INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The global wellness tourism sector has emerged as a pivotal force in reshaping the hospitality industry. By merging traditional tourism with health-centered activities, this sector addresses the growing demand for experiences that enhance well-being. Industry professionals must understand current market trends and adopt forward-looking strategies to integrate wellness across the travel ecosystem. What is Wellness Tourism? This market refers to the notion of traveling with the goal of improving or maintaining personal well-being, according to the Global Wellness Institute. In a world where travel often comes with stress and unhealthy habits, wellness centered vacations offer a way to counter those downsides, transforming trips into opportunities...

STOWE, VERMONT—Spruce Peak announced it has achieved its 14th consecutive year as an Audubon International Sustainable Community. This prestigious recognition underscores Spruce Peak’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the enhancement of the natural beauty that defines the region. Spruce Peak’s long history with the Audubon International Sustainable Communities Program began in 2010 when it became the first Ski Resort community in the country to earn this distinguished environmental achievement. Since then, the community has continued to uphold and exceed the standards set by this certification. Additionally, the dedication to sustainability is evident through the involvement in other Audubon...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—One year after the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) united to co-own and operate Green Key Global to advance sustainability in the hospitality industry, Green Key Global, a leading sustainability certification body for hotels, announces the launch of Green Key Ready. This new entry-level solution provides hotels with a structured, accessible and cost-effective first step toward full Green Key Eco-Rating certification. Green Key Ready is tailored to hotel properties in the early stages of their sustainability journey or with limited resources. The solution consists of a questionnaire based on sustainability fundamentals and...

NATIONAL REPORT—An extensive study conducted by Hospitality and Tourism Management has highlighted potential issues with hotel sustainability information. The research indicates that excessive quantity and complexity of this information could lead to customer confusion and skepticism, potentially driving perceptions of “greenwashing”. The study was published in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management and involved over 800 users of hotel search platforms in the U.K. and Germany. The researchers used self-reported data and sustainability ratings from Booking.com’s now-defunct Travel Sustainable label. The label was removed in March 2024 following criticism from the Netherlands’ Consumers and Markets Authority. Survey results showed that 48 percent...

LONDON—Stripped-back yet refined, within striking distance of Lisbon yet a world away, Comporta has a singular charm and serene beauty. A few miles south is the new Pinheirinho coastal estate, many years in the making, that will set an exceptional new standard in mindful design. Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has signed a hotel management agreement with VIC Properties as one of the few hand-picked communities that will be brought to life in accordance with strict aesthetic and sustainability guidelines. Understated Slice of Atlantic Coastline For decades, the 400-hectare Pinheirinho estate was privately owned and accessible by invitation only, with...

SHAWANO, WIS.—NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), the premier association committed to scholarships, advancing education, mentorship, and networking in the hospitality industry, announced The Beck Group as the winner of the inaugural Structures of Hospitality Excellence (SOHE) Award during ALIS DESIGN+ in Los Angeles. The Beck Group included The Populus Hotel in Denver as one of their recent projects in their SOHE nomination. The Populus Hotel reflects The Beck Group’s abilities and collaboration with ownership to deliver this project, which redefines sustainable hospitality as the first carbon-positive hotel in the United States, setting a new standard for eco-conscious operations...

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO—As destinations worldwide struggle with overtourism, the Caribbean Island of Curaçao is taking a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes high-value, low-impact tourism growth and long-term resilience over short-term gains. In partnership with Sustainable Travel International and the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies (GW IITS), Curaçao is implementing a Destination Carrying Capacity Study, a 360-degree framework evaluating the economic, environmental, and social impacts of increasing tourism. By shifting the focus from sheer volume to a more holistic measure of tourism’s value, this initiative aims to create a balanced, mutually beneficial industry that maximizes economic benefits while safeguarding...

NATIONAL REPORT—Keeping your hotel’s plumbing functional is essential for maximum guest satisfaction and smooth operations. However, hotels often face unique challenges due to the high volume of water usage, diverse facilities, and constant guest turnover. By understanding these common plumbing challenges in the hotel industry, you can take proactive steps to prevent disruptions, reduce costs, and maintain sustainability in your operations. Frequent Clogs in Drains & Pipes Probably the most common plumbing issue for hotels is clogged pipes. Clogged pipes can transform your hotel from a peaceful sanctuary into an unmitigated disaster. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas are hotspots for debris...

ANN ARBOR, MICH.—NSF, a leading global public health and safety organization, announced the launch of NSF Certification Guideline 537: PFAS-Free Products for Nonfood Compounds and Food Equipment Materials (NSF 537). The new guideline leverages NSF’s extensive laboratory and testing capabilities to confirm that products are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic or man-made materials that resist degradation also known as “forever chemicals.” Due to their oil and water-repellant properties, PFAS are often used to make water or stain-resistant, nonstick and grease-proof products, including consumer goods, food equipment and nonfood compounds such as food-safe lubricants, cleaners...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Procure Impact has been named to Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions. Procure Impact ranked 5th in the Social Good category—highlighting the company’s role as a leader in social change, and connecting businesses with high-quality, American-made products manufactured by suppliers that employ underestimated populations across the U.S. “We’re honored to be recognized by Fast...