NATIONAL REPORT—Hotel carbon emissions are significantly greater than previously thought, according to new research by hospitality operator Bob W. The innovative measurement tool, “Lodging Emissions & Guest-night Impact Tracker” (LEGIT), indicates that emissions are at least five times higher than estimates derived from existing frameworks, such as the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI). This tool, developed by Bob W in collaboration with consultancy Furthr, provides comprehensive environmental impact metrics for each room type in every Bob W property. The company now publishes these metrics on its booking website, guest app, and sustainability reports, fostering transparency and enabling guests to make informed,...

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA—Desert Rock, one of the world’s most anticipated luxury hospitality experiences, is now open. Oppenheim Architecture conceived and designed the visionary project nestled within the ancient mountains of Saudi Arabia, working in close partnership with developer Red Sea Global. True to Oppenheim Architecture’s ethos of designing and building with the land, not on it, Desert Rock celebrates the integration of architecture with nature, setting a new benchmark for immersive design. Carved into the Hejaz Mountains, Desert Rock offers a deep connection to the natural environment, with accommodations that blend into the majestic terrain without obstructing it. Inspired by the Nabataean...

NAPLES, FLA.—The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, an icon on Florida’s Paradise Coast, has received LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its Vanderbilt Tower. As the world’s most widely used green building rating system, this LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification underscores the resort’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, reinforcing its role as a leader in the hospitality industry. The mixed-use tower added Ocean View guestrooms and suites, the Mediterranean restaurant Sofra, and The Ritz-Carlton brand’s largest Club Lounge in North America to the resort’s offerings. “We are delighted to receive this prestigious certification after the time and care put into the resort’s transformation....

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Shiny, a leading provider of associate engagement and retention software, recently released its second annual report on tipping for the hospitality industry. Entitled “Harnessing Tipping Data to Empower and Motivate Hospitality Workers,” the report offers a comprehensive analysis of tipping behaviors and patterns across a diverse sample of hotels utilizing Shiny’s digital tipping software. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, understanding guest behaviors, particularly in how they express gratitude, is crucial for enhancing service quality and improving employee satisfaction. The document also provides actionable solutions to introduce and potentially increase guest tipping. “Not only is providing a tipping...

ATLANTA—The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) announced a partnership to help establish unified sustainability standards, benchmarks, and performance metrics specifically tailored to the hotels and lodging sector. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60 percent of the hotels in the United States; the EEA’s membership represents around 45,000 hospitality assets globally. As investor demand grows for transparent, reliable, and comparable sustainability disclosures, the partners will contribute to the work of the Special Taskforce on Sustainability Standards for the Hotels and Lodging Sector. The Taskforce aims to align the hospitality industry with globally recognized standards, including those set by...

CHICAGO—NeoCon announces a dynamic new 7th Floor Exhibit Hall experience, set to debut at the 56th annual NeoCon, June 9-11, 2025. Boasting nearly 200 leading companies and emerging talents from around the globe, the redesigned floor will introduce a “halls within a hall” concept and feature dedicated, amenity-rich spaces for immersive activations, programming and more. The thoughtful layout—with four main zones organized by key product categories—will enhance navigation, enabling attendees to quickly find exhibitors and solutions tailored to their needs while giving exhibitors more focused opportunities to connect with target audiences. Eye-catching hospitality spaces by Chicago-based Elise Metzger, founder of...

NORTH BETHESDA, MD.—Choice Hotels International, Inc. is announcing a new campaign benefitting the American Red Cross relief efforts to help people impacted by the 2025 California wildfires. Choice Privileges members’ donations to the Red Cross will now be eligible for a match from Choice Hotels of up to $25,000. “We are committed to supporting the communities affected by the wildfires in California. By matching donations, we hope to amplify the impact of our members’ generosity and provide much-needed assistance to those in need,” said Megan Brumagim, Vice President, Upscale Brands & Chief Sustainability Officer, Choice Hotels International. Additional donations may come from Choice Hotels...

MADRID, SPAIN—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled its latest report, exploring the critical gap between travelers’ desire for sustainable options and their actual behavior. Launched at FITUR 2025, Madrid, the report Bridging the Say-Do Gap: How to Create an Effective Sustainability Strategy by Knowing Your Customers was developed in collaboration with WTTC knowledge partner YouGov. The report explores the disconnect between what travelers say about sustainability and the choices they ultimately make. It provides actionable guidance to Travel & Tourism businesses on how they can address this gap by offering solutions that make sustainable travel both more accessible and more...

BALI, INDONESIA—The Apurva Kempinski Bali has elevated its global standing as a leader in sustainable luxury by being awarded “Best Sustainable Hotel” at the 18th edition of the Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards (ULTRAs), held in London in early November. This accolade highlights the resort’s dedication to delivering responsible luxury experiences while underpinning its commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles into its operations. Voted by 28 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program, The Apurva Kempinski Bali was recognized among world-leading hotels, destinations, airlines, and airports at the elegant awards ceremony, the ULTRAs (Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards) which took place at The...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A review by the SUN DAY Campaign of data recently released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) confirms that during the first three-quarters of 2024, solar remained the nation’s fastest growing source of electricity as the mix of all renewables increased their output by nearly 9 percent. In its latest monthly “Electric Power Monthly” report (with data through September 30, 2024), EIA says the combination of utility-scale and “estimated” small-scale (e.g., rooftop) solar increased by 25.9 percent in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Utility-scale solar thermal and photovoltaic expanded by 30.1...