ASHEVILLE, N.C.—As the hospitality industry seeks to become more environmentally sustainable, a critical part of hotel and resort operations is coming into play outside the lobby doors—vehicles. From passenger shuttles to maintenance and groundskeeping trucks, these businesses depend on reliably powered fleet vehicles to transport guests from point A to point B and to keep operations running smoothly in the background. At the famous Biltmore Estate near Asheville, N.C., this effort is well underway. The 8,000-acre estate hosts over a million visitors annually and is famous for its breathtaking mansion and stunning landscape, in addition to a variety of lodging...

CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR, CALIF.—Leading sustainability advocate Steve Ashkin reports that a vast majority of Fortune 500 companies are actively publishing comprehensive sustainability reports, even as some U.S. states express reservations about the process. “What we see happening is that other states, along with other countries, are moving forward on stronger sustainability requirements, which require sustainability reports to measure and verify.” So, we are all on the same page, a sustainability report can be defined as follows: A disclosure of an organization’s non-financial performance, shared with stakeholders, investors, governments, regulatory agencies, employees, customers, and the public. It helps evaluate an organization’s sustainability practices and encourages more responsible, ethical business...

BEND, ORE.—A new chapter begins for one of Bend’s most storied buildings as the restored Westman boutique hotel opens reservations ahead of its highly anticipated fall debut. Located in the heart of downtown Bend, The Westman breathes new life into the city’s former and once vibrant United States Post Office with 23 uniquely designed guestrooms and elevated, community-driven common space areas. Named after Minnie Westman, a trailblazing mail carrier west of the Mississippi River, the consciously refined, independently Oregonian-owned and operated hotel pays tribute to her enduring legacy of grit and independence. Hailed in a New York Times article as someone who “carries the mail...

CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR, CALIF.—Leading sustainability advocate Steve Ashkin reports that a vast majority of Fortune 500 companies are actively publishing comprehensive sustainability reports, even as some U.S. states express reservations about the process. “What we see happening is that other states, along with other countries, are moving forward on stronger sustainability requirements, which require sustainability reports to measure and verify.” So, we are all on the same page, a sustainability report can be defined as follows: A disclosure of an organization’s non-financial performance, shared with stakeholders, investors, governments, regulatory agencies, employees, customers, and the public. It helps evaluate an organization’s sustainability practices and encourages more responsible, ethical business...

NATIONAL REPORT—For decades now, global warming has led to reduced snow coverage, especially at low and medium altitudes, threatening the main activity of ski resorts. Vail Resorts, with popular ski areas in North America, faced an 8 percent decline in visits during the 2023 to 2024 ski season due to an annual 28 percent decline in snowfall (Rachel Yalof, 2025). Nowadays, resorts are massively dependent on alpine skiing and winter tourism revenues. Therefore, shorter seasons and expensive artificial snow, are making the economic model unsustainable. In Europe, 75 percent of glaciers in the French Alps could disappear by 2050 (Stanislas...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—The Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock International, announces the distribution of $250,000 in grants to 50 local nonprofit organizations across the globe. These $5,000 grants are part of the foundation’s annual commitment to help strengthen the communities in which Hard Rock operates through targeted support of impactful, grassroots initiatives. The 2025 Hard Rock Heals Foundation Grant Program supports three focus areas: Al Jalila Foundation (nominated by Hard Rock Cafe Dubai) – Advancing children’s medical care and research across the UAE through education, treatment, and innovation Mental health awareness and research; Prevention of human trafficking and promotion of human rights;...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—AHLA Foundation convened survivors, experts and industry leaders at its annual No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Summit to advance best practices and reaffirm the industry’s commitment to combating human trafficking through collaboration, education and resources to uplift survivors. At the event, the Foundation also announced the recipients of its 2025-2026 NRFT Survivor Fund grants, which provide funding to organizations offering services and resources that support survivors on their path forward. The event coincided with the United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons. “For years, the No Room for Trafficking initiative has leveraged our resources to unite the hotel industry...

SAN FRANCISCO—Grove Collaborative Holdings, Inc., the world’s first plastic neutral retailer, a leading sustainable consumer products company, certified B Corporation, and Public Benefit Corp., announced the results of a first-of-its-kind national survey examining American awareness, concern, and desired actions related to microplastics. The survey was done in partnership with The 5 Gyres Institute—the company’s nonprofit plastics research and advocacy partner since 2019—and was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. The findings reveal a deep concern among Americans about the health and environmental risks posed by microplastics, alongside a desire for more education, transparency, and leadership from brands and institutions. The survey...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The hospitality industry contributes to 3 percent of global carbon emissions, with hotel operations responsible for 1 percent and construction of new hotels accounting for the remaining 2 percent (UNTWO, 2022). Additionally, the industry generates approximately 289,700 tons of waste annually, which include around 79,000 tons of food waste (Tostivint et al., 2016). As concerns over environmental impact and corporate responsibility grow, hotels globally are adopting multiple “green” initiatives aimed at reducing their carbon footprint, conserving resources, and improving community engagement. Numerous green certifications have emerged over the last decade, and this can be noted as a step in the...

PLANO, TEXAS—Aimbridge Hospitality, the world’s leading global hotel management company and third-party operator, has been named one of the 2025–2026 Best Companies to Work For in Hospitality and Entertainment by U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, for the second consecutive year. The repeat recognition highlights Aimbridge’s commitment to delivering measurable results for its associates just as it does for owners—through a performance culture grounded in opportunity, development, and belonging. The designation places Aimbridge among the top 25 percent of private companies evaluated nationally across six key workplace sentiment factors. “This recognition reflects the culture we’re continuing to foster at...