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...

CLEARWATER BEACH, FLA.—One of the most recent additions to the Sheraton Sand Key Resort culinary staff is 22-year-old prep cook, Jenna Wieneke. Wieneke, almost completely blind following a life-threatening motorcycle accident, was not sure she would ever be able to work again, especially not in a kitchen. But Sheraton Sand Key Resort’s award-winning Executive Chef, Andrew Basch has a secret ingredient for joint success. Since Wieneke connected with Hands On Education Services and Executive Chef Andrew Basch, her life has been forever impacted. “Jenna is one of the most positive people I have ever met, and our entire culinary team loves the energy she...

MIAMI—SH Hotels & Resorts, the sustainable brand management company founded by Starwood Capital Group Chairman and CEO Barry Sternlicht, announced the first Treehouse Hotel to open in the U.S. in Sunnyvale, Calif., in the high-tech heart of Silicon Valley, in late 2023. The free-spirited, environmentally conscious lifestyle brand creatively captures the carefree comfort, freedom, nostalgia, and fun of childhood. Every Treehouse Hotel is founded on the adventurous ideas that inspire a child to build their “treehouse” and hang with real and imaginary friends. Treehouse Sunnyvale will fuse the creativity, innovation, and adventure of the dynamic Silicon Valley with the brand’s...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Clean the World, a global leader in water, sanitation, hygiene, and sustainability has added a new Impact Dashboard to their Customer Portal which introduces advanced filtering options so partners participating in the Hospitality Recycling Program can get a detailed view of their social and environmental impact over time. By using this new feature, partners can establish internal sustainability goals, track progress, and report their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a transparent way to their key stakeholders, all from within the existing Customer Portal. Clean the World provides robust reporting that has allowed for an in-depth look at key social,...

BETHESDA, MD.—After six years of planning, design, and construction, Marriott International has opened its global headquarters in downtown Bethesda, Md. The 21-story, 785,000-square-foot, LEEDv4 Gold-certified building is the new workplace for corporate associates, supporting over 8,100 hotels in 139 countries and territories around the world. “We are thrilled to be welcoming associates to our new headquarters,” said Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International. “The campus has been designed to better connect our global workforce in support of our hotels and teams around the world. Empowering associates and accelerating innovation were our key priorities and central in every decision we made to...

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—The California Hotel & Lodging Assn. Hospitality Foundation announced it has awarded $165,000 in scholarships to 52 students to pursue hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts degrees at 10 California colleges. Winners of the coveted scholarships will be celebrated at the Hospitality Foundation’s annual gala on November 3, 2022 at Disney’s Grand California Hotel and Spa. “It has been invigorating to engage with the students this year during the scholarship interview process and to learn about their visions for our industry,” said Michael Pace, the Foundation President, and General Manager at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel in San Francisco. “These students have the potential to redefine the lodging industry...

MUMBAI, INDIA—As Green Travel begins to set its foot in the Indian hospitality sector, eco-conscious, urban travelers looking to escape from city lights can now holiday at India’s first carbon-neutral resort—The Machan, Lonavala. Known for its exclusive line of treehouses, surrounded by lush green forests, also home to many endemic species, the company is setting new standards for sustainable stays and aims to put India on the global green map. Talking about the importance of being a Carbon Neutral organization, Varun Hooja, Partner at The Machan said, “Green travel is not just a disruptive trend but a reality for our planet. The ill-effects of climate change are known to everyone. This is why the world is setting targets for itself and...