WASHINGTON, D.C.—As all industries tackle the ongoing effects of COVID-19, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has sought to understand the resiliency of the design industry and profession through times of uncertainty. The 2020 ASID Interior Design Resiliency Report has released the results from its first phase, conducted during the summer of 2020 in partnership with Cosentino, Benjamin Moore and Emerald to further investigate interior design resilience by examining the impact of the pandemic, the response from the interior design community and the changes necessary in design to move forward. “In their day-to-day work, design professionals are creative problem-solvers...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International announced it has been recognized for the 23rd consecutive year as one of the 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work for in the U.S. by LATINA Style Inc. Since 1998, the LATINA Style 50 Report has served as the flagship report used to measure diversity and inclusion accomplishments in the Latina community among major corporations throughout the past two decades. Companies are evaluated on criteria including training, mentorship, retention, and promotion of Latinas. “Our approach to creating a diverse and inclusive culture is built on our core value to put people first and our commitment to...

MADRID, SPAIN—Room Mate Hotels, in collaboration with Quirónprevención, is set to become the first hotel chain to offer free COVID-19 tests to its guests. From mid-October—with the help of fully-qualified healthcare professionals from Quirónprevención—the company will offer rapid antigen tests for guests checking in at its hotels, as well as providing them with a symptom tracking service throughout their stay, using an app. In order to ensure safety and peace of mind for both its external and internal clients, these antigen tests will also be provided for all the company’s employees, to ensure their safety in the workplace. According to...

NANTUCKETT, MASS.—GSN Planet (GSN) has launched a COVID-19 Sustainability Guide in response to the recent pandemic. The Guide has been written by GSN’s Sustainability Task Force and is available to the entire wellness industry. This simplified guide provides inspiration and practical options for businesses and practitioners to evolve during a pandemic that is focused on products and services that are eco-friendly and offer alternative revenue streams. The goal of this guide is to help those within the spa and wellness industry to make well-informed, environmentally and socially conscious decisions. Natasha Prybyla, proud member of the GSN Board and owner of Sloco...

NATIONAL REPORT—While fewer hotels are offering minibars, mini refrigerators are an expected appliance today, especially given COVID-19 and the inclination for travelers to bring their own food to their guestroom. Your choice of mini refrigerator can make a difference in not only guest satisfaction but your energy bill as well. The Energy Star website provides a page that allows one to search by price, size, capacity, brand name and shows annual energy consumption. Green Lodging News reached out to some of the lodging industry’s leading makers of mini refrigerators to get their latest take on this expected appliance. Minibar Systems Minibar...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Americans are concerned about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on all aspects of the economy, and 90 percent support Congress passing another economic stimulus bill to help distressed small businesses and employees, according to a new survey of registered voters conducted by Morning Consult and commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). A resounding 89 percent agree that Congress should remain in session until reaching an agreement on an economic stimulus package. “Millions of Americans are out of work, and thousands of small businesses are dying,” said Chip Rogers, President and CEO of AHLA. “It is...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) have outlined an expanded suite of programs and resources focused on improving building and community resilience in the face of climate risks. While governments and businesses focus on economic recovery, more frequent and severe climate events threaten to interrupt progress. Green building helps companies and communities adapt to and mitigate the effects of these growing climate concerns. “Green buildings are the first step to creating more resilient businesses and communities while also supporting economic development and growth,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, President and CEO of USGBC and GBCI....

MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA—JO&JOE, a hybrid hospitality brand part of the worldwide Accor Group, announced its arrival in Colombia for the first time with the construction of a new Open House concept in the city of Medellín. JO&JOE is a shared accommodation experience belonging to Accor’s portfolio of economy and lifestyle brands and is aimed at a broad international community of global explorers with a special focus on engaging millennials and the millennial minded. Offering more of a lifestyle experience than a standard hostel, while remaining uniquely different than traditional hotels, JO&JOE is perfect for groups of friends, solo travelers or...

FRANKFURT AM MAIN—Promoting innovation and e-mobility, Rainer Zietlow, an experienced tour driver with the Mannheim-based special agency CHALLENGE4, sent out a strong signal for the future viability of e-mobility recently as he embarked upon on a marathon 20,000-kilometer trip through Germany in a VW ID.3 electric car. Deutsche Hospitality supports this ambitious project by sponsoring overnight accommodation and catering costs. During their 64-day journey, Rainer Zietlow and his team will stay in hotels that operate under the Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts and IntercityHotel brand names. The route begins in Oberstdorf, the southernmost settlement in Germany, and will end at the...

LAS VEGAS—In an Op-Ed published by The Nevada Independent, Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox offers insight on how to get Las Vegas entertainment, nightlife, and conventions back up and running safely. The multi-layered approach is centered around a robust health and safety plan and the implementation of an on-site testing lab located at Wynn Las Vegas. Following is the Op-Ed in full as originally published, detailing how the introduction of rapid tests and the creation of “safe zones” will accelerate Nevada’s recovery: “As a long-standing member of the Las Vegas community and the current CEO of Wynn Resorts, I have been...