ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX, FRANCE—Travelers’ expectations have changed. Customers are now increasingly focused on hotel experiences that respect people and the world around them. Alert to new trends, Accor is rewriting the rules and presents greet, a new alternative hospitality and sustainable tourism offering that combines environmental considerations with a socially responsible approach for travelers seeking authenticity. The latest addition to the Group’s economy segment, greet is a community-based, responsible and non-standardized brand, that is in keeping with current trends and seeks to serve travelers who are looking to add meaning to their purchases and are aware of their impact on the...

KEY LARGO, FLA.—Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton is the first resort in the country to unveil a new Dock to Dish local seafood initiative. It launched last month. The program is part of the resort’s ongoing campaign to create unique and exhilarating guest experiences that blend sustainable practices into the property’s ethos of elegance. Nestled into the lush tropical fauna of Key Largo, Baker’s Cay Resort is part of Curio Collection by Hilton’s handpicked ensemble of remarkable and unique hotels. “The Baker’s Cay team could not be prouder to stand with the passion of Sean Barrett...

MCLEAN, VA.—In a robust expansion of its family-friendly benefits, Hilton has announced an extension of its parental leave. The enhancements underscore Hilton’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all, including working parents. Hilton is also introducing a Parents Concierge for U.S. Corporate Team Members, and an expansion of its Thrive Global platform, to support new parents and their managers. Hilton will increase parental leave by two weeks, providing birth mothers with an industry-leading 12 weeks of paid time off, and fathers and adoptive parents with four weeks of paid time off. Expecting and returning parents will also have access...

LAAMU, MALDIVES—The #ProtectMaldivesSeagrass campaign, headed by the Blue Marine Foundation and the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) at Six Senses Laamu, has so far convinced more than 25 percent of resorts in the Maldives to protect their seagrass meadows. Charles Clover, Executive Director of the Blue Marine Foundation, said, “Many resorts have joined the campaign and are now protecting this critical habitat; however, some resorts are still continuing to remove their seagrass. Support from the government, resorts, organizations and tourists is evidence that the practice of seagrass removal is finally ready to be put to an end.” The country’s Ministry of Tourism...

MADRID—Sustainability is one of NH Hotel Group’s most important pledges and a key strategic value. As such, it permeates everything the company does. Framed by its broader sustainability effort, the multinational has committed to reducing carbon emissions all along its value chain by 20 percent by 2030, thus preventing the emission of over 70,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. NH Hotel Group’s target, which has been validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative—a leading alliance mobilizing the world of business to take action against climate change, championed by CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and World...

ENCINITAS, CALIF.—The Inn at Moonlight Beach announced that it has been awarded WELL Certification at the Platinum level by the International WELL Building Institute’s (IWBI) collaboration with Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Going a step further than LEED certification, the prestigious distinction was awarded through IWBI’s WELL Building Standard (WELL), which is the premier building standard to focus on enhancing people’s health and wellness through the buildings where we live, work and play. The Inn, an intimate 4,000 square foot boutique hotel on a third of an acre lot, is nestled in a residential neighborhood in historical downtown Encinitas, a short...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new report from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) suggests that sustainable building practices, including those involving energy and water conservation as well as waste reduction, are increasingly being incorporated throughout the hotel sector to add value and provide a competitive edge to properties. Sustainability in Hotels: Opportunities and Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality assesses the state of sustainability in the hotel sector by identifying best practices, highlighting industry trends in sustainability, and offering solutions to sustainability-related obstacles. The report, published by ULI’s Greenprint Center for Building Performance, contains case studies and is informed by insights from 25...