HONOLULU—To go beyond World Oceans Month, which started in early June, Outrigger Resorts committed to 11 weeks of environmental actions, informally called “Ocean’s Eleven”, which will run to August 31 across its nine flagship properties. Outrigger’s Asia Pacific resorts, including Fiji, Thailand, Mauritius, Maldives, and Hawaii, are hosting multiple events from coral planting to fish-house making to beach and marine cleanups and mangrove tree planting. For guests less willing to take the plunge, there will be in-room videos, kids’ club activities and presentations on manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and coral reef conservation. Ocean's Eleven is an extension of Outrigger’s ZONE (OZONE), the...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Foundation (AHLA Foundation) announced a $500,000 donation from the Hyatt Hotels Foundation to launch the “No Room for Trafficking Survivors Fund” and expand the hotel industry’s ongoing work to support human trafficking prevention and survivors. No Room for Trafficking is an AHLA Foundation national awareness program that builds on the industry’s ongoing commitment and work to end human trafficking. No Room for Trafficking is committed to supporting economic stability for survivors of human trafficking, while continuing to advance training and education to prevent human trafficking within the industry. With the donation from the Hyatt Hotels...

NEW YORK—Selina, the fast-growing lifestyle and experiential hospitality brand targeting millennial and Gen Z travelers, has opened Selina Union Market in Washington, D.C.’s blossoming Union Market neighborhood. The hotel—the seventh for Selina in the U.S.—expands Selina’s global portfolio to over 155 open and secured properties. Designed for digital nomads and modern travelers, Selina offers guests alternative ways to stay, play and work at their unique destinations around the world. Selina Union Market is the brand’s signature U.S. property, featuring all the unique elements and offerings that make Selina one of today’s most dynamic and forward-thinking hospitality brands. A collaborative space...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 8,900 hotels in 95+ countries, announced BOLD by Wyndham, a new program designed to engage and advance more Black entrepreneurs on their path to hotel ownership. Developed with insight and support from existing and aspiring Black hoteliers, BOLD, which stands for Black Owners and Lodging Developers, aims to expand awareness for the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs while using the scale and resources of Wyndham to help address those challenges and increase the number of Black hoteliers. “Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has always championed diversity,...

HONG KONG—Despite the urgent need to reduce global carbon emissions, the hotel industry faces numerous barriers to implementing carbon reduction programs. Why is it so difficult for hotels to reduce their carbon footprint, and why do so many hotel managers remain bystanders in the fight against global warming? To help answer these questions, Dr Eric Chan of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University conducted in-depth interviews with senior hotel executives in Hong Kong. The findings provide novel insights into barriers to carbon reduction by hotels and—perhaps most importantly—strategies to overcome them. Every...

NASHVILLE, TENN.—1 Hotels, the sustainable luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announced the opening of 1 Hotel Nashville, the famed musical and cultural hub’s most consciously cultivated urban oasis and the 8th hotel in the global fleet. Nestled in the heart of downtown Nashville, directly across from the Music City Center and within walking distance of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the property’s 215 rooms and 37 suites include expansive city and skyline views. A verdant ivy-covered façade and native landscaping evoke nearby natural attractions, from the bustle of the Cumberland River to the Smoky Mountains and the Natchez Trace. “With the...

LAS VEGAS—Caesars Entertainment has announced an all-new education assistance program for the company’s nearly 50,000 eligible Team Members. The new program, All-In On Education, includes student loan debt repayment options, tuition assistance, scholarship opportunities for Team Member’s dependents and a 529 college savings plan. “We believe in the power and potential of our Team Members, and we know that in helping them achieve their educational goals, we can shape the future of our company and the communities in which we operate,” said Stephanie Lepori, Chief Administrative and Accounting Officer, Caesars Entertainment. “Our expanded education assistance program, All-In On Education, will support our Team...

PARK CITY, UTAH—The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, the award-winning 3,500-acre private retreat outside of Park City where nature and luxury work in harmony, announced the launch of its new, special edition photography book, “Unbridled.” “Unbridled” is a 270-page vivid and raw portrayal of the beloved ranch and resort that has charmed all that have crossed its path—from those who call it home to those who have joined the Lodge for an overnight stay or special meal. Mike and Barbara Phillips, the visionaries behind Blue Sky, created an understated and sophisticated space that continues to evolve with the...

SNELLVILLE, GA.—In combining a bear and indigenous wildlife rescue, recovery, and re-entry educational experience with exciting indoor and outdoor activities and adventure attractions for all ages, Bear Village Resorts is developing a unique and affordable eco-friendly family resort destination nestled in 49 acres of picturesque Tennessee forestry. The resort, which will be located in the Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., is designed to be where wilderness education meets family adventure. The Tennessee resort’s proposed plans will feature an 80,000 sq. ft. indoor water park, a 60,000 sq. ft. adventure park, a 15,000-gallon freshwater aquarium, a 90,000 sq. ft. family entertainment center,...

CHICAGO—To share progress made across World of Care, the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) platform, Hyatt Hotels Corp. published its 2021 World of Care Highlights and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Report to demonstrate how Hyatt is advancing care for the planet, people and responsible business. “Caring for people so they can be their best has been at the core of Hyatt’s story for 65 years. Through World of Care, we embrace our responsibility and opportunity to work together to shape a more sustainable world and future,” said Margaret Egan, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Hyatt. “By intently focusing on driving progress against...