PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO—Velas Resorts, the renowned resort collection with properties across Mexico, introduces a new experience across its locations that merges environmental awareness, artistic expression, and elevated hospitality. Part of the resorts’ ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, the Water Bottle Painting Workshop invites participants to customize their own reusable water bottles using premium paints, fine brushes, and a protective lacquer spray to ensure long-term durability and usability. Set in serene beachfront settings or private garden venues, the activity is ideal for team building, bridal parties, extended families, couples, and more, fully tailored for different occasions. Refillable at...

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS—The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC), founded by Hotelschool The Hague, returns in 2025 with a dynamic new format that reflects the evolving landscape of hospitality innovation. It now features two powerful tracks centered around Impact and Inspiration. SHC continues to empower top students from around the world to redefine the future of sustainable travel and tourism. Over the past decade, SHC has evolved from a student competition into a global platform for innovation, generating hundreds of ideas showcased at leading industry conferences and impacting thousands of industry professionals. SHC envisions a hospitality industry where sustainability is embedded not only in products and...

LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Greenview have launched a Global ESG Policy Tracker to help Travel and Tourism businesses monitor evolving ESG-related regulations and policies worldwide. The tool is designed to help these businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes and incorporate sustainability considerations into their core business decisions. The tracker was developed in collaboration with Greenview, a company specializing in sustainability and ESG data solutions for the hospitality and Travel and Tourism industries. The Global ESG Policy Tracker is an online interactive dashboard that offers thorough coverage of regional, national, and state-level ESG policies. In addition to policy coverage,...

WISCONSIN DELLS, WIS.—Venture Luxury Estates, a division of Uphoff Resorts, announced that the Treetop Villas at Mirror Lake in the Wisconsin Dells is now open. Dawn Manor Restaurant, located next door, will also open this month. “We’re thrilled to open the doors of the Treetop Villas,” says Steve Uphoff, CEO of Uphoff Resorts. “The Wisconsin Dells is a one-of-a-kind destination, and we’re honored to be part of this community. Our luxurious tree houses offer guests a unique and tranquil retreat all year round.” “The Treetop Villas are a one-of-a-kind luxury retreat that seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with the natural beauty and...

NEW YORK—The International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) has launched FurnitureMatch, a groundbreaking platform designed to connect surplus furniture with nonprofits and community organizations throughout New York City. This forward-thinking initiative aims to reduce landfill waste by giving high-quality furnishings a second life in the neighborhoods that need them most. FurnitureMatch acts as a centralized hub that connects designers, furniture liquidators, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders, streamlining the redistribution of furniture and fostering a more circular economy within the built environment. By closing the gap between surplus and need, the platform helps ensure that valuable resources are...

ATLANTA—The power of women in the hotel and lodging industry was on full display as the AHLA Foundation’s flagship ForWard Conference made its Atlanta debut recently, bringing nearly 1000 hospitality professionals to the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. With a theme centered on recognizing, accessing, and amplifying power, the two-day event delivered bold conversations, practical leadership tools, and high-impact programming—all designed to elevate women in hospitality. Featuring top industry executives and immersive experiences, ForWard 2025 marked a continued investment in building a more inclusive and dynamic future for the hotel and lodging industry. While women represent the majority of the hospitality workforce,...

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announced that reservations are now open for 1 Hotel Copenhagen, a nature sanctuary set to open in August in the heart of Denmark’s capital. The property is a reimagining of the Skt. Petri, an iconic hotel in the historic Latin Quarter. 1 Hotels is transforming the space into a 282-room retreat that combines the brand’s trademark biophilic design with Scandinavian craftsmanship, integrating organic textures, reclaimed materials, and native greenery to create an urban oasis. A commitment to mindful living is reflected throughout the property, from energy-efficient operations aligned...

WESTHAMPTON, N.Y.—Three Ducks celebrated its opening on May 21 in Westhampton, N.Y. The boutique hotel, managed by FIRM Hospitality Group, thoughtfully facilitates meaningful guest experiences rooted in nature, authenticity, and discovery. A collaboration between designer-developers Elizabeth Bakhash and Randall Stone of Three Ducks Hospitality, the hotel introduces a lighthearted yet elevated approach to luxury, and a genuine connection to the Westhampton community. With 12 rooms, the property blends upscale amenities, experience-forward design, and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere that captures the ease and charm of the area. The Day’s Rhythm At Three Ducks, the guest experience is thoughtfully designed to follow...

NEW YORK—Beyond Green, a global portfolio of some of planet Earth’s most sustainable accommodations, announces the addition of six new member properties to its global portfolio. This strategic expansion underscores the brand’s continued growth across four continents—Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe—including its inaugural property in Bhutan. Beyond Green is dedicated to connecting travelers with properties that positively impact local nature, culture and community, requiring all members adhere to over 50 sustainability indicators aligned with global standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The global portfolio now includes almost 60 properties across 22 countries, including 20 renowned andBeyond lodges,...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—Radisson Hotel Group announced its first two hotels to achieve Verified Net Zero status, achieving 2040 requirements of the Net Zero Methodology for Hotels today. The properties in Oslo and Manchester are taking steps to eliminate Scope 1 & 2 emissions, significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions, aligned with the GHG protocol, and remove the remaining footprint with Nature Based Solutions. The achievement is unique, as the alignment with the Net Zero Methodology for Hotels is verified by a third party, TÜV Rheinland. With the launch of two Verified Net Zero Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group is setting the gold standard for sustainable hospitality. The existing Park...