PARIS—Accor participated actively in the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June in Nice (France). On this occasion, the Group launched new initiatives and reaffirmed its long-term commitment to protecting the oceans. Accor, a global leader in hospitality, has been a pioneer in sustainable development for over 50 years. By multiplying actions, Accor intends to take concrete action to preserve the planet’s resources and ecosystems. Coastal and marine destinations attract hundreds of millions of visitors each year, contributing significantly to local economies and livelihoods. Coastal and marine tourism alone generates approximately $1.5 trillion annually and supports 52 million jobs worldwide. These areas are...

LOS ANGELES—The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation announced that the Mines Advisory Group—a humanitarian, development and peacebuilding organization focused on landmine removal and armed violence reduction in communities affected by conflict—has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. Since 1989, the Mines Advisory Group has helped over 23 million people in more than 70 countries rebuild their lives after war. It has played a leading role in the international effort to prevent the use of landmines—saving countless lives, protecting human rights and contributing to sustainable peace for communities across the world. The Mines Advisory Group was chosen...

MAUI, HAWAII—As Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa celebrates its 45th anniversary, the iconic oceanfront resort is entering a new era rooted in sustainability, cultural connection, and regenerative hospitality. Long known for its sweeping ocean views and rich cultural programming, the resort is now deepening its commitment to mālama ʻāina (care for the land) through a series of impactful new initiatives led by its dedicated Landscape Manager, Jason “JD” Dennis. From transitioning to natural pest management to expanding on-site food production, the resort is restoring balance to its ecosystem while offering guests meaningful opportunities to learn, explore, and connect. Over the past year, the resort’s...

TROY, N.Y.—Audubon International—the environmentally focused nonprofit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play—announces that the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Casino and Spa has achieved Green Lodging/Green Hospitality Gold-level Certification. Located on the windward side of the island of St. Kitts, 10 minutes from the capital city of Basseterre, St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Casino and Spa offers 389 rooms, eight restaurants, a full-service spa, championship golf course, and guided tours to the 65-square-mile island’s many ecological wonders including volcanic landscapes, rainforests, and black sand beaches. Audubon International...

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA—While many companies offer paid volunteer days, better known as “Volunteer Time Off” (VTO), only one in three employees actually use it, according to Double the Donation. To help change that, Aruba is introducing Aruba VTO, a new initiative that invites travelers to save their PTO and instead use their VTO days for meaningful, purpose-driven experiences on the One Happy Island. Aruba VTO is a chance to give back while getting away with curated volunteer opportunities that connect guests with Aruba’s culture, community, and natural beauty. Travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that create lasting impact and foster a deeper connection...

CAM RANH, VIETNAM—In a nod to Vietnam’s rich coffee heritage, Alma Resort Cam Ranh’s barista cycles up to guests’ pavilions and handcrafts their brew before them. As part of the next-level room service, guests choose from four signature coffees: bold and robust iced black coffee; smooth iced white coffee with condensed milk; sweet and creamy Vietnamese-style classic bạc xỉu; and salted coffee with a unique savory-sweet blend. The service, called “The Essence of Vietnamese Coffee, Brought to Your Door”, is available to guests staying at the resort’s oversized one-, two- and three- bedroom suite pavilions. The barista cycles up the pavilion with...

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA—The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) awarded all nineteen Sandals Resorts its prestigious Healthier Safer Tourism (HST) travelers’ health assurance award for implementing proactive health measures in tourism; as well as Sandals Resorts International (SRI) overall as a Healthier Safer Tourism Destination. This landmark, first of its kind achievement, solidifies SRI’s leadership and partnership with CARPHA for healthier, safer tourism, to protect the health and well-being of both visitor and local populations in the Caribbean. The HST plaques were presented by Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of CARPHA, on July 9 at Sandals Montego Bay at “Celebrating Excellence...

PHILADELPHIA—Zephyr Cove Resort, operated by Aramark Destinations, announced a pair of major environmental achievements and the success of its July Fourth cleanup efforts—underscoring the resort’s leadership in protecting Lake Tahoe’s shoreline. Through award-winning environmental practices and impactful waste reduction initiatives, the resort continues to set the standard for clean beaches and responsible recreation. “At Aramark, we believe that environmental responsibility is fundamental to delivering exceptional guest experiences, and we’re proud to support places that inspire people to connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways,” said Sasha Day, President & CEO of Aramark Destinations. “Zephyr Cove Resort’s recent designations and holiday cleanup...

NATIONAL REPORT—There are many ways to reduce food waste to landfill. Proper portioning, smart ordering, partnering with local farmers, and food donation programs come to mind. One easy way to break down and eliminate food waste on-site is by using a biodigester. This machine, available in various sizes, biologically digests organic material. Microbes, enzymes and other bacteria break down the waste. Most food, including fat, greases, and even animal manure, can be processed in a biodigester. Byproducts include carbon dioxide and water, which can simply be discharged into a municipal sewer system, or a soil amendment which can be used...

EMERYVILLE, CALIF.—SCS Standards and Assurance Systems announces the publication of version 2.0 of the SCS-108 Certification Standard for Carbon Neutral Entities, Buildings, Products, and Services. Initially developed in 2022, the Standard establishes certification requirements for entities, buildings, products, and services to achieve carbon neutral status. “The SCS Carbon Neutral Standard and certification allows companies to credibly demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability,” says Victoria Norman, Executive Director, SCS Standards and Assurance Systems. “Certification to SCS-108 presents robust transparency and explicit guidance for communication of Carbon Neutral claims for companies and products.” The Standard’s revision process was facilitated by SCS Standards and Assurance...