Puebla Bolsters Meetings Tourism with Green Certifications
The new face of meetings tourism in Puebla is defined by certified venues, eco-friendly providers, and public and private programs and resources with sustainable ethos.
Continua en la historia
Desliza a la izquierda para continuar
▖▚▮▘▖▚▮▘Consumers around the world demand environmental responsibility in all industries, and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions Tourism) sector is no different. These days, events must impact their attendees, not the planet. Sustainability is the new standard.
▖▚▮▘ Puebla understands this demand. Its focus on a sustainable model of meetings tourism is not just lip service, it means internationally certified venues, public policy in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, and a supply chain that employs responsible practices in every link of the process.
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
From recycling and energy efficiency to fostering alternative transportation, the city aligns itself with a new way of putting on events—one that is more ethical and aware.
▖▚▮▘This transformation began with the convention center, Centro Expositor de Puebla, which was awarded EarthCheck Silver certification in July of this year. This international accreditation attests to its practices, with improved energy savings, water efficiency, and waste management.
Centro Expositor de Puebla has been awarded EarthCheck Silver certification. It is one of only 23 convention centers worldwide with this status.
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
Another notable event is the state fair, Feria de Puebla 2025. More than 6.6 tons of waste were recycled and covered bicycle parking was installed to promote green transportation options for attendees.
Moreover, Centro Expositor has been granted S (sustainability) and H (sanitation) badges as well as the Punto Limpio (cleanliness) seal. These promise sustainable, sanitary, and safe standards of operation, making it one of Latin America’s few MICE venues with triple certification.
▘▗❚Policies that Foster Sustainability and Inclusion
At legal and strategic levels, Puebla has enacted a Tourism Law designating sustainable tourism development zones. The aim is to create projects balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social inclusion, foundational tenets of Puebla’s economic development.
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
Rural and community tourism projects that allow local communities to reap direct benefits from tourism are already being promoted. They promise tourists authentic, responsible experiences.
▘▗❚ Other Environmentally Committed Venues
In addition to Centro Expositor is the Centro de Convenciones William O. Jenkins center. Its unique location within a World Heritage site means it must make sound use of its resources and conservation strategies. Plus, its proximity to BiciPuebla bicycle-sharing stops and tourist areas enables attendees and exhibitors to use sustainable forms of transportation.
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
Locations such as the Jardín Etnobotánico Francisco Peláez, the city’s botanical garden, and a variety of green spaces in the metropolitan area have been used for post-event activities focused on getting back in touch with nature and environmental education, especially well-suited for incentive travel and scientific conferences.
▘▗❚Responsible Providers
Several national and international hotel chains are adapting their businesses to the new demands for more ecologically friendly practices. One example is Holiday Inn Puebla La Noria, which promotes the use of local, seasonal catering; avoids using single-use plastics; and collaborates with community workshops to offer sustainable amenities.
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
These practices not only reduce the environmental impact but also contribute to the local economy, in line with a comprehensive vision of sustainability.
▘▗❚Training for Change
The state’s Secretaría de Turismo (Tourism Department) has launched sustainability and accessibility training programs for guides, operators, and other tourism businesses. It seeks to raise the standard of service without harming the environment, therefore significantly increasing the value of every event held in Puebla.
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
The training is complemented by strengthening the Consejo Estatal de Turismo (state tourism board), which brings several public and private actors in the sector together to foster sustainable, measurable strategies.
▘▗❚Towards a Greener Future
Puebla is making strides towards meeting its goals. In 2024, more than 160 events with sustainable practices were held. This year, the city is getting ready to welcome more than 800 attendees to the Congreso Nacional de la Industria de Reuniones (National Conference of the Meetings Industry, CNIR) from September 24th to the 27th. This is a critical event for the sector and is expected to generate more than 40 million pesos in revenue.
▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁
The state’s goal is ambitious—it aims to double MICE tourism revenue in just five years, without compromising its distinctive natural and cultural resources. Reaching this goal will depend on staying on track as it works towards sustainability as a central pillar of development.
