LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International and BetMGM announced the expansion of several groundbreaking collaborations, aiming to provide critical resources, advance research efforts, and strengthen industry-wide initiatives to better support individuals affected by problem gambling. The partnerships break down as follows: MGM Resorts & Kindbridge Research Institute MGM Resorts will donate $180,000 to Kindbridge Research Institute to support studies examining the impact of sports betting across various populations and the development of responsible gaming strategies. “As a global gaming and hospitality leader, we are always looking to support innovative and actionable research that can make a positive impact,” said Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts....

COPPER HARBOR, MICH.—Folks staying at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor, Mich. have at least one common goal in mind—getting away from it all. To get to this historic wilderness lodge in the upper peninsula of Michigan, one must drive as far north as Michigan stretches into Lake Superior. Keweenaw Mountan Lodge visitors are not only attracted by its remoteness, but also by the area’s natural beauty and the property’s sustainability initiatives. The Lodge is a Certified Gold Audubon International Green Lodging Establishment, has earned B Corp Certification, and is a Dark Sky Park. The Lodge is also in...

CHENNAI, INDIA—The Ceebros Hotels have always been committed to world-class hospitality while ensuring environmentally responsible operations. As part of this vision, they have undertaken the refurbishment of Pullman, Anna Salai with a strong focus on sustainability, integrating both active and passive energy-efficient measures. Their approach included smart air handling units, water-cooled chillers, an IoT-based indoor air quality monitoring system integrated with IBMS, optimal window glazing, DGU systems, and the use of sustainable interior materials. This major renovation retained nearly 100 percent of the existing structure, aligning with a commitment to responsible redevelopment. The company’s dedication to sustainability has been further reinforced...

NATIONAL REPORT—“I didn’t know you could own a hotel” is a common response to the idea of hotel ownership. For many, it seems like an unattainable goal, reserved for the lucky or well-connected. Yet, for those willing to navigate the industry or carve their own path, hotel ownership is not only possible but can also serve as a powerful means of generating wealth and uplifting communities. My own journey began with my love for hospitality and my mother’s encouragement to “dream bigger, go further.” Through education, industry connections, and my current role as a consultant at CBRE Hotels, I’ve come...

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announced that reservations are now being accepted for 1 Hotel Melbourne, a landmark waterfront property set to debut in June 2025. This marks 1 Hotels’ highly anticipated entrance into the Australian market, bringing an award-winning blend of sustainable luxury and nature-inspired design to the heart of Melbourne, in collaboration with developer Riverlee. The centerpiece of this building is the heritage listed Goods Shed No. 5, the last of the unrenovated goods sheds in what was once Melbourne’s busiest port. The property will redefine luxury hospitality in the region...

PARIS—Accor, Booking.com and the University of Surrey have co-authored a comprehensive report on encouraging travelers to adopt more sustainable behaviors. The study’s findings are based on analyzing 24 traveler interviews, a journey analysis of 22 additional travelers, and rigorous lab-based behavioral research with 67 participants. Most modern travelers (83 percent) consider sustainable travel crucial, with 67 percent feeling motivated to embrace more responsible practices when they see them implemented. Accor and Booking.com partnered with the University of Surrey to address this demand, applying academic meticulousness to an innovative research protocol. This protocol used advanced technologies like eye tracking, galvanic skin...

PHOENIX, ARIZ.—BWH Hotels, the global hospitality enterprise encompassing WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, successfully hosted its first-ever Pan European Convention in Palma de Mallorca. With “Unique and United” as the inaugural theme, this landmark event brought together 1,200 hoteliers from across the globe to engage in industry-leading discussions and foster international collaboration, reinforcing BWH Hotels’ commitment to global growth and partnership. “At BWH Hotels, our mission is to inspire travel through unique experiences. As a global hospitality leader, we are dedicated to delivering best-in-class experiences for our guests, hoteliers, and associates,” said Larry Cuculic, President and...

LOS ANGELES—In celebration of Earth Day, recognized globally by over a billion people in 192 countries, Kind Traveler is proud to announce the expansion of its Every Stay Gives Back (ESGB) Program with 20 new hotels and 16 new charity partnerships representing 16 new destinations worldwide. This milestone strengthens Kind Traveler’s mission to transform travel into a force for kindness, creating measurable, positive impact in local communities and ecosystems while inspiring travelers to make every trip count. With newly onboarded partners in Patagonia, Chile; Maui, Hawaii; Palermo, Italy; Victoria, Canada; Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.; Cannonville, Utah; and nine additional destinations across California in partnership with...

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.—In recognition of 2024 record-breaking results at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and in appreciation for the team members who made it possible, the leading Boardwalk entertainment casino resort awarded $10 million in bonuses to both union and non-union team members. Team members attending the Hard Rock Atlantic City Town Hall gatherings heard news they are sharing substantial bonuses, as they have for each of the past six years. In addition to the bonuses, many team members won a share of $100,000 in cash and prizes at Town Hall events. Addressing thousands of Hard Rock Atlantic City team members in two Town Hall sessions, Hard Rock...

BURLINGTON, VERMONT—A new study published in Science reveals a startling 22 percent decline in butterfly populations across the United States over the past two decades, with Monarch butterflies (Danaus Plexippus) suffering particularly severe losses. The latest Western Monarch Count recorded just 9,119 butterflies—a staggering 96 percent drop from last year’s 233,394. Adding to the urgency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act due to dramatic population declines. Scientists warn that habitat destruction, climate change, and pesticide use are driving the crisis, but gardeners and community members can take immediate action...