Bordeaux's event industry goes green

The Bordeaux Metropole Tourism and Congress Office is strengthening its numerous actions in favor of sustainable events, with a constant focus on improving the quality of its hospitality and raising awareness and training all stakeholders on the challenges of sustainable development for the territory.

A sustainable development service has been created to support local professionals in their sustainable initiatives. Through training actions, awareness-raising, and support in certification processes, Bordeaux Tourism & Congress is committed to working alongside event stakeholders to accelerate the transition

3 QUESTIONS TO JULIE BENISTY-OVIEDO

Sustainable development manager at Bordeaux Tourisme & Congrès

How do you support partners in their responsible transition on a daily basis?

We support partners through a cycle of awareness, training, and then financial and human support for certification, thanks to funds from Bordeaux Metropole. We have developed several tools for this purpose, such as a collective construction workshop for CSR charters, personalized coaching, best practice exchange days, and informational webinars so that each partner can start their transition at their own pace and on topics that matter to them.

What goals have you set for 2026?

In 2022, 35% of Bordeaux Tourism & Congress members are involved in a sustainable approach. We aim to reach 50% by 2024 and 80% by 2026. Certification processes take time, between nine months and a year, and we believe it is important to support professionals over this long period necessary for the transition of their businesses.

What concrete actions are you implementing?

One of the concrete actions we are currently developing is a training program for event organizers in partnership with ADEME (the national agency for ecological transition) to train them in organizing eco-friendly events that promote a longer-term legacy for the territory. This program does not yet exist at the national level and will allow us to complete our support system for responsible events for partners, whether they are from Bordeaux or elsewhere.

Since 2021, the Bordeaux Metropole Tourism and Congress Office has held ISO 20121 certification for the eco-responsible management of its activities, including the organization of Bordeaux Wine Festival.

93% - This is the percentage of large-capacity hotels accessible within 30 minutes by public transport.
125 - This is the number of Bordeaux Tourism & Congress partners already engaged in a sustainable approach.
75% - This is the percentage of vineyards certified by an environmental initiative in the Bordeaux region.