be a torchbearer by leading by example and inspiring others to follow suit.

Sustainability at ATTA Events

Our events, which periodically bring together our vibrant, diverse community throughout the year, are fundamental to achieving our mission.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, our events include the following key objectives:

• Maximize social and economic benefits to the local community and minimize negative impacts
• Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and minimize negative impacts
• Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts

In our agreements with event host partners and partner tour operators, we collaborate to align the ATTA community’s values and goals with those of the destination in order to purchase locally, conserve water, reduce plastic use, avoid food waste, limit energy consumption and transport within the context of each event, and commit to sustainable practices in the future.

Commitment to Climate

As an organization committed to realizing and expanding the positive benefits of travel for local communities and conservation, ATTA extends this commitment to climate. We measure the carbon emissions associated with our events (including delegates and business travel) and seek to remove part of and, most of all, reduce these emissions.

We take a continuous improvement approach to sustainability and work in different ways to improve our positive impact within our events and for the industry as a whole.

Mobilizing the Industry

ATTA helps mobilize the broader industry as well to support climate through education and practical tools. Visit our Sustainability Resource Center for more information.

The Sustainability Fund

In 2024, the ATTA is expanding its dedication to sustainability by establishing a Sustainability Fund, whose aim is to support carbon reduction initiatives and nature-based conservation projects, complementing the organization’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Collaborating closely with partners and destinations, the ATTA is determined to achieve a 5% to 10% reduction in per-delegate emissions in the first year.

ATTA events actively contribute to conservation projects through the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF), climate education, carbon removal via permanent storage, and the promotion of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) through Tomorrow’s Air, which provides an easy way for individuals and businesses to support a cutting-edge portfolio of climate saving technologies.

The Sustainability Fund will be financed through contributions generated by ATTA’s events and projects worldwide.

Get in Touch

For questions or suggestions to support our events sustainability team, please send an email to [email protected] subject line: Events Sustainability

Sustainable Tourism in Ecuador

Tourism in Ecuador has become a tool for generating wealth and well-being in the territory. This objective is achieved through strengthening sustainable tourism, that is environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically inclusive.

• Sustainable and Responsible: the Ministry of Tourism bases its strategy on a broad approach to tourism sustainability, intended as the responsibility assumed of minimizing negative impacts of tourism, while amplifying and extending the positive opportunities and impacts for the industry,territories, local communities and travelers, through a responsible and conscious use of the country’s tourism potential. The Ministry intends to encourage sustainable and responsible tourism among all stakeholders through the strengthening and diversification of a portfolio of high quality sustainable products and destinations.
• Bound to the territory from the market: stimulate favorable conditions that promote sustainable tourism as a source of foreign exchange generation in the case of inbound tourism and strengthen and redistribute territorial income in the case of domestic tourism. Ensuring that employment and wealth generation opportunities are extended to the entire population without any type of discrimination and prioritizing territorial targeting with a focus on cooperation in clusters, circuits or corridors based on local potential and market priorities.

Sustainability Practices at AdventureELEVATE Latin America 2024

 

Conservation, Carbon Reduction and Removal

• We recognize that the travel sector contributes eight percent of all global carbon emissions. ATTA has committed to achieve a 5% to 10% reduction in per-delegate emissions and contributes to conservation projects through the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund - ATCF and  climate education, carbon removal via permanent storage, and the promotion of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) through Tomorrow’s Air.
• We invite our delegates to join us in this commitment by contributing through a one-time purchase or monthly subscription to Tomorrow’s Air.

 

Reduce, Reuse + Recycle

• ATTA has moved to eliminate single-use polypropylene banners from our events. All new banners are printed on recycled fabric and are designed to be used over and over again. Banner production has also been reduced in favor of digital projection where possible. Exhibitors are encouraged to do the same. 
• ATTA prioritizes the digital distribution of information over paper handouts wherever possible. There is no printed agenda, for example. Exhibitors are encouraged to do the same.
• If printing is necessary, recycled and sustainably certified paper is used.

