MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton announced the opening of the Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton, a boutique estate with 21 villas and deluxe rooms brimming with the charm of an Ecuadorian Hacienda. Secluded on a 160-hectare estate in the lush Miconia Highland Forests adjacent to Galapagos National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Curio Collection by Hilton’s newest tranquil sanctuary is a haven for serenity and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. “Debuting in a destination that organically welcomes travelers to connect with nature, dream and discover, this momentous opening marks the first international hotel brand in the Galapagos Islands, while making Ecuador the...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Corporate social responsibility initiatives are high on the agenda of many hotels these days. However, there is a notable imbalance between smaller and larger players in the market. Social and environmental challenges are clearly seen as relevant for large hotel chains. They possess substantial resources, and their behaviors are carefully scrutinized. Markets and customers tend to evaluate hotel companies that act on CSR more favorably. However, independent hotels are also concerned and are making an active effort in this area. In this journey, some are tackling all the social, economic, and environmental issues while others are encountering difficulties. CSR Strategy—Top...

NATIONAL REPORT—An American Hotel & Lodging Association survey showed that 97 percent of respondents were experiencing a staffing shortage. The most critical staffing need is housekeeping, with 58 percent ranking it as their biggest challenge. Just about everything to do with housekeeping needs a do over, with its reputation for low pay, exposure to chemicals and a high rate of injuries due to repetitive tasks. Several companies have come up with solutions for one of the most back-hurting tasks of a housekeeper—the lifting of the mattress. According to Yonatan Guy, CEO of Beddingo, a housekeeper typically changes 20 to 25...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Nearly all hotels are experiencing staffing shortages, and half report being severely understaffed, according to a new member survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Ninety-seven percent (97 percent) of survey respondents indicated they are experiencing a staffing shortage, 49 percent severely so. The most critical staffing need is housekeeping, with 58 percent ranking it as their biggest challenge. To meet the demand, hotels are offering a host of incentives for potential hires: nearly 90 percent have increased wages, 71 percent are offering greater flexibility with hours, and 43 percent have expanded benefits. These efforts have been...

LAS VEGAS—Resorts World Las Vegas unveiled its Las Vegas Convention Center Loop passenger station, providing direct underground access to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in an enjoyable, efficient and environmentally friendly way in minutes in all-electric Teslas. Resorts World Las Vegas is now also poised to connect to the expanded Vegas Loop system when development efforts move forward on the proposed innovative transportation system. The LVCC Loop is an innovative, all-electric, zero-emissions, underground public transportation system in which passengers are transported directly to their destination with no stops along the way. The Resorts World Las Vegas passenger station will be the first of over 55 stops anticipated...

DENVER—The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has announced that two individuals have been selected to receive the organization’s first Leading Light Award. The award was launched earlier this year to honor companies or individuals who had successfully launched and implemented a wellness project/initiative that upholds and furthers the principles of the association's mission, “to shape and support sustainable wellness tourism for the global good.” The WTA Board of Directors reviewed the list of a dozen nominees and selected Ms. Refica Attwood, Founder and Executive Director of Wallings Nature Reserve in Antigua & Barbuda and Mr. I Nyoman Yastama, Spa & Wellness...

NEW YORK—Two new bird species have been identified on the nearly 7-acre green roof of the Javits Center, a unique wildlife sanctuary on Manhattan’s West Side. With the observation of the two new bird species this spring, Killdeer and Ovenbird, a total of 37 bird species have been identified on the green roof since 2014, as well as five bat species and thousands of arthropods (insects). Led by the New York Convention Center Development Corp. (NYCCDC), the construction of the 6.75-acre green roof—the largest of its kind in New York State—was part of a major five-year renovation of the...

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—Sustainability is at the forefront of global business, but have company commitments to sustainability made their way to corporate travel and meetings management programs? What will it take for companies to make business travel and meetings more sustainable? A new report from the Global Business Travel Association and Cvent—“The Journey to More Sustainable Corporate Travel and Meetings Management Programs”—surveys corporate travel managers and meeting planners across the U.S., Canada and several European countries about their current sustainability programs and activities. The report reveals where corporate travel programs stand in terms of emissions tracking, business travel sustainability measures, cost-benefit approaches,...

LAS VEGAS—Wynn Resorts recently issued its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, defining the company’s important milestones in 2021. The report provides insight into key initiatives including the company’s continued commitment to decrease emissions; an enhanced Diversity and Inclusion program; a comprehensive Human Trafficking Prevention program; and transformative investments in the communities in which the company operates. “Wynn Resorts brings the same level of effort and dedication to our ESG efforts as we do to all our business operations. We focus those efforts around three key areas: Our People, Our Communities, and Our Planet,” said Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn...

TORONTO—The term “travel” and its connotations should denote positive experiences, adventure, and enjoyment. Yet for many LGBTQ+ travelers, the reality of traveling can often paint a very different picture, with new research from leading digital travel platform Booking.com revealing that 83 percent of Canadian LGBTQ+ travelers have experienced less than welcoming, or uncomfortable, experiences when travelling. The most extensive LGBTQ+ travel research from Booking.com to date shines a light on attitudes, concerns and travel preferences, as well as past stay experiences, current realities and hopes for a more inclusive travel future. Conducted amongst LGBTQ+ travelers across 25 countries around the world,...