BETHESDA, MD.—After leading the DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2020, Marriott International, Inc. was named to the DiversityInc Hall of Fame, as the first hospitality company joining previously number one ranked companies. DiversityInc announced this recognition last month during their annual awards event. The DiversityInc Hall of Fame list recognizes companies that are driven, based on company-submitted data, in six key areas to include leadership accountability, human capital diversity metrics, talent programs, workforce practices, supplier diversity, and philanthropy. “Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a business imperative that has proven to be even more relevant in the most challenging times,” said Anthony Capuano, CEO,...

NATIONAL REPORT—The use of exotic hardwoods for high-end hospitality interiors is well established; the deep, warm radiance of these woods creates a cozy, intimate environment for hotel lobbies, day spas and restaurants. However, over the past few decades the industry has become more aware of the damaging effects unsustainable tropical forest harvests have on our environment and thus the need for sustainable, yet attractive alternatives. As this awareness and knowledge that sustainability in all things is the way forward, architects and hospitality designers have embraced both the beauty and utility of such innovative alternatives as bamboo, cork, rubberwood (Hevea) and...

CHICAGO—Before the pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry, the National Restaurant Association partnered with the World Wildlife Fund, and, backed  by support from Essity/Tork, developed a comprehensive set of resources to help operators reduce food waste, one small step at a time. Who knew, for example, that introducing a new way to trim green peppers would lead a major sandwich chain to increase its yield by 9.5 percent—or 2 more pounds of sliced peppers per case? Or that removing free bread from the table and offering it on the menu for $2 saved 22 pounds of dough per week, cut 55 lbs. of butter...

NATIONAL REPORT—A sense of social responsibility is an important characteristic to possess on personal and professional levels, and now more than ever these values are integral to success in the future. Brand standing is an important marketing trend related to brand authenticity, equality, inclusivity, and social justice. We have been following the #Brandstanding trend for a few years now, and each year it has picked up steam. Over the past few years, major social justice movements have taken place around the county and the world and have made history. Considering the events of the past year and ongoing unrest...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The following is a statement from Chip Rogers, President and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), on easing face covering and physical distancing requirements for hotel employees in response to updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance. “In response to increasing vaccination rates across the country and of our workforce, and consistent with CDC and OSHA guidance, the hotel industry supports vaccinated employees being given the choice whether to continue wearing face coverings, in accordance with state and local laws. This change in policy for vaccinated employees is a result of our industry’s...

EMERYVILLE, CALIF.—SCS Global Services (SCS), a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development, announced the launch of its new Zero Waste Standard. This new global certification standard enables companies to demonstrate the degree to which their waste streams are prevented, reused, or diverted from the landfill. It is robust yet flexible to allow companies to demonstrate incremental improvements, and to stimulate participation based on regional supply chain differences. As companies look to improve their ESG ratings and strengthen their corporate messages and investment profiles, this third-party certification will provide assurance year-after-year for corporations...

LAS VEGAS—The MGM Resorts International’s 2020 Social Impact and Sustainability Report is now available. The report solidifies the company’s commitment to creating a sustainable future and making a difference in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates. Through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic and operating challenges generated by the virus, this report offers insights into how the company continued to deliver against extraordinary and extenuating circumstances. Major highlights and accomplishments outlined in the report include: Development of the MGM Seven-Point Safety Plan and training protocols. Procurement of approximately 1 million articles...

DENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM—A new paper co-authored by international property consultancy Gleeds, global engineering and design consultancy Arup, global hospitality company IHG Hotels & Resorts, and energy management and automation specialist Schneider Electric has revealed how the hotel industry can tackle the net zero carbon challenge and save millions in the process. Entitled “Transforming Existing Hotels to Net Zero”, the team compiling the research used a real-life case study to consider what opportunities exist to decarbonize existing hotels and drive operational energy to net zero carbon. With energy consumption typically accounting for as much as 60 percent of a hotel’s emissions...

ROSEAU, DOMINICA—In light of increasing consumer confidence and positive traveler intent, Dominica has launched “In Our Nature,” an initiative signaling Dominica’s readiness to welcome global travelers. The new global campaign, “In Our Nature,” embodies the island’s rejuvenating and transformative natural experiences including geothermal rainforest spas, farm- and sea-to-table cuisine, and one-of-a-kind adventures on land and underwater. The country of Dominica, located in the Caribbean, is renowned for its natural beauty, friendly people, unique experiences, and laid-back vibe. “Through the In Our Nature campaign, we hope to increase awareness of the destination internationally, invite tourists to immerse themselves in our unique experiences, and inspire and stimulate travelers to visit Dominica,” says the...

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN—In 2017, Scandic and Vasakronan signed an agreement to operate a hotel at the Platinan property in central Gothenburg. Scandic Göteborg Central will open during the second quarter of 2022 just a couple hundred meters from Gothenburg’s central station in the middle of the rapidly-growing Älvstaden area, the largest urban development project in the Nordic region. With its 451 rooms, the hotel will play the largest role in one of Gothenburg’s most spectacular real estate projects. The property will be environmentally certified according to the international LEED system and aims to attain the highest rating, Platinum. This is an important...