Szczecin Convention Bureau has launched a Certification Support Programme aimed at businesses operating in the tourism, events and HORECA sectors. Companies can receive expert and financial support during the process of obtaining recognised sustainability certifications, such as Green Key, BREEAM, LEED or Good Travel Seal. Applications are open until 30 September 2026.
The programme is another element of Szczecin’s efforts to develop the city as a responsible and competitive tourism and MICE destination. Its objective is to increase the number of local businesses operating in line with sustainability standards, while at the same time improving the quality of services available to event organisers and visitors.
Support for the local industry
Businesses operating in the tourism, events and HORECA sectors are eligible to apply for the Certification Support Programme. Potential beneficiaries include
- hotels
- restaurants
- catering and event companies
- visitor attractions
- tourism organisers
- tour guides
Applicants must either operate in Szczecin or provide services that are relevant to the local tourism market.
A maximum of five businesses can receive support under the 2026 edition of the programme.
The support covers both preparation for the certification process and its financing. Funding, awarded as de minimis aid, may be used for activities including expert consultancy, organisational and documentation preparation, as well as fees associated with obtaining certification. Participants can also receive assistance in selecting a certification scheme suited to the nature of their business.
One of the standards listed in the programme is Green Key, an international certification programme for tourism establishments operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education. It assesses, among other areas, the management of environmental and social aspects, with compliance verified through documentation and audits. Green Key currently certifies more than 6,000 establishments in over 70 countries.
More information is available in the articles Hotels with Green Key Certification in Poland and Green Key Certification – Practical Information for the MICE Industry.
From strategy to tangible action
The programme forms part of Szczecin’s broader approach to the sustainable development of tourism and the meetings industry. The city has joined the international GDS-Index (Global Destination Sustainability Index), which assesses destinations in areas including environmental and social performance, destination management, and the operations of local tourism and event service providers.
In June 2026, Szczecin also hosted GDS-Forum & Impact Day 2026, an international gathering focused on the future of more responsible and regenerative tourism and events.
The event was organised by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement in cooperation with #MEET4IMPACT, the City of Szczecin, Szczecin Convention Bureau, the Polish Tourism Organisation and Poland Convention Bureau. Participants worked on topics including measuring the impact of events, engaging local communities, cross-sector collaboration and creating a long-term legacy from events.
The Certification Support Programme represents another step in this process. Rather than limiting sustainability initiatives to declarations and promotional activities, Szczecin is establishing a mechanism that can help local businesses implement specific, measurable and independently verified standards.
From the perspective of conference, congress and corporate event organisers, this also has a practical dimension. Easier access to local certified suppliers, hotels, venues and services can support the implementation of ESG policies and help meet the sustainability requirements increasingly set by international clients and organisations.
Application documents, programme regulations and a template agreement are available on the Szczecin Convention Bureau website. The deadline for submitting applications is 30 September 2026. Details and application documentation are available here.
We also recommend:
- Szczecin Records Significant Growth in the “Meetings and Events Industry in Poland” Report
- BREEAM Certification – Its Importance for Venues and the MICE Industry in Poland
- Publication: “Poland’s Green Transformation of the Meetings Industry”
- Szczecin Co-Creates GDS-Forum & Impact Day 2026. “Co-Building” Workshops Completed
- Sustainable Evets and Meetings in Poland
Source: own elaboration based on information from Szczecin Convention Bureau.
