INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Wellness tourism is a dynamic and rapidly expanding segment of the global travel industry, reshaping how individuals approach travel by prioritizing self-care, personal enrichment, and transformative experiences. According to the Global Wellness Institute, this sector, defined as “travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal well-being,” was projected to reach an impressive $1.3 trillion by 2025. The Farm at San Benito, celebrated as one of the world’s premier medical wellness destinations, has been a pioneer in the Philippine wellness tourism industry since 2002. Nestled in Lipa City, Batangas, this eco-luxury healing sanctuary offers medically supervised retreats...

SHAWANO, WIS.—NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), a premier association committed to scholarships, advancing education, mentorship, and networking in the hospitality industry, unveiled its scholarship recipients during a series of events held alongside BDNY, from November 8-11, 2024. In its ongoing commitment to empower and elevate the hospitality community, NEWH awarded $75,000 in scholarships to deserving individuals, coinciding with the association’s 40th anniversary. “At NEWH, we believe that education and mentorship are essential to shaping the future of our industry,” said Chris Tucker, CEO of NEWH, Inc. “Our scholarships empower the next generation of hospitality leaders by providing the...

CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR, CALIF.—A major new study by KPMG, which provides financial and environmental insights for major organizations around the globe, examined the sustainability reporting of 5,800 organizations worldwide.* Among their recent findings were the following: Sustainability Reporting is Now Standard Practice: Nearly all the world’s top 250 companies, and the majority of the top 100 companies in each country or region, now regularly publish sustainability reports. A Dramatic Increase: In 1999, only 35 percent of the world’s largest companies reported on their sustainability effort. Defines a Sustainability Report: A sustainability report discloses a company’s nonfinancial performance, including progress on...

CANCÚN, MEXICO—The sea turtle nesting season in the Mexican Caribbean is every year between May and November and one of the beaches that receives the most turtles is the Sunset Royal hotel. That is why Sunset World Group has actively participated in the Sea Turtle Protection Program since 2009 as part of its firm commitment to the conservation of the biodiversity of our ecosystems. Thus, Sunset Royal’s Security staff is trained annually to not only receive the females when they arrive, spawn and leave, but also to collect the eggs, put them safely in corrals, take care of the young when...

SAN DIEGO—Sycuan Casino Resort spread the holiday joy in early December by donating a total of $190,000 to 27 different charities during its 18th Holiday Gift Giving Ceremony, setting a new funding record in supporting nonprofits that improve the San Diego community. “We always look forward to this time of year because it brings an added opportunity to share support from Sycuan with the real difference makers in our region,” said Cody Martinez, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. “We are very proud to celebrate together this morning and honor each of you with this holiday gift.” The 2024 Holiday Gift Giving Ceremony was held at...

NATIONAL REPORT—According to a study conducted by Future Partners, the emerging travel trends of Slowcations, Foodie Trips, and Experiential Travel are gaining traction among American travelers. Slowcations, which emphasize a leisurely and immersive travel experience, appeal to 57 percent of American travelers. This trend encourages travelers to spend more time at their destination, engaging with the local culture, environment, and community. Similarly, Foodie Trips, travel experiences centered around exploring destinations known for their food and drink, appeal to 57 percent of American travelers. These enthusiasts actively use social media channels to plan their trips at nearly double the rate of other...

NATIONAL REPORT—Hotel carbon emissions are significantly greater than previously thought, according to new research by hospitality operator Bob W. The innovative measurement tool, “Lodging Emissions & Guest-night Impact Tracker” (LEGIT), indicates that emissions are at least five times higher than estimates derived from existing frameworks, such as the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI). This tool, developed by Bob W in collaboration with consultancy Furthr, provides comprehensive environmental impact metrics for each room type in every Bob W property. The company now publishes these metrics on its booking website, guest app, and sustainability reports, fostering transparency and enabling guests to make informed,...

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA—Desert Rock, one of the world’s most anticipated luxury hospitality experiences, is now open. Oppenheim Architecture conceived and designed the visionary project nestled within the ancient mountains of Saudi Arabia, working in close partnership with developer Red Sea Global. True to Oppenheim Architecture’s ethos of designing and building with the land, not on it, Desert Rock celebrates the integration of architecture with nature, setting a new benchmark for immersive design. Carved into the Hejaz Mountains, Desert Rock offers a deep connection to the natural environment, with accommodations that blend into the majestic terrain without obstructing it. Inspired by the Nabataean...

NAPLES, FLA.—The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, an icon on Florida’s Paradise Coast, has received LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its Vanderbilt Tower. As the world’s most widely used green building rating system, this LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification underscores the resort’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, reinforcing its role as a leader in the hospitality industry. The mixed-use tower added Ocean View guestrooms and suites, the Mediterranean restaurant Sofra, and The Ritz-Carlton brand’s largest Club Lounge in North America to the resort’s offerings. “We are delighted to receive this prestigious certification after the time and care put into the resort’s transformation....

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Shiny, a leading provider of associate engagement and retention software, recently released its second annual report on tipping for the hospitality industry. Entitled “Harnessing Tipping Data to Empower and Motivate Hospitality Workers,” the report offers a comprehensive analysis of tipping behaviors and patterns across a diverse sample of hotels utilizing Shiny’s digital tipping software. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, understanding guest behaviors, particularly in how they express gratitude, is crucial for enhancing service quality and improving employee satisfaction. The document also provides actionable solutions to introduce and potentially increase guest tipping. “Not only is providing a tipping...