INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The aim to reduce food waste and offer more low carbon foods in the hospitality industry is set to be a key focus for the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s (SHA) partnership with World Resources Institute (WRI). The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and WRI have a shared commitment to helping the hospitality industry reduce its food-related emissions by 25 percent by 2030. By shifting to low carbon foods and reducing food waste the industry can maximize its action on climate change and meet its targets for addressing the climate crisis. The partnership aims to engage employees and customers by bringing the latest science...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—Some of the many victims of the Ukraine War, including injured Ukrainian citizens and their families, may see their lives improve following a record-setting $750,000 raised by Hard Rock Heals Foundation at a recent Ukraine Relief Fund Gala Dinner hosted by former World Champion Heavyweight Boxer Wladimir Klitschko. Nearly 1,000 guests came together at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood to raise $750,000, the most money ever raised at a charity event organized by Hard Rock Heals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization connected to Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. The Ukraine Relief Fund Gala was generously underwritten by Seminole...

SEATTLE—Urban Villages, a leading real estate developer and environmental steward, announced the summer 2024 opening of Hotel Westland, a carbon positive, adaptive reuse hotel in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood. Construction recently began on the 120-room hotel to modernize the historic structure, giving it a second life and ensuring it lasts for generations to come. Operated by Aparium Hotel Group and architecturally designed by The Miller Hull Partnership with interiors by Curioso, the boutique lifestyle hotel will highlight historic character maintained from the building’s 1907 construction, modern guestrooms and amenities, Pioneer Square’s first rooftop bar, and a signature restaurant, fueled by an authentic connection to...

NATIONAL REPORT—The unexpected announcement by President Biden to ban surprise fees for airline and hotel services during the 2023 State of the Union address has shed light on the lack of transparency surrounding fees that have frustrated many hotel guests. Travelers want to know what they are paying for and feel they are getting value for their money. To minimize “fee friction” and build a more enriching, rewarding experience for their guests, hotels need to think creatively and offer unique amenities that create memorable and engaging experiences. A New Amenity for Hotels: Micromobility Hotels must keep pace with changing guest expectations as the hospitality...

HOUSTON—Climate change has become increasingly front of mind, with many organizations looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and limit their impact on the environment. One “tool in the toolkit” is the purchase and use of carbon offsets, allowing organizations to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by supporting a variety of sustainable projects. What Are Voluntary Carbon Offsets? Voluntary carbon offsets are something organizations can purchase to support projects around the globe to either reduce emissions entering the atmosphere or remove carbon dioxide (CO2). These offsets are generated from a wide variety of sustainable projects, such as wind and solar...

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) is leading the way to make New Orleans one of the most sustainable destinations in America. Just since March, the NOENMCC has served a 4,000-guest meal, free of garbage cans; served a gourmet lunch in a dumpster using leftover foods; and plated its largest banquet since the COVID-19 pandemic using over 10,000 pieces of China. “We have worked closely with our internal and external partners to create event experiences that reduce environmental impacts, emphasize sustainability, and promote social responsibility,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “These practices are vital to...

HONOLULU—Premier beach resort brand Outrigger Resorts & Hotels has successfully achieved Green Seal certification for key properties in Fiji and Hawaii. Outrigger is first in the State of Hawaii to earn the prestigious Green Seal designation as well as the first hospitality brand to achieve certification outside of the United States. Green Seal is a global nonprofit whose certification mark is a universal symbol that a product, cleaning service or facility meets the highest benchmark of health and environmental leadership. Outrigger’s owned/managed properties that are now Green Seal certified include: Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel OHANA Waikiki...

NEW YORK—One of Manhattan’s most prominent luxury hotels—the 463 all-suite Conrad New York Downtown—keeps pushing the bar higher for sustainability leadership in the Big Apple. Since opening in 2012, the hotel has maintained its LEED Gold certification, implemented numerous water-, energy- and waste-saving initiatives, and it just recently became the first hotel in the city and one of the first in the U.S. to utilize Power Over Ethernet (PoE) technology. The Sinclair in Fort Worth, Texas also uses this technology. PoE is used at the Conrad New York Downtown to power LED lighting in the lobby, in the newly renovated...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The NAACP Board of Directors has issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida. The travel advisory comes in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools. The formal travel notice states, “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.” “Let me be clear, failing to teach an accurate...

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.—AutoCamp Hospitality Group opened the first location of its new lodging brand, Field Station, in Moab, Utah. An inspiring and inclusive modern lodging brand for the active outdoor community, Field Station is now welcoming guests and the local community to experience everything from affordable accommodations to easy exploration. With comfort and relaxation in mind, rooms are home to ample and creative space for gear storage. The property features 139 rooms ranging from premium king to double queen with bunk rooms and accessible options. A selection of rooms also feature Black Diamond Portaledges offering guests the experience of what it feels...