CCMQ’s Sustainable Practices

1. Water Consumption: with the installation and proper maintenance of all the efficient sanitary appliances, it is possible to save 40% of potable water. Healthy and ecological building with ample green areas for its occupants and using drip irrigation to save 80% of consumption. Planting low water consumption and drought resistant plants. 
2. Energy use: Efficient external illumination saving up to 14% of energy. Elevators and escalators are active during events only. Lighting sensors are installed in each floor, thus using energy only when movement is detected. This allows saving 75% of energy.
3. Waste management: hazardous waste such as batteries, electronic waste, or lamps must be disposed of in a special landfill in order to avoid contaminating new land (as indicated in local regulations). 75% of construction waste was recycled. Cardboard and paper, plastics, glass and metals are continuously recycled.
4. Air circulation: With the installation of electric fans, air renewal was achieved by increasing the amount of contamination-free air by 45%. 
5. Thermally efficient building: Terraces, roofs, and facades are light-colored, which keeps all areas of the CCMQ cool, avoiding using energy to have an adequate thermal level in all areas of the building.
6. Parking: CCMQ has several parking areas for charging electric cars, as well as several bicycle parking spaces

Sustainability at GO Quito Hotel

 

Internal Communication and Sustainability Champions 

Go Quito Hotel has been actively implementing initiatives to promote sustainable practices in the workplace. Through a multifaceted internal communication campaign utilizing text messages, banners in key areas, and informative signage, the hotel aims to embed sustainability into its organizational culture. These tools offer practical tips and suggest specific actions, motivating staff to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors. 

Additionally, GO Quito Hotel has identified employees interested in becoming sustainability change agents within the hotel and offices.

The primary objectives of these initiatives are to increase understanding of sustainable practices, motivate their adoption in staff's daily lives, and strengthen the culture of sustainability within the hotel.

These actions contribute to various Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 4 - Quality Education: promoting education and training in sustainability among employees.
• SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: hotel employees learn about waste management and resource conservation to contribute to the development of sustainable communities.
• SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: incentivizing more sustainable consumption and production practices within the hotel.
• SDG 13 - Climate Action: raising awareness and taking climate action through staff training and active participation in sustainable initiatives.

Women in High-level Positions

Globally, female representation in high-level positions remains low. In Ecuador, the situation mirrors this trend. In contrast, GO Quito Hotel, founded by two female entrepreneurs, stands out in the hotel sector. With 7 out of its 9 highest-ranking positions held by women, the hotel surpasses traditional gender norms in the corporate sphere. This organizational structure allows for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and approaches in decision-making.

The majority of women in leadership positions at GO Quito Hotel set an important precedent, breaking gender barriers and serving as role models for other women and girls within the organization and the community.

This action primarily contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality: promoting female representation in leadership positions and decision-making.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: sustainable economic growth including support for gender equality in leadership roles.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: reducing inequalities including those based on gender.

Reusing Antique Furniture for Hotel Interior Design

GO Quito Hotel has revitalized antique furniture, renovating them for current use. This practice not only preserves the history and craftsmanship of each piece but also avoids the need for new goods, thus reducing resource consumption and waste generation. This approach creates a unique ambiance in the hotel, appealing to guests who value sustainability and authenticity.

Reusing and refurbishing antique furniture contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption: by reusing and recycling furniture instead of discarding them and producing new ones.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: promoting resource conservation and waste reduction in hotel operations.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: reducing the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting new furniture.

Ingredient Traceability and Zero Waste Gastronomy Services

GO Quito Hotel’s gastronomic services are founded on a strong commitment to ingredient traceability. This entails a comprehensive understanding of the origin and journey of each product used in the kitchen, from production to serving at the consumer's table.

At GO Quito Hotel, traceability involves: identifying the farm, plantation, or supplier of each ingredient; monitoring harvesting, transportation, storage, and preparation practices; ensuring that ingredients meet the highest standards; and maintaining transparency in selecting suppliers who adhere to environmentally responsible practices and support local communities.

In the kitchen, a zero-waste policy is implemented, optimizing purchasing planning and ingredient usage to minimize waste. Additionally, organic waste undergoes composting, reinforcing the circular economy cycle and reducing the hotel's environmental footprint.

 

Participation in Composting and Recycling Program

In collaboration with Biocompost, GO Quito Hotell actively participates in community recycling. Organic waste is transformed into compost, while recyclable materials such as plastic, paper, glass, and metals are separated, promoting their reintegration into the supply chain and fostering environmental awareness.

