MCLEAN, VA.—Amid one of the most challenging times in the history of the hospitality industry, Hilton has been recognized for its exceptional—and resilient—workplace culture. Great Place to Work and Fortune named Hilton #1 on the 2021 Best Big Companies to Work For list and #3 on the 2021 Best Companies to Work For list in the United States. Hilton is the highest ranked hospitality company to appear on both lists, especially notable given the significant impact the pandemic has had on the travel industry this year. “I  am so proud  of our Hilton family  and honored  by this recognition of our incredible culture—especially in light of the profound impact the pandemic...

Oahu, Hawaii—Outrigger Hospitality Group announced a grand new voyage—the $80 million transformation of the brand’s flagship property, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, located directly on the golden sands of world-famous Waikīkī Beach. The investment transforms the resort into a contemporary beachfront retreat, rooted in Hawaiian culture. With a focus on wellness and unmatched hospitality, sophisticated property enhancements include upscale residential-style rooms and suites, chic poolside experiences and a fully reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille and stage—the home of Hawaiian music. “As a premier beach resort brand, we charted a strategic course to enhance Outrigger’s current portfolio and deliver exceptional, authentic experiences...

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.—The Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) Program announced its new accreditation programs for hotels seeking to enhance the guest experience and safety protocols for wellness and/or medical travel guests. GHA has developed two accreditation programs: WellHotel for Well-being and WellHotel for Medical Travel. Both programs focus on validating the programs hotels provide for these growing niche markets and the accreditation seal builds trust and offers a competitive edge to those hotels that achieve accredited status. According to Karen Timmons, GHA’s Chief Executive Officer, “This year has provided revitalized interest from hotels to reinvent niche offerings to meet the demand...

NATIONAL REPORT—Swimming pools are an important part of life for many people. When the temperatures heat up a swimming pool allows us to cool off, relax, and distract ourselves from our day-to-day stresses. As people become more environmentally conscious, however, more and more people are looking at the impact their behavior has on the world around them including their swimming pools. Traditionally, pools can be harsh on the environment as they use a lot of energy, water, and sometimes harmful chemicals. As a pool owner, you may even want to investigate your energy and water sources to see the true...

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has made sustainability a top priority and is taking steps to reduce environmental impacts. While the coronavirus pandemic impacted hosting events in 2020, NOENMCC took advantage of the downtime and made critical facility upgrades that will reduce their environmental footprint, and in turn, help make the facility a leader in sustainable events. “As one of the top convention center facilities in the nation, it is crucial that we meet and exceed national standards when it comes to sustainability and environmental impact,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “Nowadays, sustainability...

LANCASTER, PA.— According to Sustainable Composites LLC, 3.5 billion pounds of leather waste is burned or sent to landfills each year. “A pound of scrap is thrown away for every person in the world,” says Frank Fox, partner Sustainable Composites. Fox and his business partner Tom Tymon found that unacceptable and officially launched their company last year—after figuring out a way to turn leather scraps into a very affordable yet luxurious material called enspire leather. The “e” denotes the environmentally positive aspect of the product while recognizing the endless inspiration the product can deliver to designers, manufacturers, and consumers. Fox...

NATIONAL REPORT—For safe, non-toxic cleaning you cannot get much better than water—but it first must be converted to aqueous ozone. The cleaning and disinfection properties of ozone have been known for a long time, but it has often been inconvenient to access. At least two companies have recently introduced sleek rechargeable, reusable spray bottles, however, that make using aqueous ozone portable and easy. The first company is Donastar Enterprises, LLC. Its EnozoPRO, after an AC charge, detaches from its base and kills 99.9 percent of most harmful bacteria and viruses on hard surfaces in 30 seconds.* “Ozone is capable of...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton has been named the global industry leader in sustainability for the second consecutive year on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), the most prestigious ranking for corporate responsibility and sustainability performance. As an industry leader in hotels, resorts and cruise lines, the company earned top scores across the assessment’s three key areas including governance & economic, environmental and social performance. This marks the fourth consecutive year Hilton has been recognized for sustainability leadership through inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and North America Index. “In a year where the hospitality industry has been severely impacted by...

ATLANTA—Since the coronavirus was declared a global pandemic early in 2020, we’ve relied on doctors, nurses, grocery store clerks, nonprofit workers and other essential workers more than ever. They have kept our communities healthy, fed, sheltered and safe while having to take additional precautions to look after their own wellbeing. As a company committed to True Hospitality, IHG Hotels & Resorts has spent the last few months recognizing and celebrating these people to say “Thank You” for their work. Catherine Dolton, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We issued a call for nominations of workers who went...

NATIONAL REPORT—Over the past few decades, environmental and social factors, such as modernized living, have been driving the growth of wellness. While hotels are finding different ways to engage in this trend by incorporating wellness-related elements into the guest’s journey, destination spas are taking wellness to the next level with their unique offerings. This article takes a deep dive into wellness-hospitality development and discusses its distinguishing characteristics and key success factors. This article provides an overview of the underlying factors that are driving the growth in the spa-and-wellness hospitality sector. HVS has been tracking demand and growth patterns within this...