Going beyond the concept of “sustainable tourism” which focuses on neutralizing tourism’s negative impact on the planet, “regenerative tourism” is based on adding a positive impact to the local community and environment. Its successful implementation requires a shift in mindset about what going on holiday really means in today’s changing society. What is Sustainable Tourism? As concerns for our environment grows, many tourism professionals are taking steps to mitigate the negative impacts of the travel industry. From closing southeast Asian beaches to taxing tourist entries into cities like Venice, these efforts are often included in conversations around the mitigation of tourism’s...

PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN—In January 2020, Iberostar Group presented its own 2030 Agenda to eliminate waste, source responsible seafood, neutralize carbon emissions and improve the health of the ecosystems surrounding its hotels, among other objectives. As part of this commitment, the company now specifies its carbon emissions roadmap, which will offset emissions by implementing nature-based solutions at its destinations. As tourist destinations are experiencing the double impacts of climate change and a global pandemic, Iberostar is fast-tracking solutions to build a responsible tourism model with science and the protection of nature at the core of its strategy. With 80 percent of...

LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center have unveiled new data detailing the climate footprint of the Travel & Tourism sector in Africa. According to the new data, between 2010 and 2019, the African Travel & Tourism sector decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions. The data shows the total contribution to Africa’s GDP grew on average 2.6 percent annually, whilst greenhouse gas emissions increased by just 1.2 percent during the same period. The data also demonstrates how the sector’s emissions intensity continues to decrease. In 2010, for every $1 of the region’s...

RIVIERA PACIFICA, PANAMA—The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, a top luxury family-friendly resort in Riviera Pacifica’s beach community, has launched new sustainable initiatives to help eco-conscious travelers make the most of their trip while creating less of an impact on the environment. Home to nature trails, an animal conservation center, and a Nicklaus-designed 18-hole championship golf course, the outdoors are at the forefront of guest experience at The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort. Conscious of its operational impacts to its surroundings, The Buenaventura has launched the following sustainable initiatives: Carbon neutral flight partnerships. Partnering with Green Cloud, The Buenaventura now allows...

BANGKOK—Six Senses is coming to Grand Bahama as part of a project that will boost local tourism, development, and investment. With social and environmental responsibility at its heart, the new resort and residences will create employment opportunities for Grand Bahamians, encourage sustainability and regenerative activity on the island, and engage the surrounding community while protecting the land for future generations of locals and visitors to Grand Bahama. Resort Village Designed by architects 3XN, the resort village will comprise 45 waterfront and canal villas enjoying 2,400 feet (732 meters) of beach frontage and water on three sides. In addition to the guest...

RICHMOND, VA.—Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. published its inaugural Corporate Responsibility Report, which details the company’s environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) performance, strategy and initiatives and features its commitment to environmental sustainability, corporate employees, hotel associates and guests, communities, and other stakeholders. “Apple Hospitality has always worked to uphold high ESG standards and believes these key areas of focus are an integral part of driving long-term value for our shareholders,” said Justin Knight, CEO of Apple Hospitality. “We own one of the largest and most geographically diverse portfolios of rooms-focused hotels in the United States and are dedicated to making a...

COLUMBUS, OHIO—Red Roof, a leader in economy lodging, is once again opening its heart for holiday giving season. Through its latest ‘Room in Your Heart’ purpose program, travelers can help support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in its mission to ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food—so they can focus on helping their child live. Through December 30, 2022, guests will receive 15 percent off their stay at any Red Roof location, and Red Roof will donate 5 percent of revenue from those stays to St. Jude kids. “Giving is embedded in our culture at...

LONDON, ENGLAND—Launched earlier this month at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal, the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) announced the formation of its Hospitality and Tourism Task Force. The Task Force shall comprise CEOs from across the hospitality and tourism industry, under the leadership of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and the Considerate Group. It will combine the expertise of hospitality associations, sustainability partners and inter-governmental development organizations. The Task Force is aligned with the Terra Carta which provides a roadmap for the private sector to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future; one that harnesses the power of nature...

BETHESDA, MD.—With the United Nations General Assembly recognition of Human Rights Day on December 10, 2022, Marriott International announced it has successfully trained one million associates to spot the signs of and respond to human trafficking. This marks a significant moment in the global fight against trafficking. Marriott International first introduced human trafficking awareness training in 2016 and rolled out enhanced training in 2021. Designed in collaboration with Polaris, a leading nonprofit that specializes in combating human trafficking and helping survivors of trafficking, the training features scenario-based examples to help hotel associates recognize the signs of trafficking in real-world context and...

NATIONAL REPORT—Sustainability is becoming increasingly popular across the country as people learn more about this concept. It’s become so widespread that the government encourages industries and individuals alike to change their ways and become greener through more sustainable practices. There are numerous ways to lead a more eco-conscious lifestyle, such as recycling, utilizing innovative green technology, and most importantly, going completely solar. Solar energy is starting to become the norm for many industries, including hotels. While the upfront cost may seem expensive, there are plenty of government grants provided to encourage affordable movements in this direction. Here is a...