SEATTLE—1 Hotels, the nature-inspired luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announced that reservations are now open for 1 Hotel Seattle, debuting in April 2025. Set in the buzzy South Lake Union neighborhood at the cross-section of Seattle’s emerging biotech and big-tech industries, 1 Hotel Seattle is a world-class urban retreat, blending sustainable luxury with the restorative beauty of the Pacific Northwest. “Seattle has always been a city that values sustainability, innovation, and connection to nature,” says Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts (soon to be Starwood Hotels). “With 1...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Coverings, the largest event and world class showcase of ceramic tile and natural stone in North America, has announced an empowering lineup of educational opportunities for Coverings 2025, which will take place April 29 to May 2, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla. Coverings 2025 is set to offer attendees an array of educational experiences, including live demonstrations, interactive learning sessions, expert Q&A panels, partner-led education, live podcasts and much more. These edifying opportunities have been planned for all business segments of the tile and stone industry, including architecture and design, and will equip...

NATIONAL REPORT—Many organizations delegate the HR department to manage their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and sustainability is an incremental component of such efforts. However, an organization’s sustainability efforts go beyond building a strong employment brand for current and prospective employees. It also affects a company’s bottom line. Hotels, for example, ensure guests continue to choose their property amongst the rest by providing great customer experiences, high-quality services, and a comfortable stay. Recently, another factor affecting travelers’ hotel choice and perception of a hotel brand is on the rise in importance: sustainability. Sustainability is becoming a core focus as it...

DALLAS—A civil lawsuit filed by Fortenberry Firm PLLC in Dallas County, Texas, asserts claims of sex trafficking on behalf of a 16-year-old girl from Baytown, Texas, who was groomed by a 32-year-old male, lured to Dallas, drugged, and prostituted at the Hawthorne Extended Stay by Wyndham Dallas. Hawthorne Suites is a division of Wyndham hotels. The suit details that once in Dallas, the victim was taken to the man’s loft apartment and told they were going to make money together but did not specify how. Shortly thereafter, he took her to the hotel and told her she would be prostituting for him. After forcing her to...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) announced it will once again convene a series of high-value regional events in 2025, which will create networking and educational opportunities for hoteliers and hospitality industry participants in top markets across the U.S. The Hospitality Show regional events give hotel owners, general managers, and property level line leaders a chance to network with their peers, gain access to the latest market data, and connect with top suppliers and service providers. They are also an opportunity to learn about federal, state, and local policies that affect hotel industry operations and profitability and capitalize...

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO—Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), announces its Valentine’s Day initiative, “Love Letter from Puerto Rico,” with Puerto Rican actor and producer Amaury Nolasco. As an extension of the DMO’s Live Boricua campaign, this emotive video is an open invitation for travelers to experience Puerto Rico’s rich diversity and a reminder to explore the island with respect. By celebrating Puerto Rico’s vibrant spirit, culture, and communities, it aims to foster deeper connections while promoting mindful and responsible travel. “This project is deeply personal to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase our...

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES—Wellness tourism is diversifying dramatically as today’s cross-generational tribe of enlightenment seekers strive for mental, spiritual and physical well-being. For almost 30 years, Six Senses has pioneered wellness initiatives that take guests beyond the destination into new discoveries. Visitors to its 27 properties around the world surrender to the ministrations of therapists, practitioners, and forward-thinking experts who bring an extensive and evolving roster of treatments, taking guests as deep as they wish to go. Driving the Six Senses well-being agenda is Wellness Pioneer Anna Bjurstam. With over 25 years of experience, Bjurstam is at the forefront of...

MIAMI—Acqualina Resort & Residences, the award-winning oceanfront Miami resort, announced that it has earned Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED for two consecutive years by Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on hospitality excellence, as the official sustainability verification for its community of Star-Rated hotels in more than 80 countries. This makes Acqualina Resort one of only 32 properties worldwide to earn this sustainability designation. The comprehensive assessment verifies hotels on best practices to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests and the community—creating a global standard for the world’s finest hotels and a trusted third-party verification for guests. Designed in partnership...

NATIONAL REPORT—Travel experiences in recent years have been more than checking a bucket list. Instead, purposeful travel and sustainability have led to a surge of travel experiences defined by meaningful connections with people and the planet. With this, luxury travel is embracing sustainability, with eco-resorts and glamping leading the way. What is glamping? A blend of “glamorous” and “camping,” glamping refers to experiences that have both nature and luxury. It is a type of immersive travel that connects guests to a destination’s culture, history, wildlife, and environment, all while enjoying the comforts of high-end accommodations. The Allure Behind Glamping There are unique...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the AHLA Foundation, and the BHN Group/Northstar Travel Group announced that the co-founders of Procure Impact, the B2B marketplace for products that support workers in overlooked communities, have been named this year’s recipients of the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award. CEO Lauren McCann and President Jen Collins co-founded Procure Impact, which exclusively works with suppliers that employ trafficking survivors, veterans, refugees, people with disabilities, and people who face barriers to work such as poverty, homelessness, mental health and trauma, addiction, or a criminal history. Their effort captures the spirit of the Arne Sorenson...