LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched its new high-level guidelines for inclusion and diversity in the Travel & Tourism sector, which have been compiled to support businesses of all sizes and provide an inclusive work environment for all employees. Research has shown that by supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace companies experience benefits such as greater profitability, increased creativity and innovation, and a happier workforce. The ‘Inclusion & Diversity Guidelines’ were compiled from insights and frameworks developed by private sector leaders in Travel & Tourism including Hilton, Accessible Travel Solutions and JTB Corp, leading DMOs, such as IC...

MIAMI—The Copper Door B&B is an intimate 22-room bed and breakfast located in the historic Black community of Overtown in Miami. The charming bed and breakfast is the passion project of hospitality industry veterans Jamila Ross and Akino West who aim to resurrect southern hospitality while honoring the neighborhood’s powerful cultural past. The culinary-trained couple transformed the boarded up Demetree Hotel, operated by Jimmy Demetree, a controversial Robin Hood figure in Miami during the 1940s, into a unique, immersive and inclusive lodging experience for modern travelers featuring chef-driven amenities and local goods. By ushering in a new generation of civic-minded entrepreneurs,...

TEMECULA, CALIF.—In early December, Pechanga Development Corp. donated toys, gifts and monetary funds for children and families in need through three Southern California charities—ABC7’s Spark of Love, the Marines’ Toys for Tots and the Debbie Chisholm Memorial Foundation. The funds and gifts totaled nearly $15,000, and Pechanga leaders said they intend to help more deserving people. Pechanga Firefighters and Pechanga Resort Casino team members volunteers recently shopped underserved Southern California children and teens. In Pechanga’s sixth year partnering with the ABC7 Spark of Love Toy Drive in conjunction with Toys for Tots, Pechanga donated an entire van load of toys...

DUBAI, U.A.E.—Element Hotels, part of Marriott International, announced the opening of Element Al Jaddaf in one of Dubai’s emerging districts. Element Al Jaddaf presents an eco-friendly concept for guests seeking to maintain a balanced lifestyle while travelling. Inspired by nature and with a bright aesthetic, Element Al Jaddaf features streamlined furnishings in light natural tones with touches of greenery. The hotel’s relaxed and enriching atmosphere together with its ergonomic design, quiet nooks, sun filled spaces, and pet-friendly amenities evoke a feeling of comfort and home. “Element is a recognized industry leader in the longer-stay eco space and is designed to empower guests...

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Sands has again been recognized by global environmental nonprofit CDP, on its Climate and Water A Lists. This marks the sixth consecutive year the company has appeared on the Climate A List, and the third straight appearance on the Water A List. Being named to the Climate A List highlights the company’s work towards cutting emissions, mitigating climate risks and building Integrated Resorts responsibly, while the Water A List designation recognizes Sands’ accomplishments in promoting water efficiency and conservation. Sands is one of only 64 companies to be named to both the Climate and Water A Lists. “Our...

BOULDER, COLO.—KAN Tulum, a vacation development, and SkyRun Vacation Rentals Riviera Maya, a premium full-service property management company, have come together to provide a sustainable luxury vacation experience in Tulum, Mexico. KAN Tulum, composed of 42 treehouse-style units based on an organic design, utilizes renewable energy sources to create a luxury experience while living at one with nature in the Mayan jungle. KAN Tulum’s sustainable design includes: The latest generation of solar to power air conditioning. A water-processing system that cleans wastewater onsite. Outer walls encased in bamboo that host climbing plants to keep internal temperatures low, and mosquitos at...

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—A recent Honeywell survey conducted by YouGov PLC finds travelers are placing an increased focus on cleanliness and hygiene when selecting which airlines to fly and which hotels to book. Although cost also remains a top motivator in travel decisions, the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted travelers’ focus toward safety as they make travel decisions. The Honeywell survey, which was conducted online among adults in the United States and United Kingdom, sought to better understand these shifting motivations. Enhanced Cleanliness & Safety Boosts Traveler Confidence When U.S. survey participants were asked about their criteria for selecting a travel brand or company, cleanliness/hygiene was the...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, including hotels, LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. LEED is for all building types and all building phases including new construction, interior fit outs, operations and maintenance and core and shell. LEED Zero is for projects with net zero goals in carbon and/or resources. Projects pursuing LEED certification...

The travel industry lost Gordon “Butch” Stewart this week. He was the founder of Sandals Resorts, the leading hotel chain in the Caribbean, Beaches Resorts, and their parent company Sandals Resorts International. He was also the founder and chairman of the ATL Group of Companies and the Jamaica Observer. Steward left behind a company strongly dedicated to green, sustainable practices. All the company’s resorts participate in the EarthCheck program. Resorts also adhere to the Oceanic Standard, a comprehensive guide to implementing sustainable practices in the hospitality industry, with a focus on reducing single-use plastics. Resorts have received the distinction of...

SHANGHAI—Global research and consulting firm, Great Place to Work, announced that Hilton took the top spot on the list of this year’s “Best Workplaces in Greater China 2020”. This is the sixth consecutive year that Hilton has been named to Greater China’s “Best Workplaces” list, and the second consecutive year that it has been named as one of the country’s best workplaces for women. With its continued success on the “Best Workplaces” list, Hilton was granted the additional honor of being named “The Legend” by Great Place to Work. To receive “The Legend” designation, a company is required to have...