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. Our events, which bring together our vibrant, diverse community periodically throughout the year, are important to achieving our mission. As part of our commitment to sustainable tourism, our Events Sustainability Policy, adapted from the Global Sustainability Tourism Criteria strives to:

• 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, we collaborate to align the ATTA community's values and goals with that of the destination’s in order to purchase locally, conserve water, reduce plastic use, avoid food waste, and limit energy consumption and transport within the context of each event.

Recognizing that the travel sector contributes 8 percent of all global carbon emissions, we measure the carbon emissions associated with our events, including staff and delegate travel, and budget for a combination of carbon offsetting and removal of these emissions. For more information on offsetting and removal, see Climate Action: Plain Talk Guide For Small Travel Businesses.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Reuse

• Banners and other signage
• Badge holders and lanyards

Reduce

• Reduce paper handouts by going digital. If you must print, print locally, and source recycled, sustainably certified paper options
• Use recyclable materials such as cardboard for signage
• Leave no trace behind by shipping out all booth properties and packing materials and donating extra giveaways

Recycle

• Break down all cardboard boxes and put them in the hotel’s recycling area

Refuse

• Avoid foamcore signs and other materials that cannot be recycled

Giveaways

After years of having events, ATTA has received a lot of feedback about the kinds of giveaways that are appreciated and valued and those that are not because of either their environmental impact, or simply because they have received so many through the years. Consider this another opportunity to showcase your culture as well as your understanding of the adventure travel industry’s values around sustainability

Do’s

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

Don’ts

• Reusable water bottles (they have said they now have enough)
• Luggage tags
• Items that won’t travel well because they are large or breakable
• Plastic trinkets, keychains