Madrid gets real on sustainability
As the Spanish capital reopens for events, its convention bureau and its partners are keeping sustainability at the top of the agenda. Holly Patrick explores.
With the launch of its new sustainability tool ‘Platform for Legacy with us’ (PLUS), alongside its longstanding reputation as one of the greenest cities in the world, it’s little wonder climate-conscious planners are flocking to Madrid in their droves.
Madrid remains the number one tourism destination for meetings in Spain, with more than 200 international congresses, 20,321 business meetings and 1.15 million business visitors per year, on average, with major sectors including Aerospace, biotechnology, pharma, and information technology drawn to the destination.
While Spain didn’t escape the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Madrid is building back a safer, more resilient meetings and events industry with initiatives including Safe Tourism Certification for venues, indicating Covid-safe protocols.
Madrid is building back a safer, more resilient meetings and events industry.
These safety factors have been considered with the launch of the CVB's PLUS tool – a digital platform built to generate specific reports for meetings in Madrid before they are held, to help reduce their impact. Planners hosting a meeting in the capital will receive a personalised analysis, sustainability, and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) reports and access to a carbon footprint calculator. The PLUS Tool also acts as a conduit for planners to connect with local, sustainably focused event planners.
With safety and sustainability taken care of, Madrid is eager for business travellers to explore the city once again. Here are a few suggestions to get you started...
Getting there:
There are an average of 200 direct flights to Madrid a day from more than 66 countries, with several leaving from every London airport each day. If you are already on the continent, getting a train to Madrid could spare a lot of airport stress as Spain has the second largest high-speed rail network in the world after China and more than 3,000km of rail network connecting the capital to Barcelona and Seville in less than three hours.
Getting around:
The safe, clean, and green streets of Madrid offer a cultural metropolis to explore either by foot, rentable e-scooter, rentable bicycle, or bus. But when the summer heat soars, the airconditioned, award-winning metro system offers a network second only to London’s tube system in size, with 301 stations.
Checking in:
Madrid provides ample options to suit every budget and every delegate. The Westin Palace Madrid was commissioned by King Alfonso XIII in 1912 and it hasn’t lost an ounce of its charm since. Located in the Paseo del Arte area, included in the list of World Heritage by UNESCO as “Landscape of Light,” The Palace – as the locals call it – boasts 470 rooms and 51 suites, 20 multifunctional rooms with capacity for up to 800 people and the magnificent La Rotonda restaurant featuring a spectacular stained-glass dome – you have to see it to believe its breathtaking beauty.
The newly opened Four Seasons Hotel Madrid needs little introduction in the way of luxury. Creatively situated in the lovingly restored Centro Canalejas dating back to 1887, the 200-room hotel boasts 1,700 sqm of meeting spaces and two ballrooms as well as an open air courtyard.
For clients with a mas pequeña budget but still wishing to make an impact, check-in to the recently opened Pestana CR7 Madrid Gran Vía. Part of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s hotel collection in partnership with the Pestana Group. The city-centre hotel has three meeting rooms equipped with AV technology. But the crowning jewel of CR7 Madrid Gran Vía is the 360 views of Madrid from its rooftop bar – a must-see in Madrid.
Morning meeting:
In the Cuatro Torres Business Area of Madrid, the freshly refurbished Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana brags 12 versatile meetings rooms and conference spaces for up to 122 guests, ideal for small to medium meetings. The hotel’s terrace and rooftop offer extra meetings spaces for those who prefer to do business al fresco.
Networking lunch:
Once a 17th century inn, Posada de la Villa provides visitors with an authentic piece of Madrid’s colourful history. Spread over three floors and furnished in decadent wooden features, the top floor ‘Vila & Corte’ offers a spacious setting for a networking lunch for up to 50 people seated. As well as the usual Madrilenian flavours including tortilla de patatas, hams, croquettes, and calamari, the more adventurous in the group might opt for cocido Madrileño – a simmering pork stew or a spoonful of callos a la Madrileña - consisting of strips of beef tripe, chunks of chorizo, and slices of morcilla (blood sausage) – when in Madrid and all that…
Cocktail reception:
Available for private hire in the evening, the Royal Botanic Gardens provide a scented array of colourful flora from across the world. The Bonsai Greenhouse has capacity for 80-120 people and can be used for an array of events. The 18th century Villanueva Pavilion provides a postcard-picture setting for indoor events. But when the weather is glorious, the outside Plane Square, shaded by oak trees and lit by floor lights, provides an enchanting setting for any event. Food and beverage can be served in this area with enough space still for a band, dancing space and tables
Gala dinner venue:
Once home to nobility, Casa de America, acts as a window to a time of utter decadence. Set in the heart of Madrid in Plaza de Cibeles, the walls are adorned with tapestries, paintings, gilded stucco, marble floors, mosaics, and the finest rugs – best of all, it is entirely open to event planners looking for a special setting.
Grandeur flows through each of the 13 dining and event rooms at the venue with the Sala Comedor de Gala, Simon Bolivar and Ambassador’s room acting as the largest for sit down dinners.
Madrid is a treasure trove of history, art, gastronomy and culture
Day two:
Board Meeting:
The Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid is synonymous with elegance, refinement and sheer luxury and its meetings and events offering doesn’t diverge from this. Three opulent meeting spaces cater for 10 to 400 people depending on the style of event.
The Salon Felipe IV room, most suited to a board meeting, can accommodate 40 people on an oval table, 34 people in a U-shaped table layout and 50 conference style.
The Ritz’s Mindful Meetings package also encourages wellbeing for all delegates and offers planners options to ensure delegates are nourished through local and organic menu choices, energized through movement including yoga sessions and calm through meditation sessions.
Team building activity:
Madrid is a treasure trove of history, art, gastronomy, and culture, so what better way to see the city than through a tour with a twist? Either on bike or on foot, a treasure hunt around the city will ensure teams work together and have fun along the way. A number of DMC and team building companies based in Madrid can help create customised activities to fit the theme of the meeting, conference, or incentive trip.
A few must-see spots in central Madrid include the Art Triangle boasting The Museo del Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, El Retiro Park – a sprawling area filled with woodland, landscaped gardens, lakes and plenty of snack bars, and Plaza Mayor – the heart of Madrid.
Quirky lunch:
Madrid proves that you don’t need to know the local language to get to know the destination because in Madrid’s case, food provides the basis of discovery. One of the best places to discover the flavours of the Spanish capital is at the Mercado San Miguel, just outside of Plaza Mayor.
Delegates can sample freshly dug oysters topped with caviar while sipping on local vermut (fortified wine), chomp on patatas bravas while glugging a cold San Miguel and enjoy churros with a fruity glass of local tempranillo.
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