WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) has released its latest report: The Case for Responsible Travel: Trends & Statistics 2020, a special edition on lessons from COVID-19 for tourism in a changing climate. This annual meta-analysis comes at an unprecedented time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has highlighted the immense need and value of tourism, while fundamentally changing the way destinations, businesses, and travelers will plan, manage, and experience tourism. At the same time, climate change remains an existential threat that has real consequences for destinations and communities everywhere. According to CREST, tourism was frankly on a path of...

ATLANTA—IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announced further updates in its efforts to advance equality for all, through key partnerships and programs with the National Urban League, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Jobs for America’s Graduates. Elie Maalouf, CEO, Americas, IHG, said: “The hospitality that we offer to our guests, colleagues and communities is fundamentally underpinned by a culture of respect and inclusion for all people. We recognize and embrace the role that we can play in standing for justice and opportunity and are honored to support the important work of...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As devastated industries wait for Congress to pass another round of COVID-19 recovery legislation, a new survey of American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) members shows that the hotel industry remains on the brink of collapse because of the pandemic. Results show 68 percent of hotels have less than half of their typical, pre-crisis staff working full time, and without further governmental assistance, 74 percent of respondents said they would be forced to lay off additional employees. AHLA conducted the survey of hotel industry owners, operators, and employees from September 14 to 16, 2020, with more than 1,000 respondents....

NAYARIT, MEXICO—Mexico’s coveted Riviera Nayarit welcomes a bright new era in hospitality with the official opening of Conrad Punta de Mita—Hilton’s first-ever Conrad brand resort in Mexico, and the second Conrad brand property in the country. Situated beside the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific on a two-mile-long beach, the highly anticipated opening of the 324-room property invites travelers to discover contemporary luxury. “The opening of Conrad Punta de Mita marks an important milestone for Hilton, as we bring Conrad-level style, service and experiences to the shores of Riviera Nayarit,” said Jorge Giannattasio, Hilton’s Senior Vice President and Head of Operations,...

EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS.—After an exhaustive two-year process, a University of Arizona Health Sciences research team has announced the publication of their work, Comparison of electric hand dryers and paper towels for hand hygiene: a critical review of the literature. The review culled the current breadth of data, including published studies, news reports and online content, seeking to uncover which hand drying method, hand dryers or paper towels, is more hygienic and safer relative to human health risks. The researchers found that, while studies in the public arena generally favor paper towels over hand dryers, the conclusions are largely misleading...

CYPRESS, CALIF.—The TreadRight Foundation, The Travel Corporation’s not-for-profit, has released another short film featuring its “Planet” Ambassador, filmmaker and environmentalist, Céline Cousteau, speaking to the critical role travel plays in empowering local food producers and communities. At a time when it’s clear that the balance between people and the planet has been lost, the film follows Cousteau as she rediscovers her roots in France and meets local producers dedicated to living in harmony with the land that nourishes all people. During this time of physical distancing and sheltering in place, people around the world have been focused on shopping...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Clean the World Foundation, a global leader in water, sanitation, hygiene, and sustainability has partnered with Las Vegas Sands to facilitate The Drop by Drop Project. A collaboration between Clean the World Foundation and initiative co-founder Sands, The Drop by Drop Project will reinvest capital from water stewardship efforts into three innovative projects supporting local water champions in Las Vegas, Macao, and Singapore. Managed and operated by Clean the World Foundation, The Drop by Drop Project will be supported in part by savings from Sands’ conservation programs. Following previously announced grant recipients University of St. Joseph Macao (USJ), Institute...

LONDON—The World Food Travel Assn. (WFTA) announced that it has become a signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, a project led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) unites the tourism sector behind a common vision to address the root causes of plastic pollution. It enables businesses, governments, associations and NGOs to take concerted action, leading by example in the shift towards how we use and dispose of plastics. “As a signatory of the initiative, we endorse the common vision to address the root causes of plastic...

MADRID, SPAIN—The 2020 edition of World Tourism Day will celebrate the unique role that tourism plays in providing opportunities outside of big cities and preserving cultural and natural heritage all around the world. Celebrated on September 27 with the theme of “Tourism and Rural Development”, this year’s international day of observation comes at a critical moment, as countries around the world look to tourism to drive recovery, including in rural communities where the sector is a leading employer and economic pillar. The 2020 edition also comes as governments look to the sector to drive recovery from the effects of the pandemic...

PHUKET, THAILAND—Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is inviting up to 1,500 Hawaii nurses and respiratory therapists to enjoy a stress-free, cost-free stay in Waikiki as a way for the hospitality brand to show its appreciation for the frontline healthcare heroes. Eligible individuals must book by Sept. 30, 2020 to take advantage of this offer and stay dates can be anytime from September 15, 2020 to January 31, 2021 with some restrictions. “During this COVID-19 pandemic, Hawaii is indebted to the medical professionals who serve selflessly to help ensure the wellbeing of our island community,” said Sean Dee, EVP and CMO at...