Destinations Call for Change, But Subvention Funding Models Lag Behind

A new global survey led by Conferli, in partnership with #MEET4IMPACT and the GDS-Movement, reveals a persistent disconnect between destinations’ sustainability ambitions and the reality of event funding.

While 91% of the 115 responding destinations express a desire to use subvention to drive positive change, only 6% have fully embedded social or environmental impact into their funding criteria.

The study highlights that traditional metrics—room nights, delegate spend, and event scale—continue to dominate subvention decisions.

Budgetary limitations were cited by 66% of destinations as the primary obstacle to evolving these models.

Despite this, signs of progress are emerging. Nearly half of the surveyed destinations now operate multiple subvention schemes, and a growing minority are beginning to incorporate tools such as sustainability checklists and legacy support.

The full report, to be published in July 2025, is expected to provide case studies and practical guidance for aligning subvention strategies with long-term impact goals.

You can download the Early Insights report here.