My family and I vacationed in New Orleans this past week. It is certainly one of my favorite cities. I had not been there for a long time and really enjoyed visiting the National WWII Museum and New Orleans Museum of Art. If you have never been to the Museum of Art there, they have an outstanding outdoor sculpture garden. Of course, walking through the rich, cultural neighborhoods downtown close to the Mississippi River was a great experience as well.
We stayed at the Hilton Riverside—a great location right next to the River. There did not appear to be much activity there. In fact, many of the businesses, including restaurants, were only open three or four days a week. Even Brennan’s, known for its delicious Bananas Foster, is currently just open from Thursday through Sunday. I feel bad for all of those who have suffered from the lost business in the “Big Easy”. I know there are better days ahead for New Orleans and all the other cities that have suffered so much from the pandemic. Yet, the recovery will certainly be uneven.
According to STR, the U.S. lodging industry just experienced its highest occupancy level in a year (52.1 percent). When indexed against 2019 levels, the United States has recaptured between 70 to 75 percent of occupancy in recent weeks. We will certainly take it and look forward to even better days ahead.
Do Not Forget About Sustainability
As guests return, do not put the brakes on sustainability. According to a new global survey by IHG Hotels & Resorts, people are more mindful than ever about traveling consciously following the COVID-19 pandemic. (See the article here.)
More than half of the 9,000 adults surveyed across the United States, United Kingdom, China, the UAE, Germany and Australia—with almost two thirds in the United States—agree 2020 and COVID-19 has made them more socially and environmentally conscious about their impact on the world when traveling. For Americans, younger travelers are far more likely to agree, with 78 percent of 18-24-year-olds sharing this sentiment, compared to just 27 percent of those 55 and over.
It appears travelers not only intend to do more for the planet and communities around them, but they are also willing to pay for it too. The research found that Americans will spend an average of 41 percent more on an accommodation they know operates responsibly—with 47 percent happy to spend more than 40 percent extra a night. How are you conveying your green story to those potentially future guests? Very prominently I hope.
More than a third of respondents in the United States (38 percent) say they will be more mindful about their travel choices following the pandemic. The number one consideration was how ethical and responsible the hotel brand is in creating an inclusive work environment, supporting jobs, providing skills training and education, and protecting human rights (42 percent), followed by avoiding tourist activities that could have a negative impact on the local environment and communities (38 percent).
As for activities such as volunteering and restoration projects, young American travelers aged 18 to 24 are nearly six times as likely to get involved when visiting another country, compared to those 55 and over. What types of activities like this are you currently making available to your guests?
An incredible 82 percent of adults around the world, along with 66 percent of Americans, say they are committed to taking their everyday sustainability habits with them when they travel, with minimizing food waste and recycling taking the top spot in the United States as a priority.
A big thanks to IHG Hotels & Resorts for investing in this type of research.
Earth Hour & Earth Day Activities
Got anything planned for Earth Hour (March 27 at 8:30 p.m.) and/or Earth Day (April 22)? I would love to hear from you about your plans. Write to greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Get in the Green Suppliers Spotlight!
Green Lodging News, lodging’s leading environmental news source, publishes Green Suppliers Spotlight, an e-blast to 24,171 subscribers that features the lodging industry’s leading green products and services. The e-blast features multiple vendors—unlike the current Green Supplier Spotlight that allows one supplier to “own” the Green Lodging News subscriber list for one e-blast. (Click here for a Green Suppliers Spotlight sample.)
Green Suppliers Spotlight is published weekly on Thursdays to general managers, owners, management companies, directors of sustainability, directors of engineering, facilities managers and many others who are either in purchasing positions or who influence purchasing decisions. Suppliers of green products and services throughout North America and beyond are invited to participate in the e-blast. (Minimum two suppliers per e-blast.) Green Suppliers Spotlight was created to give vendors an opportunity to reach a high number of industry purchasers at a very low cost—as low as $200 per e-mail. (Click here for rate sheet.)
Those advertising in Green Suppliers Spotlight can include up to 100 words, one image, contact information and multiple links to their website in their ad. At the end of each month, a report will be sent to each supplier with information on delivered e-mails, opens and click-throughs.
Planning Advertising for 2021?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2021. Many excellent spots are available on our website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2021 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com. Media kits can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Newsletter & Green Supplier Spotlight Circulation
The circulation of our weekly e-newsletter and Green Supplier Spotlight currently stands at 24,171. Thank you to our new subscribers for signing up. Be sure to encourage your colleagues to do the same. There are “subscribe” links on the Green Lodging News home page. You may also e-mail greenlodgingnews@gmail.com to be added to our list.
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As always, I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
