Organizations of all sizes and industries are mainstreaming corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. This is undoubtedly because 77% of consumers are motivated by a company’s commitment to making the world a better place, according to the 2019 Aflac CSR Survey. But of even greater concern is how companies are perceived by their own employees, clients, and investors. This factor is driving many to reshape CSR accountability — both in the office and at offsite meetings — to include environmental, philanthropic, and volunteer initiatives. Do your destination events and resort partners align with company practices?
Here are three opportunities to extend your company’s CSR practices into your destination meetings or sales incentive events.
1. Conservation Commitment
Meeting attendees appreciate efforts that mirror the conservation efforts they value and practice in their daily lives. Select resorts that systematically participate in recycling, reuse, and reduction programs. A resort’s commitment to protecting natural resources may take different forms, from waste separation and recycling to investment in water conservation equipment for irrigating green space and vegetation. It also includes reducing paper waste with digital platforms tools — such as televisions, tablets, and mobile apps — to inform attendees of meeting schedules, resort offerings, and local information. And it means eliminating plastic straws; implementing mindful towel, linen, and electricity usage practices; and opting for washable glassware, plates, and utensils for all snacks and meals. Strategies like these continue to gain traction at innovative resorts such as Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana.
2. Preserve and Support the Community
Increasingly, multigenerational attendees expect CSR to be on the agenda and seek authentic ways to give back and bolster and support the communities where meetings are held. Choose venues that actively protect wildlife, support local community initiatives, and commit to reducing their global footprint. This includes partnering with local vendors and incorporating locally sustainable foods. It also means integrating educational programs and national holiday celebrations into your meeting to broaden attendee knowledge of the local culture. And, for the most dedicated resorts, it involves instituting practices to receive Rainforest Alliance certification. Even before opening, Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana is undergoing its certification.
3. Team-Building Through Volunteer Activities
Attendees look for sales incentive meetings and corporate events as a way to build camaraderie through shared experiences. Host your groups at resorts that keep these values at the core of what they do and offer opportunities to impact the local area. This includes participating in community excursions to energize participants and promote team-building. It also involves volunteering at a local charity or school to reinforce the value and relevancy of helping others. Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana works with local groups in the region.
Socially conscious meetings and events done right are rewarding for everyone involved — including the attendees, meeting planners, and the communities they touch.
Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana is committed to engaging in social responsibility programs. From hotel sustainability practices to local beach cleanups and volunteer activities, the resort eagerly supports the local community. The staff works with meeting planners to infuse its CSR practices into meetings held at the 500-suite luxury haven. Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana will be the newest Dreams resorts in the AMResorts portfolio when it opens early this year.
About AMResorts®:
AMResorts® branded properties welcome thousands of meeting attendees annually and know the power a seemingly simple act can have on protecting the environment and bolstering nearby towns. AMResorts’ collection of more than 60 resorts and spas continues to grow its commitment to sustainable practices, reduce its environmental footprint, and have a positive impact on each local community. AMResorts proudly showcases its many Rainforest Alliance certifications.
AMResorts® collectively provides sales, marketing, and brand management services to a portfolio of unique resort brands and is continuously raising the all-inclusive concept to a new level of luxury with its signature Endless Privileges®, Unlimited-Luxury®, and Unlimited-Fun® inclusions. Located throughout Mexico, Jamaica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, St. Martin, and Spain, these resorts provide every meeting attendee with premium accommodations, desirable locations, and extraordinary inclusions. For more information on AMResorts® branded properties and the meeting and sales incentives capabilities, visit AMRmeetings.com.
About the Author:
Kristen Struys is the marketing manager for the meetings and incentives segment at AMResorts®, an Apple Leisure Group business.
