LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International has been named one of the 2023 America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). MGM Resorts is one of only four honorees in the travel & hospitality and arts, entertainment & recreation category and the only gaming company to be recognized. It is the only national award honoring corporations for world-class supplier diversity programs that reduce barriers and drive growth for women-owned businesses. “MGM Resorts values the innovation, motivation and drive that WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprises bring to our business ecosystem and supplier diversity initiatives,” said Kenyatta Lewis, Executive...

BARCELONA, SPAIN—While the hotel industry is awash in sustainability certifications, there is a dearth of them in the short-term rental (STR) sector. Until now, owners of short-term rentals haven’t had an STR-specific standard to work toward. Vanessa de Souza Lage, founder and CEO of Sustonica, aims to change that. Her Barcelona-based startup awards properties a “certification for environmental sustainability” that she claims is the first sustainability certification open to all STRs, regardless of where they’re listed. STR sustainability is “a very confusing world as you may find lots and lots of contradicting information,” de Souza Lage says. The industry needs “one certification,...

DALLAS—G6 Hospitality, the parent company of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands, reaffirmed and provided an update on its commitment to raising awareness and advancing its efforts to help end human trafficking. “We are focused on doing our part to combat the trafficking of people,” said Julie Arrowsmith, President & Interim CEO of G6 Hospitality. “We strive to bring awareness to this ongoing issue through advocacy, education, enhanced safety procedures, and ensuring our franchise owners and the property teams understand the importance of remaining vigilant and taking action.” In 2022, the company partnered with law enforcement to support their human trafficking...

BERLIN—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched the Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) verification scheme. Announced at ITB Berlin, Basics will enable tourist accommodation providers from around the world, regardless of their size, to begin their sustainability journey. Basics, an industry-wide supported initiative, is a globally recognized and coordinated set of criteria that all hotels should implement as a minimum to drive responsible and sustainable travel and tourism. Basics emerged as a result of a clear demand from a group of influential global hotel brands and while there are a great number of sustainability initiatives, Basics focuses on an achievable starting...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has released its 2023 Trends Outlook report, examining societal shifts and economic trends impacting the design profession and the role of design in addressing issues in our world. In 2023, ASID’s research finds that health and wellness continue to be top priorities in both residential and commercial design, with an emphasis on design solutions for the changing lifestyles and needs of older Americans. ASID’s research also explores how design is being impacted by the global mental health crisis, consumers’ demands for sustainability, and a new wave of technology that brings with it the need for...

BEND, ORE. & HOOD RIVER, ORE.—Dedicated to the advancement of LGBTQIA+ awareness, celebration, and inclusivity, Bend’s Campfire Hotel, and sister property The Hood River Hotel & Hostel have recently become “Proud Certified” and will receive a Travel Proud badge on the respective properties’ Booking.com listings. The Booking.com Travel Proud program focuses on three priorities: helping LGBTQIA+ people travel with confidence, helping properties be extra welcoming, and using the right language in every interaction. To receive Travel Proud designation, representatives of Campfire Hotel and Hood River Hotel & Hostel had to complete Booking.com’s Proud Hospitality training program, commit to putting what they learned into practice, identify ways...

NATIONAL REPORT—What can be gained by offering your operational staff a course that explains the theory and foundation of your hotel’s sustainability agenda? The answer: many things. From engagement to concrete key performance indicators (KPIs), implementing sustainability training sessions for hotel personnel can help move hotel businesses from just focusing on the single bottom line. Since the declaration of the Brundtland Report in 1987 and John Elkington’s Triple Bottom Line framework in 1994, heaps of research and business articles have been published, and many global and local decisions have been made about sustainable development. One of them is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change...

ASHBURN, VA.—The nation’s 10,000 park and recreation agencies have the potential to implement community-wide sustainability measures that improve the environment while promoting human and ecosystem health and cost savings. A new report by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) highlights the activities and programs park and recreation agencies provide to create more sustainable and resilient communities. NRPA’s Sustainability in Parks and Recreation report highlights agency sustainability goals, sustainability practices, financial and political support for these efforts, and the challenges and barriers that hamper greater success in sustainability efforts. Based on the responses from nearly 200 park and recreation agencies, the report finds: Park and recreation...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton announced its renewed partnership with UAE-based agri-tech platform, Fresh On Table, at Gulfood 2023, with the aim of doubling the amount of local produce procured for the brand’s properties in the country. The ongoing deal between Hilton and Fresh On Table follows the success of last year’s collaboration that saw the two entities exceed their local food sourcing goals. The extended partnership promises a larger commitment in 2023, with increased targets and an intentional sourcing strategy, that reaffirms their dedication to championing local farms and produce. Hilton previously sourced 440 tons of local produce annually for its UAE properties,...

BETHESDA, MD.—Rooted in its mission of providing signature wellness programs that empower guests to regain control and enhance their well-being when they need it most while traveling, Westin Hotels & Resorts—part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 brands—has reimagined its Gear Lending program, featuring the latest in high-tech recovery and total body strength training equipment. Rolling out at the brand’s over 230 properties globally, the next generation WestinWORKOUT Gear Lending program will encompass a library of kits allowing guests to borrow the equipment they need—whenever they want—to optimize their stay and feel their best. Over the past decade, ​through both operational and consumer...