Montréal, a leading destination for environmentally sustainable events

MONTRÉAL, July 6, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Ville de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal and the Palais des congrès de Montréal are pleased to announce that Montréal has recently been certified by iCompli Sustainability according to ASTM-APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) standards, a certification that solidifies the city's reputation as a leading destination for hosting environmentally sustainable events. Crafted by over 300 professionals from different sectors of 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 for tourism stakeholders in the meetings sector. They cover different elements of event organization, including meeting venues, communications, audiovisual, transportation, accommodations, food and beverage, energy, onsite offices and exhibits.

Developed in partnership with Green Meetings and Events, the certification gives Montréal truly enviable positioning in an extremely competitive global market in which business clients are increasingly attuned to the issues of sustainable development and respect of the environment.

"Montréal is a popular destination, well known for hosting conventions and international events of all kinds. We are proud to have contributed to obtaining this accreditation, which certifies that our city is a green destination, particularly for event and conference tourism. The ASTN-APEX standard underscores our commitment to making Montréal a sustainable metropolis, in keeping with our aspirations and the needs of future generations," said Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre.

"Several years ago, Tourisme Montréal embarked on an ambitious and pioneering green movement. We knew it was important, in collaboration with our tourism industry partners, to respond to the major challenges of sustainable development and the growing preoccupations on the subject held by different industry stakeholders. Today, we are proud of the results we have achieved. Montréal is now recognized as one of North America's leading urban tourism destinations for hosting environmentally sustainable events," said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.

"Ten years ago, the Palais undertook a sustainable development approach, which materializes in the form of an ambitious action plan, a BOMA BESt (Level 3) certification, a strong sustainable events program and an innovative showcase of green roof technologies that includes a vegetable garden and beehives," said André Saucier, Vice-President, Finance and Administration and responsible of sustainable development at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. "We are proud to contribute to positioning Montréal as a leading destination for sustainable events", he adds.

iCompli Sustainability, a division of BPA Worldwide, developed the certification protocol for the ASTM-APEX standards and acted as an independent third party in the auditing process to ensure that Tourisme Montréal complied with the Destination category criteria. "Our standards certification process, which was driven by GMIC [Green Meetings Industry Council] and adopted by Tourisme Montréal, is part of a long partnership with the events industry to encourage transparency and eco-responsible practices," said Glenn Hansen, CEO of BPA Worldwide.

This certification follows Tourisme Montréal's recent Responsible Travel & Tourism Forum Award as part of the Leadership Awards presented by Baxter Travel Media, which annually awards Canadian tourism organizations for socially, economically and environmentally responsible practices.

About Tourisme Montréal 
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position the "Montréal" 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.tourisme-montreal.org.

About the Palais des congrès de Montréal
Recipient of the AIPC Gold Quality Standards certification, the highest in the convention industry, the Palais des congrès de Montréal attracts and hosts conventions, exhibitions, conferences, meetings and other events, and generates major economic benefits for Québec. www.congresmtl.com

About iCompli Sustainability
Compli Sustainability (iCompli) is a division of BPA Worldwide, a not-for-profit organization established in 1931. The world's largest media audit company, BPA's audit services have expanded to include external assurance of government and industry standards and independent verification of companies' sustainability claims.

For more information, visit www.icomplisustainability.com (in English only).

SOURCE Tourisme Montréal

For further information: Andrée-Anne Pelletier, Manager, Public Relations, Tourisme Montréal, [email protected], Phone: [phone]; Source: Catherine Maurice, Press Officer, Office of the Mayor and the Executive Committee, 514 346-7598; Renée Pageau, Division of Public Affairs, City of Montréal, 514 868-4580