An examination of the impact of green impressions by delegates toward a trade show

ABSTRACT

Sustainable tourism is now a commonly used phrase within the meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions industry. Developed tourism destinations have broadly embraced responsible tourism while developing locations are increasingly giving the subject greater attention in order to compete and host meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions events. The concept of “green meetings” has emerged in line with the global trend of conservation to offset and prevent further environmental destruction and pollution. Examining an inaugural trade show in Macao, this article investigates the role of green perceptions in influencing visitor participation and future intentions. With most delegates well informed on the concept of environmental protection, findings showed green practices at the trade show would influence their revisit decision and provide positive word-of-mouth referral. There is a lack of initiative in Macao to go green due to an absence of green guidelines and stewardship from the government. Macao's meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions industry remains entrenched and underdeveloped vastly eclipsed by its gaming industry with increasing sentiment from the Chinese authorities for Macao to diversify tourism. Importantly this research on trade delegates identifies that integrating green and responsible actions could be key influencers. A green template is presented for consideration by the Macao meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions sector as a crucial part of future strategy to advance meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions.

KEYWORDS:

• Delegate decision-making
• delegate referral
• green meetings
• responsible tourism