NATIONAL REPORT—For many businesses, creating an environmentally friendly supply chain is on the “would be nice” list. And others do not take all the necessary steps. Some businesses just think using eco-friendly packaging supplies is enough, but there’s so much more supply chains can do. The goals have long seemed too abstract, too far off and too difficult to achieve. Recent statistics reported in an article from Franchise Help say that consumers are increasingly taking notice of the environmental records of the businesses they buy from: 55 percent of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably produced goods. ...

PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS—While many guests at Atlantis, Paradise Island are enjoying the 141 acres of high-speed water slides, mile-long river ride and 11 swimming pools, others are getting to know the more than 50,000 aquatic animals representing over 250 marine species. They reside in the 8 million gallons of ocean water encompassing 14 lagoons—the largest open-air marine habitat in the world. Those major exhibits are the responsibility of Michelle Liu, Senior Vice President of Marine and Water Park Operations. There is no way around it: the last year has been tough for Atlantis, Paradise Island, just like it has been...

TORONTO—The Hospitality Workers Training Centre (HWTC) and its project partner, Bow Valley College, announced the launch of Micro but Mighty: Micro-Credentials for a Recovering Hospitality Industry, an Ontario-wide digital certification program to recognize and validate in-demand skills in the hospitality and food service sectors. The program, which is supported by the Future Skills Centre, will provide hospitality and food service workers with a quick and easy way to certify attainment of the skills and core competencies that will be critical to the sector’s recovery. It will also help employers easily recognize the achievement of these skills and ensure employees are prepared to support business priorities. While other micro-credentialing programs exist, this additional cost-effective and industry-driven program will expand choices for hospitality and...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced that Hyatt hotels across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Southwest Asia regions have launched more than 160 Hyatt Loves Local collaborations in a continued effort to help revitalize and advance care to communities and small businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the success of the 2020 community-driven initiative, which provides complimentary resources and exposure to select local businesses that have struggled during the pandemic, Hyatt Loves Local has evolved to further meet the current needs of Hyatt communities and guests, including collaborating with more minority-owned and female-owned businesses, and delivering reimagined...

INCLINE VILLAGE, NEVADA—Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, the only full-service waterfront resort in North Lake Tahoe, has received CovidClean Certification from Safehotels, a world-leading hotel safety and security certification company. Based on World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, the CovidClean Certification verifies key standards of cleaning, hygiene, social distancing, and on-site resources, training, and awareness for hotels during the pandemic. “In a time when confidence and trust are a top priority for travelers, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is proud to receive CovidClean Certification from Safehotels,” said Michael Murphy, General Manager at Hyatt...

LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and faculty and scientists of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health released two vital case studies on Sustainability Leadership by The Travel Corporation (TTC) and Intrepid Travel. WTTC and Harvard researchers aim to support and highlight Travel & Tourism companies leading the way, as they work to build the business case for sustainability in the sector. This collaboration has encouraged the sharing of best practices and has supported sustainability as a core strategic priority to ensure the viability of the sector and the co-creation of thriving sustainable societies. WTTC and Harvard T.H. Chan...

AOMORI, JAPAN—Jikeikai Group announced Wellness Hotel Zen-Aomori, Japan’s first wellness hotel. The hotel features a full medical check-up upon arrival, followed by personalized wellness regimens, spa treatments, meditation guidance, nutritional and dietary treatments—and more. To be constructed in the upper levels of the JR Aomori Station Building in the city of Aomori, Wellness Hotel Zen-Aomori combines Jikeikai Group’s 60 years of expertise in hotels and medical facilities in a single purpose-built, world-class offering for those seeking to revitalize their physical and spiritual well-being. Guests begin their stay with a comprehensive health and wellness check. Wellness Hotel Zen-Aomori staff then create a custom wellness program...

PHILADELPHIA—Element Hotels—part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 leading brands and designed for today’s healthy, active traveler—announced the opening of Element Philadelphia, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Developed by Conshohoken-based Chestlen Development, the hotel will be the newest addition to Philadelphia’s reemerging hospitality scene, with travelers planning an average of 2.7 trips this year, according to a recent Visit Philadelphia report. Designed with a focus on sustainability and well-being, Element is ideal for families, groups and business travelers who want to maintain a balanced lifestyle while on the road. “Bringing the Element brand to Philadelphia was a strategic decision to appeal...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Leaders of 23 global travel companies sent a letter to President Biden Tuesday urging greater progress toward reopening international travel—as is successfully happening elsewhere in the world—and warning of dire economic consequences if U.S. borders remain shut. The letter notes that current science, the success of the U.S. vaccine rollout, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s own guidance allows for steps toward a safe resumption of international visitation. “While U.S. borders remain closed to much of the world, the remarkable scientific advancements to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and the tremendous vaccine deployment achieved by your administration have allowed the...

ATLANTA—Element Hotels, part of Marriott International, along with Atlanta based RevPAR Development LLC, recently announced the opening of the Element Atlanta/Buckhead, marking the debut of the stylish and eco-focused hotel brand in Georgia. The hotel, which is in the heart of Buckhead, aims to fuel a balanced life for travelers on the road. Designed for today’s healthy, active traveler, Element Hotels has redefined the longer stay experience with a clean, modern, and bright nature-inspired design philosophy featured throughout the hotel. The Element Atlanta/Buckhead boasts 164 suites including spacious studios and the new, innovative Studio Commons concept consisting of multiple rooms...