LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company announced the Sustainability and Investment Summit, which will take place on June 14 in the city of San Juan. Announced at FITUR, the international tourism fair held in Madrid, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “This one day event will demonstrate WTTC’s and the wide Travel & Tourism sector’s commitment to preserving the planet, reducing the effects of climate change and, above all, increasing its resilience to ensure its continued sustainable growth. From the very beginning of this pandemic, the Government of Puerto Rico through the...

AMSTERDAM—A new study has revealed that four-in-five companies assessed now include a commitment in their sustainability reports to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet fewer than half set measurable targets for how their actions contribute towards fulfilling the Goals. The publication from GRI and Support the Goals—State of Progress: Business Contributions to the SDGs—analyzes a sample of over 200 companies around the world that produced a GRI report in 2020. Key findings include: 83 percent of companies state that they support the SDGs, recognizing the value of aligning their reports with the Goals; 69 percent of companies articulate which Goals...

CHICAGO—Restaurant customers can expect to see health taking center stage on restaurant menus in 2022. The National Restaurant Association recently released its annual What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, which offers a detailed look at the topics, trends, and products expected to drive restaurant menus in the coming year across a variety of categories including daypart occasions, menu categories, beverages, flavors, global inspirations, packaging/off-premises trends and industry macro-trends. After demand for comfort food surged during the height of the pandemic, consumers are refocusing on better-for-you options, with foods that are believed to have immunity-boosting qualities and plant-based sandwiches making up three of...

BEND, ORE.—Oregon State University – Cascades will establish a research laboratory to provide data and services to help tourism entities around the country and in Bend balance visitor needs and community impact, thanks to a $125,000 commitment from Visit Bend made through the OSU Foundation. “We’re grateful to Visit Bend for their generosity and visionary leadership in helping launch a research lab that can support sustainable economic, social and environmental futures for tourism destinations like Bend,” said Andrew Ketsdever, Interim Vice President of OSU-Cascades. Tourism represents 10 percent of the world’s gross domestic and $12.8 billion in direct spending in Oregon...

MÉRIDA, MEXICO—Mundo Imperial Entertainment & Hospitality debuts WAYAM Mundo Imperial, the company’s first hotel in Mérida and the first LEED-certified property in the city. WAYAM Mundo Imperial is a green oasis that bridges sleek urban design with the historic landscape of its setting. Located in García Ginerés, one of Mérida’s oldest and most iconic neighborhoods, WAYAM is housed in a century-old residence reimagined with modern design touches, blending indoors and outdoors to immerse guests in a lush experience of the senses. The resort features a central, five-story-tall mango tree and 10 sculptures by renowned Mexican artist Carlos Marin. Forward-thinking amenities include dog-friendly...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Marriott Vacations Worldwide has been recognized as a 2021 Best Employer in seven countries by Kincentric including Aruba, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The certification recognizes employer excellence by evaluating employee opinions to measure effective leadership, talent focus, organizational agility, and employee engagement. Marriott Vacations Worldwide’s 2021 Kincentric survey saw a high response rate of 91 percent and strong levels of overall engagement (78 percent) as defined by Kincentric. It identified areas of strength including leaders acting with integrity and modeling the company’s core values, a focus on sustainability and taking care of the community, and commitment to inclusion and diversity. “We appreciate receiving this recognition, which...

RICHARDSON, TEXAS—Midas announced the opening of its new Element by Westin hotel. The $22 million hotel is located at 2205 North Glenville Dr. in Richardson, Texas. The Element is part of a 5.2-acre mixed-use development and joint venture with 3D Development. Midas Hospitality will manage the four-story hotel, which has 123 spacious suites that include fully equipped kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms. MW Builders, which has offices in Kansas and Texas, was the general contractor for the hotel. Gray Design Group was the architect, and Commerce Bank is providing the financing. The Element concept encourages renewal through a nature-influenced environment and is...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced the results of the 2021 World Green Building Trends report, of which USGBC is a contributing partner. The new report demonstrates that despite the challenges of the last two years, commitments to increase green building efforts continues to remain strong. The report shows that green building continues to remain a global priority, driven by extreme events and despite rising concerns like the COVID-19 pandemic. “The World Green Building Trends report underscores the increasing importance that governments, corporations and institutions are placing on green buildings for our climate, health and economy,” said...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with The Red Sea Development Company for a 430-room Grand Hyatt hotel on Shaura Island, the hub of the ambitious Red Sea Project on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. The luxury resort hotel will represent the largest of 11 hotels set to open on the island and will occupy a prime position within this innovative tourist development. Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will be the second Grand Hyatt hotel in the Kingdom and the seventh Grand Hyatt hotel in the Middle East, marking an important milestone...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announces USGBC Live 2022, an annual event series designed to help prepare and inspire building industry practitioners and changemakers including USGBC members, LEED users and credential holders to accelerate the transition to green buildings, cities and communities. The 2022 USGBC Live schedule includes two regional experiences leading up to the main event: •    USGBC Live: Boston Forum, Boston, Mass., April •    USGBC Live: Minneapolis Forum, Minneapolis, Minn., May •    The main USGBC Live event will take place in a hybrid (virtual and in-person) format in Washington, D.C., in June. “USGBC Live brings our community together to provide insight...