PARSIPPANY, N.J.—With cold and flu season here and COVID-19 levels remaining very high across parts of the U.S., a new scientific study from Reckitt’s Lysol Pro Solutions tracks the journey of a germ in a professional setting to reveal that hotels which implement effective hygiene measures can help reduce the spread of germs in public spaces by 80 percent. During the colder months, people tend to spend more time indoors in communal spaces when they visit facilities such as hotels, which can increase the spread of germs between people and surfaces. To discover more about how germs spread, and which...

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Sands was again recognized on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), with placement on both DJSI World and DJSI North America for the fifth consecutive year. Sands China Ltd., the company’s Asian subsidiary, was named to DJSI World and DJSI Asia Pacific for the third consecutive year. Sands and Sands China are the only two companies out of 18 invited to participate in the Casino and Gaming category listed on DJSI World this year. Sands is the only company in the Casino and Gaming category listed on DJSI North America, and Sands China is one of only two companies in the Casino and...

NORTH BETHESDA, MD.—In celebration of Giving Tuesday, Choice Hotels International, Inc. announced the 2024 recipients of its “Your Community, Your Choice” grant program. Through this program, Choice supports causes that are meaningful to hotel owners by offering grants to local organizations. These grants have funded causes that address food security, veteran support, aid for abuse and trafficking victims, youth education, animal shelters, and more. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the initiative, which has donated a total of $275,000 to local nonprofits through more than 70 hotels across the United States since its inception in 2019. “At Choice Hotels, we believe in the...

HONG KONG—Regal Hotels has introduced Green Meetings, a unique, all-in-one business solution designed to empower event organizers to achieve their sustainable goals. By collaborating with Regal Hotels, event organizers can effortlessly offset their carbon footprint while enjoying low-carbon meetings and events curated by sustainability and culinary experts. Green Meetings are powered by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology (IST). Based in Hong Kong, IST serves as a knowledge partner, with the mission to empower sustainable solutions for the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges via education and technology. Through shaping dialogue and standards, it aims to accelerate the...

NATIONAL REPORT—As revealed in a recent study by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), women are gaining ground in the business travel sector, both as industry professionals and as travelers themselves. However, a persistent gender gap in senior leadership roles overshadows these advancements. The GBTA study reveals that women form the majority of professionals on both the buyer and supplier sides of the travel industry. Women represent 67 percent of travel managers and buyers and account for 57 percent of GBTA-affiliated travel suppliers and travel management company professionals. However, the data shows that women are less represented in senior executive roles, with...

LOS CABOS, MEXICO—With the season of giving upon us and as part of an ongoing commitment to responsible tourism, Los Cabos announced its partnership with Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back community impact program. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as Los Cabos becomes the first destination partner in Mexico and Latin America to join the initiative, empowering travelers to support community wellbeing, environmental initiatives, and animal causes in Los Cabos through travel choices that benefit the local economy. Kind Traveler is an internationally awarded, responsible travel platform that empowers travelers to create positive change in local communities by supporting environmental and social initiatives through their stay with participating lodging...

MIAMI—The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) has become the first destination marketing organization in the United States to provide incentives for the Green Key Global Eco-Rating certification for hotels. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by the Greater Miami Beaches and Hotel Association (GMBHA), offers GMCVB hotel members a 50 percent discount on Green Key’s Eco-Rating certification registration and audit costs. By partnering with Green Key Global, one of North America’s leading sustainability certification bodies for the hospitality industry, the GMCVB aims to empower local hoteliers to enhance their sustainability practices. This innovative collaboration not only positions Miami-Dade County as a frontrunner...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Coverings, the largest, world-class showcase of ceramic tile and natural stone in North America, has announced Coverings 2025 registration with early-bird registration perks, competitive hotel rates and coveted award opportunities. Industry professionals are encouraged to register well in advance to secure their badges for Coverings 2025, returning to Orlando, Florida’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), April 29-May 2, 2025. Entry badges for Coverings 2025 will grant access to a comprehensive conference program and international product exhibition with 1,100 global exhibitors, showcasing the latest in tile and stone innovations. Entry will also include admission to show floor stages, activations, tours...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Shebandowan Holdings, S.A. announced plans for Hotel La Compañía del Valle in Valle de Anton, Panamá, slated to open in early 2025. Located approximately 50 miles west of its sister hotel, Hotel La Compañía in Casco Antiguo, this new thought-provoking hotel will allow guests and World of Hyatt members to explore a new destination in central Panamá surrounded by biodiversity, mountains, and lush landscape. At its core, Hotel La Compañia del Valle will serve as an art and wellness house, inclusive of a one-of-a-kind sculpture park with art pieces around the corridors and hotel public areas...

In today’s evolving business landscape, social sustainability has emerged as a crucial pillar of responsible governance, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive, inclusive environments that benefit individuals and communities. For the hospitality industry, social sustainability involves fostering an atmosphere where all guests feel valued and understood, including those with invisible disabilities like autism. This approach aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and opens new brand opportunities to serve a broader demographic. By making accommodations for autistic guests, hotels can enhance guest satisfaction, loyalty, and inclusivity—essential qualities for a socially sustainable business. Expanding Hospitality to Include Guests with Autism As mid-level...