PALMA, SPAIN—Hotelbeds, the world’s leading bedbank, has welcomed global hotel chains IHG Hotels & Resorts and Accor to its Green Hotel Program, further strengthening its commitment to sustainable tourism. IHG and Accor are the latest industry players to join the Program which was launched in October 2020 to identify, highlight, and promote sustainable tourism within the Hotelbeds portfolio. Their properties join thousands of hotels who are now certified as sustainable and promoted as such to Hotelbeds’ 60,000 travel trade clients via the ‘green filter’ that also includes details of certifications and offer tags. The Green Hotels Program is a turn-key solution to bring Hotelbeds and...

FARI ISLANDS, MALDIVES—The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C announced its debut in the Maldives, with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Located on the Fari Islands, an archipelago on the north-eastern tip of North Malé Atoll, the area is famous for its untouched white-sand beaches and brilliant azure waters teeming with marine life. Featuring stunning minimalist architecture, the resort invites guests to embrace the beru, or circle of island life, and welcomes them into a world of exceptional luxury and memorable experiences. “We have long wanted to expand The Ritz-Carlton brand into this iconic luxury destination and are thrilled to evolve...

NATIONAL REPORT—While technology continues to disrupt the hotel industry, innovative solutions bring with them efficiencies and significant cost savings, especially with electricity. More hotel owners are adopting sustainable and energy-efficient solutions when it comes to designing their electric systems, everything from solar-powered technology, smart lighting, air-source heat pumps, smart energy management to automatic shutdown sockets. There is no better time than now for hotels to embrace intelligent electrical solutions while keeping things simple and uncomplicated for guests to ensure smooth functionality. When planning a hotel electric system, there are several aspects to keep in mind: Keep It Simple & User-Friendly If you...

UCLUELET, B.C.—At Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, every day is Earth Day. The popular Ucluelet resort is once again raising the sustainability game with its Refillable and Zero Waste programs reducing its ecological footprint and taking a load off the landfill while reducing plastic waste. Spearheaded by Black Rock General Manager Adele Larkin, the initiative is aimed at sourcing 100 percent natural, biodegradable, refillable products for its cleaning needs and guest amenities in 2021. As one of the first resorts in Canada to adopt such a model, Black Rock turned to its own backyard for solutions. Thanks to a partnership with two forward-thinking...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—Hard Rock International announced its continued partnership with global nonprofit WhyHunger and activist-artist Yoko Ono Lennon to launch the “Imagine There’s No Hunger” campaign, a unified effort to raise awareness and funds to combat global hunger and poverty. As a part of the campaign and inspired by John Lennon’s iconic song “Imagine” and the 50th anniversary of its release, Hard Rock is introducing its 37th Signature Series—the John Lennon, “Imagine There’s No Hunger” Collection—for purchase online and at Hard Rock Hotels, Cafes and Casinos worldwide. The collection will feature a variety of merchandise, including two shirt designs, a hat, a mini...

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND—SH Hotels & Resorts announced that it will open its award-winning Treehouse Hotel in Manchester, the brand’s second U.K. location, in 2023. Treehouse Hotel Manchester, owned by a controlled affiliate of Starwood Capital Group, is being developed in partnership with Property Alliance Group and will mark the first phase of a £200m redevelopment of the former Renaissance Hotel on Deansgate. Treehouse Hotels celebrates the joy of youth, of freedom, of fun, of dreams, and friends, real and imaginary. In a Treehouse you leave the everyday and enter a world of your own imagination. The wondrous, childhood feeling of climbing into a...

IBIZA, SPAIN—A dazzling white rock with crystal clear blue sea, Ibiza has a long-hidden secret on its northern tip, Xarraca Bay. This magical cove with unobstructed sunset views and special energy is where the golden hour lasts until the Cinderella hour. Sundowner, guitar, or loved one in hand, anything feels possible. Live layers of programming and experiences will constantly evolve to celebrate music, art, sustainable fashion, spirituality, pioneering wellness, culinary exploration, and culture, all synonymous with the island. A place this meaningful needs protecting, which is why when it opens in July, Six Senses Ibiza will be the first sustainable...

NATIONAL REPORT—With the increasing presence of electric vehicles on the road, EVBox Group, a provider of charging stations, conducted two studies—one in the United States and the other in six European countries—to get a better understanding of the current market for electric driving. The studies targeted the general population, potential drivers of EV vehicles, and current EV drivers. The surveys were conducted by means of an online questionnaire. The U.S. study included 2,002 residents including 100 EV drivers. While neither of the studies targeted hoteliers, the results of the study should be of interest to hoteliers who are increasingly welcoming...

ATLANTA, GA.—America’s hotel owners are coming together to support COVID relief in India as a new wave of infections spreads throughout the country. AAHOA donated $100,000 to LPS of USA, Tiny Smiling Faces (Dalubhai Goaplbhai Patel Fund), and Bavaji Charities in support of the charities’ ongoing COVID relief efforts in the subcontinent. “Throughout the past year, AAHOA and AAHOA Members made valuable contributions in their communities by donating personal protective equipment, providing meals to those in need, housing at-risk populations, and supporting local charities,” AAHOA Chairman Biran Patel said. “Many in our industry have strong family and business ties to India, and we are increasingly...

NEW CASTLE, PENN.—Green cleaning is increasingly important in the eyes of the public according to new research from Whittaker, a leader in low-moisture carpet cleaning. The survey, conducted online on their behalf by The Harris Poll from May 4-6, 2021 among 2,035 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, found that 1 in 2 Americans (50 percent) believe commercial facilities like hotels, long-term care facilities, airports, retail stores and more should follow sustainable cleaning practices. This can include the use of certified green cleaning products and cleaning during daytime hours, which uses less energy than cleaning during the evening. “There are many...