BANGKOK—Within just a few hours of the United States, Belize is known for its warm and turquoise water, incredible snorkeling and diving, and active and vibrant culture. Guests and residents at Six Senses Belize will experience something out of this world as the team has worked tirelessly to strike the perfect balance between vivacious beach life and small-scale, secluded island bliss so that residents can enjoy either or both, any time they wish. The resort and residences are uniquely set across two areas. The sun-drenched stretch of secret beachfront on Ambergris Caye, the most sought-after destination in Belize, offers an...

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA.—The marriage of Vero Water and Quench is good news for hoteliers and good news for the environment. Quench, a Culligan company, announced the acquisition of Vero Water earlier this month. Vero Water and Quench both offer filtered water systems that eliminate single-use plastic bottle waste, significantly reducing carbon emissions and minimizing overall environmental impact. Quench is a leader in providing point-of-use water dispensers, ice machines, sparkling water machines, and coffee machines that offer users many consumption choices, including quenchWATER+ alkaline water, RO water, chewable ice, sparkling water, flavored water, and coffee. Vero Water offers on-site purification...

ROCKVILLE, MD.—Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, announced it has executed a lease for a new corporate headquarters in North Bethesda, Md. The new headquarters will occupy over 105,000 square feet of office space in the mixed-use development of Pike & Rose. The building is being developed by owner Federal Realty Investment Trust and Choice is expected to begin working there in the fourth quarter of 2023. “Between this new building in North Bethesda and our state-of-the-art technology center in Scottsdale, Arizona, which opened this month, we’re thrilled to offer our associates best-in-class places to work,” said Patrick Pacious, President...

DENVER—Just under 2,500 consumers from 52 countries and territories took part in the Wellness Tourism Association’s (WTA) 2021 Wellness Travel Consumer Survey to help the hospitality industry, tour operators and travel agents/advisors have a clearer understanding of wellness-minded consumers’ priorities as they begin planning their post-pandemic travels. This latest survey from the WTA was designed to reveal what assets, amenities, activities, and other offerings are “extremely important” to key consumers as they plan their future wellness travels, what is “not important at all,” and what might influence them most when it comes to booking wellness-travel over the next two years. The...

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA—The Saudi Arabian Government has launched the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC), a multi-country, multi-stakeholder coalition that will accelerate the tourism sector’s transition to net zero emissions, as well as drive action to protect nature and support communities. Launched by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the Sustainable Tourism Global Center will support travelers, governments, and the private sector, to ensure that tourism enables growth and creates jobs, while playing its part to achieve the climate goals laid out in the Paris Agreement, including contributing to keeping the world to under 1.5 degrees Celsius warming. With the global travel and tourism sector responsible for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Saudi Arabia has prioritized urgent action to support this important sector in its transition to...

SAN FRANCISCO—The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, in collaboration with Porsche, announces a new extravagant amenity for their guests—Porsche electric vehicle charging stations. Located in the valet area of the hotel’s parking deck, the AC chargers are meant to top off the batteries of electric vehicles while their drivers enjoy a cocktail at Top of the Mark, the hotel’s iconic penthouse level lounge; take in a meal at farm-to-table restaurant Nob Hill Club; or settle in for an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s luxurious suites. “Like the Porsche brand, The InterContinental Mark Hopkins delivers a luxury experience at the highest level,” states Michael...

PENSACOLA, FLA.—The eight-room Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel, with its geothermal heating and cooling system throughout the property, becomes the 28th U.S. lodging establishment to be listed in the “Geothermal Powered” section of Green Lodging News under “Renewable Energy All Stars”. The hotel opened in late April of this year and was previously the Lee House, a B&B completed in 2008. After being sold last year to the current owners, the Studer Family of Companies¸ $2 million was invested in renovations. The geothermal system came with the property but it, along with new investments in efficiency, has made Oyster Bay...

CEBU, PHILIPPINES—Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) through its subsidiaries Countrywide Water Services Inc. (CWSI) and Crimson Resort and Spa, Mactan strengthened its commitment to sustainability with the commissioning of its new on-site Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). This cutting-edge water waste treatment facility can treat up to 300 cubic meters of domestic wastewater per day. Making use of Membrane Bio-reactor (MBR) technology, which provides high-end water sanitation compared to traditional waste water technology, can guarantee better-quality effluent suitable for re-use in the resort’s 6-hectare grounds to provide water for its landscaping and garden irrigation. The implementation of this treatment facility aligns with Crimson...

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation that bans the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS from paper, paperboard or plant-based food packaging, utensils and paper straws, effective January 1, 2023. Authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), the law also requires manufacturers to label cookware that contains toxic chemicals on product handles or coatings, starting January 1, 2024. Beginning January 1, 2023, manufacturers will also have to make public on their websites a list of those chemicals present in their pots, pans, and other cookware. Cookware companies will also be prohibited from making false marketing claims implying that products are PFAS-free. ‘Sensible Laws’ “Gov. Newsom understands...

ROCKVILLE, MD.—Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, is bringing back its Your Community, Your Choice. Choice Hotels Local Business Grant Program to recognize and support hotel owners’ service efforts. Originally launched in 2019, Choice is doubling its contribution and the number of recipients this year by awarding $5,000 grants to the local charity selections of the 10 winning franchisees, for a total of $50,000 in grants, helping them to make a positive impact in their community. “Our franchisees and their hotel staff are always serving their communities as well as their guests, and over the past year they have truly exemplified...