KINGSTON, JAMAICA—Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has outlined an ambitious recovery strategy for the island’s tourism sector that prioritizes resilience, sustainability, and innovation in the face of evolving global disruptions, the most recent being the passage of category 5 Hurricane Melissa. The storm brought sustained winds of 185 miles per hour with gusts reaching 252 miles per hour—a magnitude the Caribbean and Jamaica have never experienced. Despite the severity of the storm, Minister Bartlett reaffirmed Jamaica’s position as an irresistible value proposition for visitors worldwide. “When we have mega disruptions of whatever type, whether weather-related or otherwise, the world...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a move that could dramatically increase Americans’ exposure to hazardous chemicals, House Republicans have released the unofficial draft of a bill that would weaken the country’s primary chemical safety law. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) released the draft. The proposal would force the Environmental Protection Agency to speed up the approval of new toxic chemicals and weaken safety requirements for approval, even when companies fail to provide adequate safety data. It would also hinder EPA efforts to order company safety tests on chemicals of concern and weaken agency assessments of toxic...

SAN JUAN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO—HADCO Experiences, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s leading Destination Management Companies, has been awarded the prestigious Green Key certification for their flagship properties, HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre and Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel. Recognized for their commitment to eco-conscious tourism and sustainable hospitality practices, both properties have received this internationally respected sustainability distinction. Earning Green Key certification is a marker reflecting a property’s adherence to the strict environmental responsibility and sustainable operation criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education; and the HADCO Experiences team is thrilled to be advancing the cause of sustainability...

NATIONAL REPORT—As a hotel manager, you know that utility bills and maintenance can quickly add up. Water and energy consumption, in particular, can be major operational expenses. The good news is you can reduce your environmental footprint and lower costs by making small, sustainable upgrades to your bathrooms—all without compromising the guest experience. Here are a few ideas that can make a difference in your business. Switch to Low-Flow Faucets Traditional faucets can waste a lot of water if left running but switching to sensor-activated faucets is an easy fix. These faucets automatically turn off when not in use, which is...

ENTERPRISE, ALA.—Tiny living…it’s the hot new trend that many people are embracing. It’s also a good alternative to overnight hotel stays with more amenities. Now, in Enterprise, Ala., which is located in the middle of a 75-mile corridor where 12 million cars pass through annually on their way to the Florida panhandle, Darryl Worley's “Awful Beautiful Life” Luxury Tiny Home Resort has broken ground and is scheduled to open in late Spring 2026. Located within miles of Fort Rucker, Darryl Worley’s “Awful Beautiful Life” Luxury Tiny Home Resort will offer short-term/convenient lodging for government contractors, flight graduation class family members and guests,...

PHILADELPHIA—Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, the upscale lifestyle hotel nestled in bustling Rittenhouse Square, is celebrating Black History Month with Soft Light, a group art exhibition showcasing works by four Black women artists, curated by Philadelphia-based curator and visual artist Chelsey Luster. The exhibition will launch with a Meet the Makers opening reception on Thursday, January 15 and will be on view through February 27. The opening reception and the exhibit are free to attend and open to the public. Rooted in Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia’s commitment to celebrating local culture, creativity, and community, Soft Light continues the hotel’s ongoing “Maker Series,” an initiative highlighting Philadelphia-based artists and...

NEW YORK—Beyond Green, a global community of leaders advancing sustainable travel, is expanding its scope and deepening its impact heading into the new year. Building on its foundation as a portfolio of rigorously vetted hotels, resorts, lodges, and unique accommodations, the mission-driven brand now includes strategic consulting services for destinations, travel brands, and other aligned organizations. Alongside this expansion, Beyond Green has welcomed five new member properties across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia into its global portfolio. Introducing Beyond Green Consulting As part of this evolution, Beyond Green has unified its brand structure to include Beyond Green Hotels—its original portfolio...

LHAVIYANI, MALDIVES—Six Senses Kanuhura announces a pioneering new initiative that positions the resort at the forefront of marine conservation in the Maldives: the Kanuhura Coral Census, the first long-term, 3D reef-monitoring program ever implemented by a resort worldwide. Developed in collaboration with leading scientists from Newcastle University and University College London (UCL), this cutting-edge methodology delivers an unprecedented level of accuracy, data integrity, and ecological insight. The launch comes at a critical time, as global studies warn that up to 90 percent of the world’s coral reefs may be lost by 2050. Reinventing How Reefs Are Studied For decades, coral-reef monitoring around the world...

MALDIVES—The horizon of Meliá Hotels & Resorts expands to one of the most coveted destinations on the planet: the Maldives. In January 2026, the most international and renowned brand of Meliá Hotels International will open the doors of Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives, a five-star, all-inclusive resort that invites guests to discover the essence of the Indian Ocean in an unparalleled natural setting, marking a new milestone in the company’s global expansion. Located in the South Ari Atoll, this unique enclave has been designed for those seeking authentic experiences: romantic escapes for couples, moments of disconnection for families, and adventure for ocean...

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS—Registration and hotel reservations for the 2026 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) are now open. The event, organized by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), will take place from June 15 to 18, 2026, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. HITEC is recognized as a leading event in the hospitality technology sector, attracting industry professionals worldwide to discuss technology trends, best practices, and market solutions. The conference will feature an exhibit hall with more than 370 companies showcasing products and services to support the hospitality technology industry. Nearly 6,000 industry professionals are expected to...