In order to support the ecological transition of tourism and event companies (Axis 1 – Action Sheet 1 of the roadmap), the Bordeaux Tourism and Convention Office has organized several exchanges between professionals to discuss the responsible practices implemented within their structures.
Challenging the robustness of economic models: a look back at the 2025 CSR best practices exchange day
A day of sharing best practices in responsible tourism was organized on October 9, 2025, at the Marché des Douves – a community centre – bringing together nearly forty tourism and event professionals.
The day began with a round table discussion on the theme of “robustness integrated into business performance.”
The Bordeaux Tourism and Convention Office (OTCBM) team drew inspiration from the concept developed by Olivier Hamant, a biologist and researcher at INRAE. Robustness is defined as “the ability to maintain a stable and viable system despite fluctuations, the ability to adapt and withstand shocks and unexpected variations in the system.” To make this concept more concrete, the round table honored local speakers who have decided to take a new direction in their business models, in their cooperation with stakeholders and ecosystems.
Hélène RINN, CEO of Adam, shared the radical new direction they decided to take a few years ago in the company’s business model and her thoughts on the topic of transferring the company to its employees, an area in which Adam is a pioneer.
Max GAUTIER, CEO of Ephémère Square, discussed the virtuous circle of the company founded 10 years ago and structured around the BCorp label, its strengths, but also the challenges that have enabled it to be more resilient, retain customers and employees, and bounce back with agility after crises.
Jean-Baptiste SOUBAIGNE, CEO of MONA, the network of tourist offices in Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, for whom knowledge sharing, skills, training, and interdependence among stakeholders are key factors in transformation models, that constitutes MONA’s strategy.
Their powerful testimonials demonstrated how adaptability, diversifying activities, rethinking relationships with stakeholders and the ecosystems around us, drawing inspiration from the living, working for the common good, shifting from an individual to a collective and cooperative mindset, and enabling employees to develop their skills are levers of robustness and contribute to the stability and viability of their business models. A source of inspiration for tourism professionals and OTCBM partners.
Visit to la Cuisine de Camille ©OCTBM
Discovering Barbey Village ©OCTBM
After that, the OTCBM team challenged the companies to question the robustness of their business models during a role-play exercise.
Marie Curry caterer delighted us with a 100% vegetarian cocktail lunch.
The afternoon featured a meeting with 16 responsible local initiatives working in specific areas (responsible food, mobility, inclusion, solidarity, diagnosis and advice, sustainable purchasing, etc.) and providing concrete solutions to companies in our sector.
The day ended with two visits: discovering committed tourism and event companies – La Cuisine de Camille and L’Atelier des Citernes – and social organizations participating in the Bordeaux Solid’air program – Barbey Village and Promofemmes.