ROSEMONT, ILL.—National Cleaning Week is here. The week-long event organized by ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, and supported by a cross-section of industry partners, takes place March 27 to April 2, 2022. Additionally, the governors of Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia have all declared Cleaning Week in their states. National Cleaning Week provides an opportunity for us all to do some much needed “spring cleaning.” It is also a unique opportunity to celebrate the value of clean, honor essential frontline cleaning industry professionals, and raise public awareness of what various...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with Baraka Lodges LTD. to enter the safari segment in Africa. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will be located within the Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife conservation and wilderness regions. Offering discerning travelers an unparalleled setting, the elegant retreat expects to welcome guests in 2023. Overlooking the famed banks of the River Talek and on the edge of the reserve, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge’s prime location will offer guests a distinctively elevated camp from which to discover the Masai Mara National Reserve, its stunning vistas,...

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA—In partnership with its philanthropic arm, the not-for-profit Sandals Foundation, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) announces the full list of projects under its 40 for 40 Initiative. Launched as part of Sandals Resorts’ 40th anniversary celebrations, 40 projects were identified across eight Caribbean destinations where SRI operates that best showcase the incredible link between tourism and its power to transform communities and improve local lives. The 40 for 40 Initiative projects were selected across six areas: preserving natural resources through Conservation Efforts and Tours; Investing in Food Security by supporting and working with local farmers; Hospitality Training and Certification aimed at ensuring ongoing excellence; maintenance of cultural heritage through Support of...

BUFFALO, N.Y.—With much of the pandemic in the rearview mirror, Buffalo, N.Y.-based Delaware North is continuing to build on its long-standing commitment to grow GreenPath, the company’s robust stewardship platform that has been in place since the 1990s. The key branches of GreenPath include environmental management, community involvement, facilities & asset protection, healthy living, and interpretation and education. “Delaware North’s GreenPath program is very much at the heart of our company’s culture,” says Debbie Friedel, Corporate Director of Sustainability for Delaware North. “It remains a driving force thanks to our leaders and caring associates who put ideas into action.” For its...

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) announced the 16 sustainability executives from across the global travel industry who will serve on GBTA’s Sustainability Leadership Council. The Council will advise on GBTA’s overall Sustainability Program in its mission to demonstrate the significant contribution that the business travel sector can make on climate action and corporate responsibility. In November 2021, GBTA embarked on its “sustainability journey” to bring the industry together to address one of the biggest challenges the business travel sector—and society—are facing today. Since then, 16 travel industry companies stepped forward as Founding Partners of the first-ever GBTA Sustainability...

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA.—Florida-based Legacy Vacation Resorts is on a mission to lift the veil on greenwashing throughout the tourism industry and help travelers make informed decisions about the places they stay. The Certified B Corp has launched an anti-greenwashing campaign to showcase the importance of transparency and the responsibility of hospitality businesses to be truthful with their guests when it comes to how they benefit people and the planet. The debut comes in tandem with recent news from around the world where select countries and lawmakers are introducing policy that would require proof and other methods of verification against any claims...

CANCUN, MEXICO—Grand Residences Riviera Cancun announces a series of onsite features in celebration of the naturally beautiful setting ahead of the globally recognized conservation initiative, Earth Hour on Saturday, March 26. The day-long programming will include ways for guests of all ages to partake in eco-friendly activities such as a beach clean-up, yoga by the pool, planting trees at the resort, recreating crafts from recycled materials, and more. “Our commitment to ensuring the preservation of the breathtaking landscape we get to welcome guests to has been a staple of the property since the beginning,” said Daniela Trava Albarran, General Manager of...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the world watches the situation in Ukraine, American Hotel & Lodging Assn. members are donating millions in room nights, cash and rewards to support efforts aiding those affected by the humanitarian crisis. “The situation in Ukraine is harrowing, and our hearts ache for the innocent lives lost and impacted by the violence there. As we pray for a peaceful and swift end to the war, the hotel industry has stepped up with significant humanitarian relief efforts, including offering housing to refugees and donating to relief organizations, said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “The spirit of hospitality is what drives...

NATIONAL REPORT—A new survey reveals that 74 percent of North Americans feel anxious when entering spaces with poor indoor air quality. This heightened anxiety has led to a shift in priorities for many adults who work, learn, and operate in indoor spaces. The survey of 3,000 U.S. and Canadian adults discovered that 76 percent of North Americans would consider joining the great resignation if wellness factors such as work, life and health balance, indoor air quality, hygiene and cleanliness, mental health support and availability to green space or plants were not provided by their employers. “As we continue to struggle with consequences of...

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR—Hilton announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Serinatura S.A. to welcome the Curio Collection by Hilton brand to the Galapagos island of Santa Cruz with the conversion of the Royal Palm Galapagos Hotel. The renowned property will remain owned and operated by its current management company, led by Diego Andrade Murtinho, while joining Curio Collection by Hilton, and will maintain the property’s storied commitment to sustainable, responsible travel. With an anticipated conversion in July 2022, Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton will represent the first international hotel brand name with a presence in the destination and will...