WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA—Where geysers erupt, bison roam, and the horizon stretches wide with possibility, a new hotel is bringing travelers even closer to the wonder of it all. Starlite Yellowstone, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is now open in downtown West Yellowstone, just minutes from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Developed by East Avenue Development LLC and managed by Vista Host, the 133-room hotel was designed to reflect the wild beauty, rich history, and spirit of the land that surrounds it. With natural textures and thoughtful design throughout, Starlite Yellowstone blends upscale comfort with a deep sense of place, offering travelers...

NATIONAL REPORT—Cold-storage rooms may look like simple metal boxes, but their performance is governed by what lies between the inner and outer walls. Insulation determines how efficient the refrigeration is, how much energy is consumed, how long it resists moisture and corrosion, and, ultimately, how reliably it protects food or pharmaceuticals. As energy codes tighten and operating margins shrink, cold storage manufacturers are rethinking everything from the materials they use to the systems that shape them. The industry is moving toward three central priorities: higher performing insulation, precision driven automation, and more sustainable manufacturing practices. Why Traditional Foam Falls Short For...

ATLANTA—The 2025 ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference, set for October 22 to 24, 2025, in Chicago, will be the gathering place for professionals to determine how to accelerate building decarbonization strategies. “Decarbonization is not just about technology. It’s about rethinking how we design, operate, and value our buildings,” said 2025-26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. “This conference is about equipping building professionals with the strategies, partnerships and tools needed to make measurable progress. This is the ‘must-attend’ conference for professionals in the business of designing, constructing or operating buildings.” The two-and-a-half-day program will feature 21 seminars, 14 panels,...

HELSINKI—For the second year in a row, Helsinki has been ranked first in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index. The international Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index measures the sustainability of tourist destinations in four different categories based on more than 70 indicators. Over a hundred cities around the world committed to sustainability are included in the comparison. This is the second consecutive year that Helsinki has topped the ranking. “Helsinki is investing in sustainable growth in tourism. Our aim is to make Helsinki a welcoming destination for a steadily rising number of travelers. Being the world’s most sustainable tourist destination for the...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The AHLA Foundation announced partnerships with the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) and the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) designed to strengthen opportunities for young people seeking professions in the industry. Building on the Foundation’s legacy of scholarship support for hospitality students, these strategic alliances represent an evolution of the Foundation’s talent pipeline mission—bridging the gap between higher education institutions and industry workforce needs. “We’re not just funding education—we’re investing in the alignment between academic learning and professional readiness,” said Kevin Carey, AHLA Foundation President and CEO. “These partnerships give us the...

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO—Sandos Hotels & Resorts has announced the transition of its signature 955-room Playa del Carmen eco all-inclusive resort to the new name Sandos Caracol Nature Resort & Water Park, formerly known as Sandos Caracol Eco Resort. Following the multi-staged, multi-million-dollar renovation of several of its dining outlets, common areas, amenities, and room categories, along with the addition of new cenotes, an adults-only beach club, and more, the brand believes this new name change will usher the property into a new era of prosperity. Sandos Caracol’s new name reflects the abundant experience opportunities available for guests on property, the chance to...

LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles City Council voted to approve the L.A. Convention Center (LACC) Expansion and Modernization Project, underscoring the City’s commitment to maintaining its status as a world-class destination with a thriving tourism industry. The current LACC is a LEED Gold certified facility. This public infrastructure investment will create more than 15,000 jobs, add $652 million in General Fund tax revenue over 30 years and draw in over $150 million in additional visitor spending each year. This project will spur much-needed economic growth in the region. Local businesses, especially in Downtown L.A., are dependent on direct and indirect spending...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and MindClick announced a partnership to present the Sustainable Hospitality & Leadership in Design (SHLD) Awards at the AHLA Responsible Stay Summit, with entries now open. Founded by the Hospitality Sustainable Design Collaborative (HSDC)—a consortium established in 2023 by MindClick, Marriott, Highgate, Hilton, and Hyatt—the SHLD Awards shine a spotlight on hotel projects that mitigate climate impact, protect guest and team health, and advance equity through design choices and purchasing practices. What makes SHLD different: SHLD is the only hospitality design awards program solely dedicated to sustainable design, and it requires every submission...

NATIONAL REPORT—Deloitte’s latest corporate travel survey reveals a complex landscape for business travel up to 2026. While budgets are generally increasing, there is a notable shift in priorities and a growing emphasis on cost management and sustainability. The survey, conducted among U.S.-based travel managers and corporate travelers, provides insights into the evolving dynamics of corporate travel. Company travel spend holds steady, but changes are on the horizon: three in four (74 percent) travel managers surveyed plan to expand budgets this year (similar to 2024), but fewer (68 percent) expect to do so for 2026. However, the share of travel managers expecting...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corp. announces the grand opening of Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, a new all-inclusive beachfront resort located in a secluded and nature-rich region along the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, marking the continued expansion of the Dreams Resorts & Spas brand within Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection portfolio. Designed to bring people together through meaningful moments, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa offers families and multigenerational travelers a scenic escape where nature, comfort, and connection converge. “Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa invites families and multigenerational travelers to relax, reconnect, and discover the beauty of the Dominican Republic,” said Ángel Medina,...