WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) have announced a new strategic partnership between the two organizations to drive advanced ESG efforts within the hotel and hospitality industry. As part of the partnership, AHLA, AHLA Foundation and the Alliance will amplify and collaborate to support one another’s programs and solutions, including the AHLA Foundation’s workforce development programs and the No Room for Trafficking campaign and the Alliance’s social and environmental sustainability tools and resources. The announcement of the partnership follows a two-day summit hosted by the Alliance that brought together senior hospitality leaders and strategic partners to discuss...

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA.—Grand Richmond Hotel, one of Bangkok’s premier hotels, was awarded WellHotel Accreditation for Medical Travel & Well-being by Global Healthcare Accreditation. The hotel is operated by the Richmond Group. Setting the standard for luxury events and business and leisure stays, the Grand Richmond Hotel is a distinctive five-star convention venue and hotel located in northern Bangkok just a short drive from the city center. The hotel is operated by the Richmond Group, one of Thailand's premier hoteliers, who recently added a new 35-story tower to the property and upgraded the existing facilities with an elegant remodel and redesign. The hotel welcomes travelers from all over the world...

NEW YORK—HX: The Hotel Experience and Boutique Design New York (BDNY) will be back at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from November 13 to 14. The two concurrent shows will together feature approximately 600 different exhibiting brands, many of which will be focused on saving energy and water, reducing waste, and improving indoor air quality. Both shows will offer educational opportunities as well. At HX there will be a Sunday, November 13 session focused on “What to Know Now to Prevent and End Human Trafficking.” The following is that session’s description: “Awareness of human trafficking starts with two foundational...

OSLO, NORWAY—Nordic Hotels & Resorts announced the grand opening of its newest luxury hotel, Sommerro, located in the heart of Frogner in Oslo’s West End. One of Europe’s most anticipated launches of 2022, the urban retreat is set within the former headquarters of Oslo Lysverker, the city’s original electrical company, and is energizing the neighborhood and its surroundings with a new sense of creative spirit that pays tribute to Norway’s cultural heritage. Providing a home away from home for both travelers and locals, the iconic 231-room Art Deco hotel is complete with 56 branded residences, seven restaurants and bars, meeting...

LONDON—Leading industry body UKHospitality unveiled its program aimed at guiding the sector to net zero by 2040. The trade body’s new Sustainability Commitment sets out 10 pledges in four key areas. Announced at a seminar at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, the trade body’s new Sustainability Commitment sets out 10 pledges in four key areas—waste, supply chain, skills and biodiversity. The initiative forms part of a wider drive to help businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), make hospitality a leader in sustainability. The 10 pledges outlined in UKHospitality’s Sustainability Program comprise: To deliver on 2040 net-zero aims for the sector; Roll out the...

NEW YORK—Finding the right best practices for a bike or e-bike lending program should not be taken lightly. Your choice of bike supplier could mean the difference between happy, satisfied guests and staff and both groups getting stressed due to middle-of-nowhere breakdowns and mechanical messes. If you do get your bike and e-bike program right, it can be a shining, brand-building amenity for your property—and keep guests coming back for more. Green Lodging News recently spoke with Lauren Jones, Director of Partnerships for New York-based Priority Bicycles, to not only learn more about her company but to also get a...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming announced wage increases for half its U.S. workforce. The increases apply to U.S. team members and new hires at company managed hotel, casino, and cafe locations nationwide. A total of 95 job classifications, including cooks, housekeepers, security, public space, call center and many more are among the greatest impacted. In some cases, starting wages are increasing by over 60 percent. The new starting wages range between $18 and $21 an hour, with minimal exceptions—more than 2.5 times the Federal minimum wage and exceeding each U.S. state minimum wage. An entry-level team member in Florida, for instance, will receive between $8 and $11 per...

TRENTON, N.J.—Taco Bell is expanding its recycling program with international recycling leader TerraCycle to now collect all brands and types of sauce packets. This means that all condiment or sauce packets, whether Taco Bell or otherwise, can be collected, mailed back with a prepaid shipping label, and given a spicier second life. As an added incentive, for every shipment of waste sent to TerraCycle through this program, collectors earn TerraCycle points that can be donated to a nonprofit, school, or charitable organization of their choice. “Earlier this spring, we tested the idea with consumers to responsibly recycle any brand of...

CHICAGO—Miraval Resorts & Spas, a global leader in wellness destinations, announces its first ever wellbeing wedding offering, the Miraval mindful wedding. Available to book beginning this fall at Miraval Berkshires, the Miraval mindful wedding is a multi-day, immersive experience customized to honor the couple’s intentions. This one-of-a-kind wedding journey includes a thoughtful wellbeing itinerary for the couple, experiential reconnection opportunities for their guests, and a ceremony and reception filled with mindful touch points. Couples and their wedding party will experience Miraval Berkshires’ signature wellness programs and spa services, culminating in a bespoke wedding celebration that opens the door to...

DENHAM, ENGLAND—IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) recently unveiled the latest evolution of its upscale EVEN Hotels brand through an updated design, refreshed restaurant and integrated wellness experience. Developed in collaboration with franchisees, the new EVEN Hotels prototype will be more efficient to build and operate, making investment in the brand more attractive in more markets and driving future growth. With 50 global hotels open or in the pipeline, EVEN Hotels was created to keep travelers’ wellness routines going however they choose to define them. The brand’s evolution will broaden EVEN Hotels’ appeal and capture more demand from guests looking to...