MARSEILLE: INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE
From 3 to 11 September 2021, Marseille hosted the IUCN congress – the world’s largest and most inclusive environmental decision-making forum – marking the resurgence of business tourism in Marseille and throughout France and giving renewed confidence to event organizers.
As the first hybrid in-person and virtual environmental event since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the IUCN congress managed to enable broad participation from around the world while safeguarding the health of participants. Nearly 5,000 delegates (officials, scientists, conservations experts, corporates) attended the congress which was opened by the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron. The exhibition “Generation Nature”, aiming to raise awareness on biodiversity for the public at large welcomed 25,000 visitors. This international event benefited from a large national and international press coverage with the presence of more than 400 journalists.
Welcoming the IUCN in Marseille created a momentum underpinning its position as a leading destination for innovative and sustainable events. Indeed, this congress left a strong legacy to the city of Marseille: support for hotels in their green key certification process, obtaining ISO 20121 “Innovative and Sustainable Marseille” certification and improved ranking in the GDS Index.
Marseille is definitely a green destination!
