CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the formation of the Wellbeing Collective Advisory Board, a team of industry-leading experts dedicated to enhancing Hyatt’s holistic wellbeing offerings, with an initial focus on innovating around how people gather for meetings and events. The Wellbeing Collective Advisory Board will play a crucial role in ensuring that Hyatt guests and customers have access to distinctive experiences that meet their evolving needs and support their holistic wellbeing. Further, as part of the Advisory Board’s initiatives, the group will also seek to elevate Hyatt’s Wellbeing Collective, an expanding collection of properties offering distinctive wellbeing experiences for groups and...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Venture Luxury Estates, a division of Uphoff Resorts, unveiled plans to open Treetop Villas at Mirror Lake in the Wisconsin Dells. Treetop Villas will consist of four luxury treehouse accommodations located next to The Original 1855 Dawn Manor Restaurant. Both concepts are slated to open this spring. “The Treetop Villas are a one-of-a-kind luxury retreat that seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with the natural beauty and rich history of Mirror Lake,” says Steve Uphoff, CEO of Uphoff Resorts. “Every tree possible has been preserved, providing guests with an immersive stay in the treetops overlooking this stunning landscape. With the...

ODESSA, FLA.—Florida’s hospitality industry is thriving, and bed-and-breakfast owners must constantly find ways to improve their properties while keeping operating costs low. With rising electricity bills and increasing demand for sustainable travel, energy-efficient upgrades can help small business owners reduce expenses and attract eco-conscious guests. Many travelers today look for accommodation that aligns with their values, including environmentally friendly lodging. A well-maintained, energy-efficient bed-and-breakfast offers comfort while lowering long-term costs. From reducing water waste to upgrading HVAC systems, several improvements can help owners cut back on utility bills while creating a more sustainable business. Making these upgrades can also increase...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a premier vacation ownership and experiences company, announced a new partnership with Operation Homefront, the national nonprofit dedicated to building strong, stable and secure military families. This partnership aims to support Operation Homefront’s work to help military families thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. As the newest national partner in its corporate social responsibility program, HGV Serves, HGV will donate $100,000 to Operation Homefront to support its critical programs, including the Back-to-School Brigade and Holiday Meals for Military. “We’re honored to support Operation Homefront’s vital mission as part of our dedication to driving positive...

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL—New reporting requirements will oblige companies to pay closer attention to their sustainability data and goals and the disclosure of their annual progress. With more transparency will come a greater expectation for business travel to play its part in addressing climate change. Less talk and more action will be needed to avoid accusations of greenwashing. Emphasis must shift to meaningful travel—where low emissions, positive local impact, traveler wellness and business success all go hand in hand. Travelers must know when to travel and when to stay at home, how to book the most sustainable options; and travel policies...

WISCONSIN DELLS, WIS—In celebration of World Water Day on March 22, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to addressing the global water crisis through its partnership with charity: water. The company has committed $50 million to bring clean, safe and sustainable drinking water to one million people in Africa. To date, Kalahari has donated nearly $7 million, funding over 620 water projects across nine countries and serving more than 167,000 individuals. World Water Day, established by the United Nations in 1993, is observed annually on March 22 to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management...

BRADES, MONTSERRAT—The Montserrat Tourism Authority in collaboration with local stakeholders has launched Phase 2 of its Community Awareness Program, the Community Environmental Stewardship Initiative. This initiative serves as a rallying call for all residents, community leaders, and government officials alike—to strengthen the collective commitment to preserving the island’s invaluable terrestrial and coastal ecosystems. As the driving force behind this community-led movement, the Montserrat Tourism Authority recognized that protecting Montserrat’s natural beauty is not only vital for sustainable tourism but also essential for the well-being and prosperity of its people. By fostering environmental stewardship at every level, the aim is to...

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 trends and adopt forward-looking strategies to stay ahead of the competition. What is Wellness Tourism? Wellness tourism is all about 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 tourism offers a way to counter those downsides, transforming trips into opportunities to support and enhance...

CHICAGO—The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show announces the 2025 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award winners, recognizing the most groundbreaking advancements in foodservice equipment and technology. These award-winning products address critical industry challenges, from streamlining kitchen workflows to improving sustainability and consistency, setting new standards for efficiency and performance. The 2025 KI recipients will be on display in the Kitchen Innovations Showroom, where attendees can explore solutions designed to enhance operations and drive growth. The Show, taking place May 17 to 20, 2025, brings together a comprehensive cross-section of the foodservice industry—from equipment dealers and quick-service operators to educational institutions and...

BERLIN—Between revolution and adaptation: The international travel industry made an impressive comeback last year. However, new technologies are fundamentally changing the game’s rules in the industry. In a world of dynamic change, the international tourism industry remains on course. At the close of ITB Berlin 2025, the travel world presented itself in an optimistic mood and robust shape. The order books of most companies are well-filled, and global travel demand has not been this high in a long time. At the same time, the industry is facing a series of complex challenges and tasks that require new strategies and ways of thinking. The...