These actions contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: by reducing the burden on municipal waste management systems and promoting sustainable communities.
• SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption: by taking responsibility for the entire food supply chain, from production to consumption.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with the decomposition of organic waste in landfills.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: by contributing to the reduction of negative impacts on land through sustainable waste management.

Local Artisans's Participation in GO Quito Hotel's Artisan Fair

The Artisan Fair at GO Quito is a space where local artisans can exhibit and sell handmade products, ranging from food to jewelry and textiles, at no cost to them. With four editions held, this event attracted 120 participants, showcasing strong community interest and bolstering the local economy, while increasing visibility for artisanal skills and strengthening ties between the hotel and the community.

This initiative contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: by supporting the local economy and artisan entrepreneurship.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: by showcasing local culture and providing economic support to the artisan community.
• SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption: by promoting the production and consumption of local artisanal products.

Supporting Local Economic Development

GO Quito Hotel promotes local economic development by engaging local suppliers and workforce. During the hotel's construction, Ecuadorian professionals were hired, bringing their carpentry workshops, furniture-making machinery, and bedding production to the hotel. These workshops facilitated the sustainable and customized production of necessary items for the hotel, while also providing employment and training opportunities for local artisans.

These initiatives align with several Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: by promoting productive employment and labor through the hiring and training of local workforce.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: by supporting local industrialization and contributing to the construction of sustainable infrastructure.
• SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption: by implementing sustainable resource management and fostering responsible practices in production and consumption within the hotel.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Smart Building Management

GO Quito Hotel employs an active monitoring and control system to optimize energy and resource usage, automatically adjusting lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning as needed, thus enhancing operational efficiency.

Water Management

High-efficiency sanitary devices and dual-flush systems are utilized to minimize potable water usage. Additionally, greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting reduce reliance on external water sources, promoting environmental sustainability.

Energy Consumption Minimization

GO Quito Hotel employs low-consumption lighting, high-efficiency electrical equipment, and water heating systems incorporating solar collectors and heat pumps. Combined with a construction design enhancing thermal and acoustic resistance, this reduces the need for artificial climate control, minimizing energy consumption.

Gardens

Exterior areas, such as gardens and landscaped terraces, not only beautify urban spaces but also mitigate the urban heat island effect, fostering a cooler and more sustainable environment.

Comprehensive Waste Management 

Implementing comprehensive waste management has significantly reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills. Material recovery and reuse contribute to the circular economy, reducing the environmental impact associated with construction, including CO2 emissions.

These initiatives contribute to various Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Contribution to water conservation and sustainable management.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Use of renewable energy with solar collectors and heat pumps.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Construction of resilient and sustainable infrastructure integrating efficient technologies and innovations.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Incorporation of green and sustainable infrastructure in urban design and project management; creation of public green spaces and mitigation of the urban heat island effect.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Promotion of sustainable consumption and production practices and efficient resource management.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: Contribution to the fight against climate change by reducing energy consumption, promoting sustainable construction practices, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Exhibiting Partners  

 

Partners are encouraged to:

• Eliminate single-use banners and consider renting a television screen for their exhibition area instead.
• Use recyclable materials such as cardboard for signage and avoid foam board and polypropylene.
• Print locally, if printing is necessary, and source recycled, sustainably certified paper options.
• Leave no trace behind by shipping out all booth properties and packing materials and donating extra giveaways.
• Break down all cardboard boxes and gather them together so that they may be easily identified for recycling by the convention center staff. 

 

A Note on Giveaways

After more than 15 years of events, ATTA has received a lot of feedback about the kinds of giveaways that are appreciated and valued and those that are not, either because of their environmental impact or simply because travel professionals have received so many through the years. If giveaways are utilized, we recommend that our partners

 

DO consider:

• Artisan-made local crafts tied to your culture
• Edible treats, cookies, chocolates, tea, coffee
• Scarves, hats, especially locally made in your region
• Useful items like branded notebooks, pens, tote bags, hand sanitizers

 

Please DON’T consider:

• Reusable water bottles (our delegates say that they have enough of these)
• Reusable shopping bags (these have been trendy for the past few years and most of us now have enough of them)
• Luggage tags
• Items that won’t travel well because they are large or breakable
• Plastic trinkets, keychains