WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement on the final approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to begin construction on a nationwide network of EV charging stations: “The action today by the DOT approving a nationwide network of EV charging stations is a major step forward in making travel in the U.S. more sustainable. This investment will lead to the ability to travel anywhere across the U.S. by electric vehicle with greater confidence, ensuring America’s roadways connect rural...

LOUIS, MO.—For property owners and facility managers, premature roof failure equals unexpected and often significant expenses. According to Bob Gender, Region Manager at Western Specialty Contractors, the neglect of preventative maintenance is often the cause of premature roof failure. “Roofing materials such as BUR, TPO, EPDM, PVC, Modified Bitumen and even green roofs can be vulnerable to environmental stressors such as organic debris, growing vegetation or ponding water,” said Gender. “Other contributors to premature roof failure may include poor craftsmanship, improper flashing, clogged or leaking downspouts, or damage by other contractors.” When roofs are not maintained properly, open seams, splits, blistering,...

MCLEAN, VA.—As part of its ongoing commitment to create learning and career growth opportunities in the communities where it operates, Hilton has announced it will hire 1,500 additional refugees over the next three years at its managed and franchised properties across the U.S. The hospitality company made the announcement during its participation in the Tent Foundation U.S. Business Summit in New York. The summit brings together corporations with the goal of hiring and economically integrating refugees in the U.S., including recently arrived Afghan and Ukrainian refugees, during the next three years. “Creating a place where all are welcome is a part of Hilton’s...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) has reported that the Arc performance platform is now tracking more than seven billion square feet of project space in nearly 140 countries, an increase of 1.4 billion square feet over the last 12 months. This makes Arc among the largest databases of building performance in the world. “Reaching seven billion square feet of space using Arc is a significant milestone,” said Peter Templeton, interim President, and CEO, GBCI and Arc. “This underscores the rapidly growing commitment of building owners and operators worldwide to tracking, reporting, and verifying performance as critical steps towards minimizing...

SHANGHAI—Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider, released its inaugural “Sustainable Travel Consumer Report 2022,” celebrating the annual World Tourism Day—September 27. This report sheds light on the increased acceptance of sustainable travel and its implications for the travel industry and the wider world. Across the globe, sustainable travel as a concept and practice has moved from the back of travelers’ minds to claim a dominant position in the decision-making process, with close to eight in 10 travelers (78.7 percent) acknowledging its importance. Sustainable Travel an Increasingly Accepted Idea Based on a survey of 7,705 respondents across 11 markets in Asia and Europe, the report finds that the...

LAS VEGAS—The MGM Resorts Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million in the form of 82 grants to nonprofit organizations located in communities around the country in which MGM Resorts operates, including Southern Nevada, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Northeast Ohio, the DC Metropolitan area, and Western Massachusetts. Funding was awarded to organizations that provide basic needs services to community residents. The funds are the result of contributions made to the Community Grant Fund by MGM Resorts employees as well as guests. Grant decisions are made by the Company’s Community Grant Councils, a voluntary committee of employees who represent their respective regions. The committee distributes donations not ear-marked for...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—Radisson Hotel Group, one of the world’s leading hotel groups, has received confirmation and validation of its near-term Science Based Targets (SBTs) aligned with its commitment to be Net-Zero by 2050. The authentication has been provided by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) a partnership between experts such as CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) and the United Nations Global Compact, which drives ambitious climate action in business. It places Radisson Hotel Group amongst top companies in the world who align with the CDP climate goals and set their carbon reduction targets according to science. As a leading international hotel group...

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO—The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Los Cabos was awarded its Blue Flag Distinction for the 2022 to 2023 season. To be eligible for the accolade, the resort was evaluated against a series of rigorous environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. To keep the beach clean, the resort uses various methods, from manual cleaning and sand screening through sieves made from recycled material to a Sandbox Tractor. The resort also follows the protocols for Sea Turtle nesting in accordance with the Department of Ecology and Environment. In complement with the Blue Flag and other current sustainability initiatives, the...

ATLANTA—The IHG Owners Association, representing more than 4,000 InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) franchise hotel owners worldwide, has announced a new member benefit, the IHG Owners Association Healthcare Program, which offers nationwide healthcare coverage and benefits options to U.S. Association members. Powered by Association Strategic Partner Decisely, an industry-leading benefits and HR services firm, the IHG Owners Association Healthcare Program provides cost-effective healthcare coverage and benefits to help owners attract and retain employees. Developed with support from Association Allied Member Kemmons Wilson Insurance Group, the IHG Owners Association Healthcare Program leverages the buying power of the Association’s vast membership base, creating...

BETHESDA, MD.—Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., the nation’s largest lodging real estate investment trust, released its 2022 Corporate Responsibility (CR) Report, which details the Company’s CR program and responsible investment strategy along with its environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, progress and industry-leading accomplishments. Additionally, the 2022 CR Report introduces the framework for the Company’s 2050 CR vision. “It was a milestone year for Host’s social initiatives—especially our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging—and we continued to lead on the environmental front,” said Joanne Hamilton, Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Responsibility. “While we continue to make significant...