RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO—Fairmont Mayakoba will honor Earth Day, celebrated across the globe annually on April 22, by partnering with Oceanus A.C., a local organization dedicated to the conservation of coral reefs. Valid for stays April 22, 2021 through May 31, 2021, each guest making a reservation the week of April 22 to 30, 2021 will have the option to add a $20 donation to their reservation when booking online. In honor of their donation, guests will receive specific coordinates of coral planted in their name(s) following their stay. All the proceeds from the donations will be donated directly to Oceanus A.C. “We are proud to extend our partnership with...

PHOENIX—Bill McKay, a lodging industry veteran and product pioneer who has the distinction of being the son of the inventor of the lint roller, is adding to his collection of hair towel wraps to help stem the flow of full-size towels to the laundry. His company’s name is MYSA Towel and those full-size towels, typically used by ladies to wrap their hair in, increase the environmental impact of the laundry by consuming energy, water, chemicals, and increasing labor time and other costs. “Now the laundry is not going to be processing as many full-size bath towels,” McKay says. McKay cited...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Travelodge by Wyndham announced it is awarding a $25,000 challenge grant to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), reaffirming its commitment to protecting and preserving our nation’s parks while challenging others to help match its efforts with a smaller donation of their own. One of many collaborations happening between Travelodge and NPCA this week to mark National Park Week, the challenge grant, which aims to raise a combined $50,000 between Travelodge and other donors, comes amid rising visitation and increased strain on park resources due to lingering effects of the ongoing pandemic. Last year, over 237 million people visited America's national...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton has released its 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which highlights the company’s continued commitment to redefining sustainable travel and driving positive impact on people and the planet. Through Hilton’s Travel with Purpose program, the company continues to take important steps to integrate positive social impact and environmental stewardship throughout its operations, communities, and supply chain. “As we weathered this unpredictable year, Hilton has remained focused on our Team Members and the communities we serve around the world,” said Kristin Campbell, General Counsel and Chief ESG officer, Hilton. “We took a nimble approach during this difficult period to...

TORONTO—Exodus Travels announced a new partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF.) This portfolio of carefully curated luxury adventures offers travelers the chance to go behind the scenes of regular safaris and learn from wildlife experts about gorilla conservation in Uganda, conserving elephants, and their habitat in Zimbabwe, and protecting a fragile population of wolves in the historic highlands of Ethiopia. Since 1961, AWF has been helping local communities to recognize the benefits of conserving wildlife, rather than viewing it as a threat to their livelihoods. The organization is revered globally for its work to ensure conservation strategies work for wildlife and...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—As our world becomes increasingly diverse, the hospitality industry recognizes the need to reflect this in the way it operates. The multicultural and multinational market would benefit from hotels and leisure properties appointing diverse management teams that understand their backgrounds, needs, and desires, and can effectively reach a diverse target market. This trend is getting support from an increasing number of directions including the Nasdaq, which recently filed a proposal to adopt new listing rules related to board diversity and disclosure. But how far along are we in these endeavors, and how much further do we still have to go...

ATLANTA—AAHOA’s two most recent charity golf tournaments raised nearly $100,000 for six charities. The inaugural Southeast Texas Charity Golf Tournament, held in Houston, raised more than $40,000 to benefit the Houston chapter of Sewa International, Rise Against Hunger, and Nora’s Home. The Southwest Charity Golf Tournament, held in Phoenix, raised more than $56,000, which benefited the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, East Valley Firefighter Charities Foundation, and St. Mary’s Food Bank. Both events were hosted outdoors with appropriate social-distancing measures, masks, and other health and safety protocols in place. “The charitable spirit of America’s hoteliers remains strong despite the hardships so...

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF.—Committed to building a better and brighter future for people and the planet, Beyond Green has officially launched as a curated guide for travelers seeking a more purposeful way to explore the world. Featuring a global portfolio of 27 hotels, resorts, and lodges that exemplify sustainability in action, the new brand has been unveiled as part of Preferred Hotel Group—the family-owned company that manages and operates other consumer travel brands including Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels of America, and Historic Hotels Worldwide. Debuting at the onset of a new era of travel in which protecting nature, benefitting local communities, and celebrating cultural diversity has...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced it will be convening its members and stakeholders this June for USGBC Live to be held virtually from June 8 to 10, 2021. USGBC Live will unify regional and local perspectives to establish a global vision for USGBC and LEED and the adoption of LEED. “USGBC Live will streamline and integrate various practices to help the market accomplish their green building goals in an easier and more efficient way,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, President and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council. “In short, this is where we provide early access to, and shape, the future of LEED. The future is...

MCLEAN, VA.—Amid one of the most challenging times in the history of the hospitality industry, Hilton has been recognized for its exceptional—and resilient—workplace culture. Great Place to Work and Fortune named Hilton #1 on the 2021 Best Big Companies to Work For list and #3 on the 2021 Best Companies to Work For list in the United States. Hilton is the highest ranked hospitality company to appear on both lists, especially notable given the significant impact the pandemic has had on the travel industry this year. “I  am so proud  of our Hilton family  and honored  by this recognition of our incredible culture—especially in light of the profound impact the pandemic...