MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA—Sandals Resorts International, the Caribbean’s leading hospitality company, honored its longstanding commitment to environmental and marine conservation this past Earth Day by celebrating the work of its philanthropic arm, the not-for-profit Sandals Foundation that highlights the intractable relationship between the visitor and the visited. Among the key initiatives this year is an intensified mission of planting 10,000 fruit, timber, and mangrove trees to protect terrestrial and coastal zones across the Caribbean. According to SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, an expert on the connections between tourism and its impact on local economies, the success of tourism and the livelihoods of Caribbean people are inextricably linked to...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries and territories—released its Environmental, Social and Governance Report highlighting its commitment to operate in a way that is socially, ethically and environmentally responsible. “As the world’s largest hotel company, we have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world while delivering on our mission to make hotel travel possible for all,” said Geoffrey A. Ballotti, President and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Now, more than ever, we must help ensure the future remains bright for travelers while we continue to...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and UNITE HERE, the largest hospitality workers union in North America, joined forces to call on Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act. The bill, introduced by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-Fla.), provides a lifeline to hotel workers, providing the assistance they need to survive until travel returns to pre-pandemic levels. Chip Rogers, President and CEO of AHLA, applauded Senator Schatz and Representative Crist for introducing this critical legislation to support hotel workers. “Every day, hotels are closing for good, and hardworking, loyal employees are sadly being let go,” said...

MCLEAN, VA.—Last year was undoubtedly one of the worst years in the history of the lodging industry but that bad year saw the continuation of one of the industry’s most notable success stories—Hilton’s Home2 Suites extended stay brand. Designed with “sustainability being a key pillar,” according to Global Brand Head Leonard Gooz, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the brand. As of December 31, 2020, there were 463 open and 409 in the pipeline. According to Hilton, the 500th Home2 Suites is expected to open by the end of this quarter. STR says Home2 Suites saw the most supply...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—As the world emerges from the pandemic, there is an increasing amount of buzz about sustainability, particularly the climate crisis. Governments around the world are setting ambitious decarbonization targets in advance of the COP26 event in the United Kingdome in December. Investors are putting increasing pressure on companies to measure and disclose their sustainability impacts, and consumers are showing more propensity towards sustainable products. What does this mean for the hospitality industry? While many companies have robust and well-established sustainability programs, and the carbon intensity of the global hotel sector has decreased by 10 percent since 2015, the pandemic has added pressure in areas such as...

CHICAGO—Encore RV Resorts’ WaterWise campaign, where guests at 70 Encore RV Resorts across the Sunbelt pledged to use less water in their daily lives, culminated on World Water Day last month. The second annual campaign focused on “Valuing Water” and launched in January with guests automatically entered into the WaterWise Sweepstakes by taking the pledge. Five winners at each of the participating Encore resorts won a Lifestraw Go Stainless Steel water bottle with filter. Voyager RV Resort, located in southern Arizona, is a two-time winner of the Arizona ARVC Mega Park of the Year Award and a leading property in...

BANGKOK—Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Awards spotlight 30 individuals, companies and organizations making meaningful strides in responsible travel and sustainable living. In addition to thought leadership, these changemakers are also proactively protecting communities and environments and inspiring their industry colleagues and travelers to do their part. To arrive at this year’s list of honorees, an esteemed panel of experts across the travel, hospitality, and sustainability industries submitted nominations, which were then narrowed to a select list of finalists vetted by Travel + Leisure editors. Six Senses has been honored as a group for its dedication to sustainability, conservation, and ethical environmental...

NEW YORK—SH Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group led by Chairman and CEO Barry Sternlicht, that manages 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels & Resorts and Treehouse Hotels, announced the launch of MISSION by SH, a cause-driven rewards program that allows guests to offset the climate impact of their stay by donating their reward dollars toward carbon offset projects. “SH Hotels & Resorts’ U.S. properties have been carbon neutral since 2018 and we have always looked at the brand as a platform for change and sustainability not just a luxury hotel experience. Launching our loyalty program...

WILLIAMS, ARIZ.—The Iron Horse is back and healthier than ever thanks to a strict diet of oil used for cooking French fries and chicken wings. The oil comes from fast food joints and hotels in the region and Williams-area including the Grand Canyon Railway and & Hotel’s restaurants themselves. While such a diet might be hazardous to the health of humans, The Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) uses recycled waste vegetable oil as fuel for Locomotive No. 4960, a steam engine built in 1923, to keep it running and running green. Eight times from April through October, all are welcome aboard for...

SILVERTHORNE, COLO.—The Pad team isn’t just talking about their commitment to sustainability for their new boutique hotel/hostel that opens this summer in Silverthorne, Colo., they’re taking action and joining more than 3,000 global sustainability leaders in pledging to adopt a new business model and culture that prioritizes purpose alongside profit. The Pad, a 36-room boutique hotel with hostel-style rooms, was recently certified as a pending B Corp with plans of achieving the full B Corp certification once they’re eligible after being open for 12 months. The Pad is on track to becoming the first B Corp certified company in Summit...