Poland is cementing its position as a sustainability leader in Central Europe’s MICE industry. Key cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Łódź, and Wrocław are driving eco-friendly practices through initiatives like Net Zero Carbon Events and the GDS-Index, supporting global efforts to decarbonise the events sector.
Net Zero Carbon Events: Poland’s Role
The Poland Convention Bureau has joined the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, backed by the Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCB).
This collaboration includes key participants such as ICE Kraków Congress Centre, Symposium Cracoviense, and the Polish Chamber of Exhibition Industry (PIPT). Together, they are committed to minimising the environmental impact of events hosted in Poland.
Symposium Cracoviense’s achievement of the Green Meetings Bronze Award from Green Tourism, the world’s largest sustainable tourism certification programme, highlights Poland’s progress. This prestigious recognition reflects the nation’s commitment to responsible event management and serves as an inspiration for others to adopt similar practices.
Kraków: A Sustainability Pioneer
Kraków is leading by example as the first Polish city included in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index). The city focuses on promoting sustainable transportation, energy-efficient venues, and strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of its events.
The Kraków Convention Bureau actively supports organisers in adopting green practices through the Kraków Sustainable Tourism Strategy. Complementing these efforts, the Kraków Network’s decarbonisation strategy, “From WHY to Offset,” provides practical steps to reduce emissions, reaffirming the city’s dedication to long-term environmental goals.
Gdańsk: International Recognition and Velo-City 2025
Gdańsk’s sustainable efforts have earned international acclaim, including a finalist spot for the 2024 GDS-Awards’ “Most Improved Destination” category.
The European Solidarity Centre’s receipt of the Green Key Certification further underscores the city’s commitment to eco-conscious practices in venue management.
Adding to its accolades, Gdańsk will host the Velo-City 2025 Summit, a global event focused on cycling and sustainable urban mobility. With over 400 speakers, 80 sessions, and participants from 60 countries, this summit highlights Gdańsk’s leadership in advancing eco-friendly transport solutions and reinforces its reputation as a progressive city in the MICE industry.
Łódź: Urban Future 2025 Host
Łódź, a city known for its dynamic transformation, will host Urban Future 2025, a pivotal global conference dedicated to sustainable urban development. This event will bring together urban planners, businesses, and policymakers to explore innovative strategies for green infrastructure and eco-friendly city planning, showcasing Łódź’s growing prominence in the sustainability sphere.
Wrocław: Driving Green Practices
Wrocław’s Green Events initiative represents a significant step forward in sustainable event management. The city’s comprehensive “Green Events” document serves as a resource for organisers, featuring case studies of venues such as Centennial Hall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hydropolis (an ecological education centre), and Tarczynski Arena (a football stadium and event venue).
Wrocław’s efforts focus on reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable materials, setting a high standard for green events. The city’s Convention Bureau continues to lead the charge in promoting eco-conscious practices within the MICE industry.
SITE Poland: Promoting Responsible Travel
The SITE Poland Responsible Incentive Travel Day Conference, hosted at the Hilton Warsaw City Hotel in 2024, centred on the theme “Our Impact on People, Society, and the Planet.” This event brought together industry experts to discuss sustainable tourism and the challenges of implementing greener practices.
Sessions included presentations on minimising tourism’s environmental footprint and fostering mindful travel, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Supported by Hilton Worldwide, the conference provided a platform for collaboration among incentive agencies, hotels, airlines, and destinations, encouraging the adoption of responsible practices.
The second edition of the SITE Poland Responsible Incentive Travel Day Conference will be organised in Warsaw in 2025.
Arche Hotels: A Vision for Sustainability
The ARCHE Group (Polish hotel chain) exemplifies sustainability and innovation in Poland’s hospitality sector. Operating 20 properties, including historic and city hotels, the group revitalises forgotten sites such as the Old Airplane Factory in Mielno, Cukrownia in Żnin, Dwór Uphagena in Gdansk and the Arche Klasztor Wrocław.
Through its Lena Grochowska Foundation, the ARCHE Group supports individuals with intellectual disabilities, offering opportunities through workshops in ceramics, sculpture, and culinary arts. The group’s latest initiative, an energy cooperative, harnesses renewable energy sources, embodying its motto, “We combine contradictions.”
Summary: Poland’s Green Momentum in MICE
Poland’s MICE industry is achieving notable milestones in sustainability, driven by a concerted effort from its cities, organisations, and innovators. From Kraków’s advanced decarbonisation strategies and Gdańsk’s global cycling summit to Wrocław’s exemplary Green Events initiative, Poland is setting the stage for eco-friendly event management. Landmark events like Urban Future 2025 in Łódź and Velo-city 2025 in Gdansk further amplify these achievements, solidifying Poland’s role as a visionary in sustainable tourism and events.
