Tesla made headlines again recently with its decision to dissolve its EV charging team. The move, announced by CEO Elon Musk, has sparked intense debate about the future of EV charging. Tesla's decision came as a shock to many, especially considering the pivotal role charging infrastructure plays in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The company has long been hailed for its holistic approach to the EV ecosystem, encompassing not only cutting-edge vehicle technology but also a network of charging stations across the globe. So why would Tesla choose to disband a team responsible for such a crucial aspect of its...

In 2008 I first wrote about energy surcharges at hotels. At that time, the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) announced that it would support energy surcharges of up to $10 per night at its member hotels. The idea did not go over well at that time and today the whole notion of additional “hidden” fees does not sit well with any traveler. That is why I was surprised to learn that the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples Downtown – 5th Ave (Fla.) is currently charging a 5 percent Green Hotel Initiatives Eco Fee. The Gate With Brian...

AHLA Foundation hosted nearly 1,000 attendees from across the hotel industry at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place for the annual ForWard conference this week. Over three days, industry leaders gathered to share knowledge and hear from dynamic speakers focused on celebrating, championing, and creating community for women in hospitality.     This year’s conference theme, “Right the Narrative,” centered on the power of storytelling and the importance of amplifying the stories and voices of women in the hotel industry. Keynote speakers during the two-day conference included Shola Richards, founder & CEO of Go Together Global and best-selling author; stand-up comedian, actress, and...

The annual HD Expo + Conference, which I will be attending, will kick off at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas next week. The event will run from April 30 to May 2 and will include many opportunities to learn about sustainable products on the trade show floor with hundreds of exhibitors in attendance—including 145 first-time exhibitors. Conference sessions will touch on topics ranging from equity, inclusion, and diversity to circular design strategies. Among the first-time exhibitors this year are Light and Green (LED architectural lighting), AGIC Energy (energy management systems), Coulee Coffee Co. (self-adapting automated pour-over coffee maker that uses...

NATIONAL REPORT—Are you considering renting out yurts for your hospitality business but are worried about the impact? Here are five reasons yurts are eco-friendly rental options. In the hospitality industry, sustainability has emerged as a key factor influencing consumer choice. Among the various options for eco-friendly accommodations, yurts stand out for several compelling reasons. This blog will explore the reasons yurts are eco-friendly rental options, ideally suited for business owners in the hospitality sector looking to offer environmentally sustainable lodging alternatives. Yurts Are Energy-Efficient Structures One of the core reasons that make yurts an exceptionally eco-friendly option is their energy efficiency. If...

I reported on some innovations I came across at the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in this week’s Publisher’s Point of View column. Here, I would like to highlight some additional news from the annual event.  Each year, AAHOA recognizes the exceptional endeavors of hoteliers who exemplify service and excellence, selected by an esteemed Independent Awards Selection Committee. The following 2024 Award Winners were announced on the final day of the Convention & Trade Show: AAHOA Award of Excellence. This award recognizes a hotelier who has demonstrated strong leadership, has high standards of excellence, and is making a significant contribution to the...

Search on “autism” on Green Lodging News and you will find many articles detailing the efforts of individual properties or entire brands to better accommodate travelers with autism. One organization at the forefront of autism awareness and education in the travel industry is Autism Double-Checked. Autism Double-Checked is changing travel with autism by classifying travel companies into three levels of autism-readiness. At each successive level, the degree of commitment to inclusivity becomes greater but they all show that participants are actively looking to welcome guests traveling with autistic family members. Currently the Autism Double-Checked website lists 16 properties that...

Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS), a global membership organization dedicated to empowering and advancing women across every industry sector and all three tiers in the beverage alcohol industry, has announced 86 Harassment (www.86harassment.com), a groundbreaking industry-wide initiative addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence within the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries. 86 Harassment, which has been in development since 2020 with corporate catalyst funding from Women of the Vine & Spirits and Pernod Ricard North America, was announced at the WOTVS Global CONNECT! Conference hosted in collaboration with the DISCUS Conference, in San Diego. Today, the industry-wide initiative is additionally funded and supported by...

I have written about toilet paper before. Typically, the focus has been on what the toilet paper is made from. But the shape? Turns out the “shape,” or portion I should say, and how it is dispensed, makes a real difference. I came across a company called Fox Fold that sells sustainable tissue solutions for hotels—toilet paper and facial tissue dispensers that they say lower costs and reduce waste. The company sells the dispenser and the paper. According to Fox Fold, hotels throw out millions of unfinished toilet paper rolls and facial tissue boxes each year. With their folded paper system,...

According to a press release from Green Century, Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s leading lodging franchisors, has agreed to take the first step in addressing plastic pollution by conducting a program to measure single-use plastic and develop strategies for single-use plastic reduction after engagement by Green Century. For those of you not familiar with Green Century, it provides “mutual funds for individuals and institutions to keep their money out of the most irresponsible industries while using Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment analysis and portfolio construction.” Choice Hotels, which has a diverse portfolio of 22 brands including...