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—reports that 2024 continued to see impressive growth in new certifications across all of its programs. Most new certifications were awarded in the golf and lodging categories, while nearly 300 recertifications were also awarded to existing partners, some of whom have maintained their certifications dating back to the 1990s. Programs include Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary (ACSP), ACSP for Golf, Green Lodging, Green Hospitality, Signature Sanctuary, and Sustainable Communities. Each program provides third-party on-site verification of vetted, science-supported...

PARIS—Accor, a global leader in hospitality, Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, and the University of Surrey, a global leader in hospitality and tourism management education and research, have published a report based on research aimed at understanding and addressing traveler motivations when it comes to making more sustainable decisions during their stay. This initiative has been driven by an understanding that guests play a critical role in the efficacy and efficiency of various sustainability initiatives. However, there can be a high level of skepticism among travelers when it comes to their role in those efforts. The...

NATIONAL REPORT—Are you ready to dive into F&B planning and wonder about new menu trends for 2025? This year marks a pivotal moment for the restaurant and hospitality industry, where menu innovation meets diners’ ever-evolving expectations. Restaurants are adapting and embracing new menu trends that redefine the dining experience. Let’s delve into the exciting food trends that will shape the landscape of restaurants and hospitality this year. 1. Hyperlocal & Regenerative Focus Consumers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from, and this trend is pushing for even more localized and fresh options. Look out for restaurants and markets that...

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.—The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Assn. (IHLA) released the following statement after the Senate Local Government Committee approved SB 1422, which will strengthen the hotel industry’s efforts to combat human trafficking. Under current law, certain hotel employees must be trained to identify the signs of human trafficking and the appropriate steps to take when trafficking is suspected. SB 1422 will ensure those not in compliance with these requirements can be held accountable by local municipalities: “This legislation will strengthen enforcement of existing human trafficking prevention training requirements for hotel employees, adding an extra layer of accountability. The hospitality industry...

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE—The global sustainable tourism market was valued at $3.3 trillion in 2022, is projected to reach $11.4 trillion by 2032, and will grow at a CAGR of 14 percent from 2023 to 2032. This is according to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Sustainable Tourism Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Type, by Application, by Age Group: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032.” The research report offers quantitative and qualitative analyses of the overall market environment, focusing on key investment opportunities, top market segments, value chain analysis, market dynamics, regional outlook,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Hotels’ efforts including higher pay and a broadening range of benefits have improved staffing levels over the past year, but nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of surveyed hotels continue to report shortages, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and AHLA Gold Partner Hireology. “While American hotels have largely recovered from the pandemic, hotel employment is still nearly 10 percent below pre-pandemic staffing levels,” said AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta. “The hospitality sector is committed to attracting and retaining talent, investing in workforce development, and creating good jobs for millions of Americans, and we...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corp. and RLH Properties announced the planned transformation and rebranding of Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya to Alila Mayakoba, which will mark the Alila brand’s entry into Latin America and the Caribbean. Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is expected to suspend operations on March 2, 2025, and debut as Alila Mayakoba later this year. Alila is a luxury brand that has received substantial recognition for its place at the forefront of transformational travel. Hotels and resorts in the global brand portfolio are known for their awe-inspiring experiences that allow guests to create a sense of connection to...

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA—Palladium Hotel Group has announced the expansion of Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica, a project promoted by Grupo Empresas Matutes. This transformative development will add more than 948 new rooms and is expected to create around 1,500 direct jobs in the destination, along with 2,600 to 5,700 indirect job opportunities. The expansion will further strengthen the brand’s presence in Jamaica, introducing the TRS Hotels adults-only luxury all-inclusive brand and the Family Selection concept at Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts. Details of the expansion project were revealed during a groundbreaking ceremony on February 18. The event was attended by...

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—TravelBoom Hotel Marketing, a leading provider of innovative digital solutions for the hospitality industry, recently released new research to provide companies in the hospitality and tourism sector with a deep-dive look at today’s evolving leisure travel landscape. Its 2025 Leisure Travel Study offers actionable insights for how these industries can better reach and engage with leisure travelers today. One dominant theme that emerged was that today’s leisure travelers are more inclined to pay for these types of experiences if companies prioritize affordability, flexibility and personalization. Earlier this month, the U.S Travel Association published a report that predicted that domestic leisure travel will increase...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—American Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO Rosanna Maietta recently joined President Trump in support of the proposed No Tax on Tips legislation in Nevada and issued the following statement: “The hotel industry is a people-first business that supports millions of employees and welcomes guests every day,” said AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta. “President Trump’s No Tax on Tips proposal is a crucial step in helping the more than 800,000 workers, who are the backbone of the hotel and lodging industry, that receive tips keep more of their earned income in their pockets. This proposal helps those seeking...