LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Sands and Marina Bay Sands announced that The Food Bank Singapore has joined Sands Cares Accelerator, a three-year membership program aimed at advancing nonprofits to deliver greater community impact. During its time in the Sands Cares Accelerator, The Food Bank Singapore will focus on expanding its Bank Card Program, which aims to better serve beneficiaries by simplifying the food distribution process. The nonprofit will receive $100,000 annually for the three years of membership, along with structured guidance, and strategic counsel and mentorship from Sands and Marina Bay Sands to help achieve its Bank Card Program goals and make it sustainable upon completion of the...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. announced plans to inaugurate two luxury-tented safari camps in Kenya. The camps will be established after signing agreements with Lazizi Mara Limited and Lazizi Solio Limited, both part of the Lazizi Group of Companies. The proposed ventures are poised to redefine the luxury safari sector, with The Ritz-Carlton debuting in the safari market and the JW Marriott adding another safari camp in the country. Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, highlighted the company’s success in the African luxury safari market and the growing demand for unique outdoor lodging experiences. The...

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO—In honor of Earth Day, Velas Resorts is offering a series of immersive, eco-conscious activities at its properties in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Los Cabos, and Riviera Maya. These initiatives are designed to connect guests with the natural world, highlight the importance of sustainability, and celebrate the local ecosystems and cultures that surround each property. “At Velas Resorts, we believe that sustainability isn’t a single-day effort—it’s a daily commitment to minimize our impact, support local communities, and preserve the culture around us,” says Juan Vela Ruiz, President of Velas Resorts. “This Earth Day, we’re inviting our guests to...

UTTARAKHAND, INDIA—Marriott Hotels, the namesake brand of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, announced the opening of Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, located in the pristine wilderness of Uttarakhand. Set amidst the dense forests of Jim Corbett National Park and on the bank of river Kosi, this retreat is a gateway to nature’s wonders and authentic local experiences. Guests can embark on thrilling jungle safaris, serene nature walks by the river or birdwatching excursions and indulge in the rich flavors of Kumaoni cuisine as they explore the vibrant culture through guided village tours, offering a deep connection to...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International and BetMGM announced the expansion of several groundbreaking collaborations, aiming to provide critical resources, advance research efforts, and strengthen industry-wide initiatives to better support individuals affected by problem gambling. The partnerships break down as follows: MGM Resorts & Kindbridge Research Institute MGM Resorts will donate $180,000 to Kindbridge Research Institute to support studies examining the impact of sports betting across various populations and the development of responsible gaming strategies. “As a global gaming and hospitality leader, we are always looking to support innovative and actionable research that can make a positive impact,” said Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts....

COPPER HARBOR, MICH.—Folks staying at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor, Mich. have at least one common goal in mind—getting away from it all. To get to this historic wilderness lodge in the upper peninsula of Michigan, one must drive as far north as Michigan stretches into Lake Superior. Keweenaw Mountan Lodge visitors are not only attracted by its remoteness, but also by the area’s natural beauty and the property’s sustainability initiatives. The Lodge is a Certified Gold Audubon International Green Lodging Establishment, has earned B Corp Certification, and is a Dark Sky Park. The Lodge is also in...

CHENNAI, INDIA—The Ceebros Hotels have always been committed to world-class hospitality while ensuring environmentally responsible operations. As part of this vision, they have undertaken the refurbishment of Pullman, Anna Salai with a strong focus on sustainability, integrating both active and passive energy-efficient measures. Their approach included smart air handling units, water-cooled chillers, an IoT-based indoor air quality monitoring system integrated with IBMS, optimal window glazing, DGU systems, and the use of sustainable interior materials. This major renovation retained nearly 100 percent of the existing structure, aligning with a commitment to responsible redevelopment. The company’s dedication to sustainability has been further reinforced...

NATIONAL REPORT—“I didn’t know you could own a hotel” is a common response to the idea of hotel ownership. For many, it seems like an unattainable goal, reserved for the lucky or well-connected. Yet, for those willing to navigate the industry or carve their own path, hotel ownership is not only possible but can also serve as a powerful means of generating wealth and uplifting communities. My own journey began with my love for hospitality and my mother’s encouragement to “dream bigger, go further.” Through education, industry connections, and my current role as a consultant at CBRE Hotels, I’ve come...

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announced that reservations are now being accepted for 1 Hotel Melbourne, a landmark waterfront property set to debut in June 2025. This marks 1 Hotels’ highly anticipated entrance into the Australian market, bringing an award-winning blend of sustainable luxury and nature-inspired design to the heart of Melbourne, in collaboration with developer Riverlee. The centerpiece of this building is the heritage listed Goods Shed No. 5, the last of the unrenovated goods sheds in what was once Melbourne’s busiest port. The property will redefine luxury hospitality in the region...

PARIS—Accor, Booking.com and the University of Surrey have co-authored a comprehensive report on encouraging travelers to adopt more sustainable behaviors. The study’s findings are based on analyzing 24 traveler interviews, a journey analysis of 22 additional travelers, and rigorous lab-based behavioral research with 67 participants. Most modern travelers (83 percent) consider sustainable travel crucial, with 67 percent feeling motivated to embrace more responsible practices when they see them implemented. Accor and Booking.com partnered with the University of Surrey to address this demand, applying academic meticulousness to an innovative research protocol. This protocol used advanced technologies like eye tracking, galvanic skin...