MICE Affairs Media Group, News Bureau, 09th Oct 2023

Not only is Melbourne known for its coffee, laneway culture and street art, but also its environmental initiatives that have earned it a reputation as one of the most sustainable cities throughout the world. Victoria's offerings of diverse natural landscapes, wildlife, culture with opportunities to explore aboriginal history and support local communities, make it the perfect destination for event planners looking to organise sustainable incentive programs.

Take a look at the top 5 reasons why you should start planning a sustainable incentive program in Melbourne –

1. Eco friendly venues and accommodation

Whether you are looking for a sleek city hotel, a luxe countryside getaway or a state-of the art convention centre to host your business meetings, Melbourne has several eco-friendly options. Host your event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) - the first convention centre in the world to be awarded the 6-Star Green Star environmental rating by the Green Building Council of Australia. The Accor chain has your accommodation needs covered and has a strategic partnership with Ecotourism Australia where all their hotels are certified as Sustainable Tourism businesses. These are some of the many Melbourne venues proudly championing impressive sustainability initiatives. 

2. Sustainable City Experiences

Melbourne's compact city center makes it perfect to explore sustainably through walking and biking tours. Take a food tour, a coffee trail, a laneways and arcades tour or a street art tour and discover hidden gems and vibrant neighbourhoods. The city circle tram in Melbourne's CBD is free and connects to most of Melbourne's major attractions. Hop on to a tram and explore the city with zero carbon emissions. Melbourne has several exciting markets such as the Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne market, Prahran market, St Kilda market and more that display local and fresh produce and local handicrafts. The city has plenty of green spaces to relax, rewind and simply stroll through, the  Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne, being the most prominent.

3. Wildlife and Conservation Parks

Melbourne Victoria is committed to the welfare and protection of native Victoria wildlife in their natural habitat. Visit the Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo or Healesville Sanctuary and take a look at Zoos Victoria's investment in the future of wildlife. Phillip Island Nature Parks works actively towards researching, rehabilitating and creating a healthy environment for wildlife. Observe the penguins as they waddle their way back to their burrows after a day at sea, learn the workings of a heritage farm at Churchill Island, learn about koalas at the Koala Conservation Reserve or take an eco boat to Seal Rocks and observe the playful seals in their natural habitat. Ballarat Wildlife Park and Moonlit Sanctuary are also extensive wildlife centers that are committed to the conservation of Victoria wildlife.

4. Opportunity to explore Aboriginal History

Supporting indigenous tourism and cultural preservation is an important part of sustainable tourism. Experience the rich indigenous culture and heritage of Melbourne through guided Aboriginal Heritage Walks led by knowledgeable indigenous guides. Enjoy a meal at an indigenous owned restaurant such as Big Esso by Mabu Mabu and learn about native ingredients. Make a visit to Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square and celebrate the work of First Nation artists.

5. Melbourne Convention Bureau

Melbourne Convention Bureau participates in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS Index), that recognises sustainable practices in the business tourism and events industry. The MCB is committed to its role in securing business events for Melbourne that will have a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the city, and to position Melbourne globally as a safe, sustainable and innovative destination.

MCB recognises that Melbourne has an unparalleled opportunity to embrace, promote and leverage the industry’s initiatives, efforts and programs focused on sustainability that ensure it is at the forefront of event and incentive planners' minds.

Connect with the MCB today to earn about sustainable ways to host your next business event or incentive program in Melbourne.