TORONTO—KingSett Capital and Fairmont Royal York announced that the landmark hotel in Toronto has received the Canada Green Building Council’s (CAGBC’s) Zero Carbon Building – Performance Standard certification. This $65 million project was completed after close to five years of detailed planning and execution. It will reduce over 7,000 tons of carbon annually or 80 percent of the hotel’s annual carbon emissions, the equivalent of taking 1,558 cars off the road. Jon Love, Founder and CEO of KingSett Capital, said, “Fairmont Royal York’s decarbonization demonstrates the potential to complete a large and complex project in a way that is environmentally impactful,...

ROCKVILLE, MD.—Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, has been named one of the “World’s Top Companies for Women 2023” by Forbes. This is the second consecutive year that Choice Hotels has been recognized on this list that assesses companies on employer brand, public opinion, and leadership scores. “We are honored to be named one of Forbes’ top companies in the world for women for the second year in a row,” said Simone Wu, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary & External Affairs, Choice Hotels. “Every day I’m inspired by the women at Choice, whose work and leadership across...

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.—The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara–World Animal Protection and World Cetacean Alliance have launched a new global program, Wildlife Heritage Areas, and have named a large portion of The Santa Barbara Channel Islands as the 9th Whale Heritage Area in the World. Santa Barbara local Jean-Michel Cousteau is the President and CEO of Ocean Futures Society and honorary President of the World Cetacean Alliance. The explorer and conservationist has spent over seven decades working on behalf of the planet’s oceans and inspiring people worldwide to protect them and conserve marine life for future generations. This recognition as a Whale...

UMLUJ, SAUDI ARABIA—Enveloped by the majestic Arabian desert, The Red Sea Destination blends visionary tourism with sustainability and heritage. This is where Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea has found its home, inviting guests on an out-of-the-ordinary journey of discovery and enrichment. Inspired by the pillars of innovation, adventure, and heritage, the resort embodies the brand’s trademark wellness formula and respect for centuries past. Fredrik Blomqvist, General Manager of Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea said: “Everything we’re doing here reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, while also pushing the boundaries of adventure and wellness. This...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Clean the World Foundation has changed its name to The Wash Foundation to better align its mission of improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations through increased access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Established in 2009 with a focus on hand-washing hygiene, leveraging Clean the World’s recycled soap, the foundation has now extended its vision to create a world where people are healthy and thriving because of improved access to adequate and safe WASH resources, education, and services. The WASH Foundation remains a nonprofit organization and continues to partner with local governments and nongovernmental organizations to strengthen...

RACINE, WIS.—Hotel Verdant, a full-service, upscale boutique hotel that serves as a gathering place both for the community and travelers, is now open. The 80-room, four-story hotel is in the historic Zahn’s Department Store at 500 Main St. on the centrally located Monument Square. Construction for the historic preservation project cost more than $40 million, with the start date in January 2022. Built by Dominion Properties of Milwaukee, the nearly 80,000-square-foot building includes amenities such as a first-floor signature restaurant, a rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge with a large outdoor patio facing Lake Michigan, a dry sauna, a fitness center,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, Hilton’s Vice President of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Global Head of Sustainability, Jean Garris Hand, testified on behalf of Hilton and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade and Export Promotion. The hearing, titled “Sustainable Tourism for a Thriving Economy,” explored how to build a sustainable travel and tourism sector while balancing the needs of businesses, visitors, and local communities. Garris Hand’s written and spoken testimony highlighted how AHLA’s Responsible Stay initiative is rallying the hospitality industry behind efforts that are promoting energy efficiency, reducing waste, conserving water, and sourcing responsibly at...

BETHESDA, MD.—The Ritz-Carlton announced a new Ritz Kids program, designed to engage young guests with immersive and unforgettable travel experiences across all of its 15 hotels in Greater China. In key cities from Beijing to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Sanya and Hong Kong, Leo the Lion, the program’s newest mascot, will engage with kids on bespoke activities and adventures around the hotels as they learn about local art, culture, cuisine, and nature. Kids will also receive a take-home Leo the Lion plush toy as a keepsake of their stay. As part of the newly evolved program, the highly popular Ritz Kids Night Safari also...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced its Wellbeing Collective, a collection of Hyatt properties around the globe that offer tailored wellbeing experiences to meet the specific needs of travelers. At launch, the Wellbeing Collective boasts 30+ hotels globally with plans to expand in 2024. According to a recent Global Business Traveler report, nearly all (93 percent) corporate travel managers report that most employees take advantage of health and wellness services at least occasionally while traveling. The Wellbeing Collective includes a collection of properties across Hyatt’s portfolio of brands that provide unique wellbeing offerings to all guests, including groups of all sizes and meeting attendees. Through the...

CALGARY, ALBERTA—Canadian hotelier Germain Hotels announced the official opening of its 19th property in Canada: Alt Hotel Calgary University District. This is the group’s third establishment in Calgary, following the opening of Le Germain Hotel Calgary in 2010 and Alt Hotel Calgary East Village in 2018, marking the hotelier group’s first property inauguration in Canada since 2019. The hotel is ideally situated in the heart of University District, a thoughtfully designed, mindfully made urban community in Calgary’s northwest. University District is an award-winning community. It is the first community in Alberta that has been certified LEED-ND Platinum, the highest distinction, for its...