INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Globalization, increasing freedom of movement between countries, and the growing interdependence of national economies have boosted cultural diversity in many industries. Nowhere is this paradigm shift more evident than in hospitality. How to manage cultural diversity effectively in hospitality is crucial in light of these changes. The hospitality industry is a unique melting pot of cultural diversity, both in terms of the workforce and its customers, with people from all over the world coming together. But while diversity brings great opportunities and is something to celebrate, it also creates significant challenges. Hospitality staff must be intimately aware of cultural differences...

DENVER—Populus, the country’s first carbon positive hotel, set to open in Denver in summer of 2024, is now accepting reservations for September 2024 onwards. Managed by Aparium Hotel Group, a pioneer in the lifestyle hotel industry, and developed by Urban Villages, a leading real estate developer and environmental steward, Populus will feature 265 guestrooms, a ground floor signature restaurant, lounge and coffee bar, flexible event spaces, a rooftop restaurant and bar offering unobstructed views of the mountains, city skyline, and Civic Center Park. Committed to offsetting both its embodied and operational carbon footprints through Colorado based reforesting efforts, Populus invites guests...

CHICAGO—One in every four individuals in the U.S. has a sensory need or an invisible disability according to KultureCity, including those with autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and attention-deficit disorder. With more than 90 percent of neurodivergent individuals and caregivers of neurodivergent individuals in the U.S. planning to travel at least one night this year, a new survey led by Hyatt finds hotels can make their travel journeys, from pre-arrival to check-out, more seamless and inclusive. The survey was done in collaboration with KultureCity, a leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities, and external consultants Professors Dr. Recep “Richie”...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The Green Lodging Trends Report (GLTR) is back, and you’re invited to be part of the action. If you own/operate a hotel(s) and are keen on gauging your sustainability performance against industry peers in terms of environmental initiatives, #CorporateSocialResponsibility, and beyond, or are seeking guidance to enhance your sustainability endeavors, participate in GLTR today. The GLTR is the leading global benchmarking study on sustainability best practices in hotels, incorporating #HotelSustainabilityBasics (12 actions established in partnership with World Travel and Tourism Council). Benefits when you participate:  Receive a free benchmark report tailored to your property. Gain recognition and showcase your outstanding sustainability efforts through GLTR. ...

LONDON—Deloitte’s annual “Global Human Capital Trends” report has its finger on the pulse of the most pressing issues for organizations, leaders and workers. The 2024 report, “Thriving Beyond Boundaries: Human Performance in a Boundaryless World,” identifies seven trends that showcase how a combination of business and human outcomes plays a role in organizational success. This year’s analysis reveals that organizations making meaningful progress on these key issues are nearly twice as likely to achieve desired business and human outcomes. Prioritizing human sustainability—the degree to which an organization creates value for people as human beings, leaving them with greater well-being, employability,...

EXETER, ENGLAND—A topping out ceremony was recently held for the Zeal Hotel Exeter. The four-star, 142-bedroom hotel, constructed with half the embodied carbon of a standard hotel, will generate 100 percent of electricity consumed via the photovoltaic roof and wall panels, positioning it firmly in line with the 2050 Paris Agreement requirements and exceeding 2030 targets. The building, which achieved the BREEAM Outstanding rating at the design stage, is currently on schedule in week 39 of a 75-week construction program. As a fully sustainable operation, produce will be sourced locally or grown on site, stimulate economic growth through job creation and...

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS—Amsterdam is saying “no” to new hotels. “We want to make and keep the city livable, for residents and visitors. That means: no overtourism, no new hotels, and no more than 20 million hotel nights by tourists per year,” local government officials said.” Previously granted rights for new hotels still apply. And old hotels that close may make way for new, sustainable, modern hotels. The hotel policy was already strict. As of 2017, only three plans meet the conditions. Nevertheless, hotels are still under construction and hotels are being added. They already had rights before, such as a permit....

ORLANDO, FLA.—Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a premier vacation ownership and experiences company, has been named a national winner of the 2024 Top Workplaces USA awards. The company made its debut on the list, which was featured for the first time in USA Today. As the nation’s leading employer recognition program, Top Workplaces has surveyed more than 20 million employees over the past two decades to identify organizations that have successfully nurtured outstanding workplace cultures. HGV team members answered 24 questions in an annual survey administered by Energage, the nation’s leading employer recognition program. The 2023 survey went to more than 7,000 organizations. “At HGV, we...

NORTH BETHESDA, MD.—Choice Hotels International, Inc. published its 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report. The report details Choice’s latest initiatives to drive sustainability across its portfolio of hotels. This includes new and expanded requirements to help reduce utility usage and identify savings through its revamped Room to be Green verification program. As part of this initiative, the report highlights the growing adoption of Choice’s automated utility tracking dashboard, with over 2,600 properties participating and counting. “At Choice, we’re committed to building a better tomorrow, today. By championing sustainable practices, we’re helping hotel owners save time and money and appeal to guests and corporate clients,”...

RIO GRANDE, PUERTO RICO—Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, Wyndham Palmas, the Friends of El Yunque Foundation, and the United States Forest Service announced the signing of an industry-leading donation agreement that will provide a simple way for tourists to directly support El Yunque National Rainforest in the promotion of its educational programs, conservation, and recreation. Under this agreement, guests of Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest, Beach and Golf Resort and Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort will have the opportunity to voluntarily donate $1 to the Friends of El Yunque Foundation when they book their stay. Friends of El Yunque is a nonprofit organization in...