INTERNATIONAL REPORT—As 2024 draws to a close, there is strong sentiment from the global business travel industry that the year outperformed expectations, paving the way for increased budgets, strategic investments and growth initiatives for 2025. This is according to a new research poll by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) where 86 percent of global business travel buyers and travel suppliers surveyed said that business travel performed on par or better than they anticipated in 2024. Additionally, with 67 percent of professionals stating their general outlook is optimistic for the industry’s future, the results suggest a strong desire for business travel expansion...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the largest hotel association in the United States, and Procure Impact, a first-of-its kind B2B marketplace for products that support overlooked communities, recently announced a major milestone in the implementation of their Dignity of Work Pledge. Twenty-three hospitality companies have pledged over $7.4 million in purchases to reach the Dignity of Work Pledge goal of 100,000 hours of paid employment for people who face barriers to work. By choosing to source responsibly through Procure Impact, the companies will provide millions in revenue for businesses employing vulnerable and marginalized populations. Procure Impact’s B2B marketplace serves...

MIAMI—Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, a leader in all-inclusive travel, is redefining sustainable tourism across its properties in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Through its “We Are Ecocentric” movement, the brand invites travelers with an eco-conscious mindset, to engage in meaningful experiences that support conservation and promote a sustainable future. The brand’s environmental efforts are spearheaded by the Eco-Bahia Foundation, established in Mexico in 1999 and expanded to the Dominican Republic in 2023. Bahia Principe’s goal is to conserve natural resources, protect marine ecosystems, and restore endangered species’ habitats. The foundation implements initiatives in coral reef conservation, wildlife protection, and...

TROY, N.Y.—Audubon International—the environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play—announced that it is one of 49 organizations to meet Travalyst’s criteria for lodging industry sustainability certification through its Green Lodging and Green Hospitality Programs. Founded in 2019 by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Travalyst is a not-for-profit coalition of some of the biggest brands in travel and technology including Booking.com, Expedia Group, Google, Skyscanner, Travelport and Trip.com Group. The coalition works to bring sustainability information to the forefront to help travelers make more informed choices on where they spend their dollars. “Being included among...

HELSINKI, FINLAND—The Global Destination Sustainability Index measures the sustainability of travel destinations in four different categories using more than 70 indicators. The comparison includes more than a hundred cities throughout the world that have invested in sustainability. Helsinki has performed well in the GDS Index in the past: in 2023, its ranking was fourth. “Being named the world’s most sustainable travel destination is proof of the long-term work that has been done in Helsinki. We are developing and growing tourism sustainably together with tourism operators and local residents. The first place we have now achieved indicates that we are on the right...

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA—Rosewood Hotels and Resorts is introducing a new brand campaign, Discovered at Rosewood, highlighting the brand’s commitment to cultural immersion and the promotion of local crafts. The campaign will showcase Rosewood’s unique experiences and cultural ties across its 34 properties. Discovered at Rosewood, photographed by Jo Metson Scott, renowned for her intimate storytelling through portraits and documentary filmmaking, aims to illustrate how each Rosewood location encourages guests to explore local traditions, communities, and lifestyles. The campaign underscores Rosewood’s dedication to providing transformative stays through cultural immersion, the incorporation of local craftsmanship, and a sense of place. The campaign will feature...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming announce their partnership with Ocean Conservancy, a leading nonprofit dedicated to protecting our ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together, they will advance sustainability actions across Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming properties, and the communities and tourist destinations they serve. The Global Sound Waves sustainability partnership with Ocean Conservancy builds upon the ongoing work of Save The Planet sustainability teams at local Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming properties. By focusing on the upstream management of water and food waste, as well as material waste, the campaign helps to promote waste audits that identify alternatives and...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President & CEO Rosanna Maietta released the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would make available another 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year 2025. “AHLA applauds DHS for announcing this important, sizeable increase in the number of H-2B visas, which will make it easier for small business hoteliers to access the seasonal workers they need,” said AHLA President & CEO Rosanna Maietta. “As chair of the H-2B Workforce Coalition, we welcome this decision, while urging Congress to step in and create a more predictable system based on the...

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA—Rosewood Hotels and Resorts is introducing a new brand campaign, Discovered at Rosewood, highlighting the brand’s commitment to cultural immersion and the promotion of local crafts. The campaign will showcase Rosewood’s unique experiences and cultural ties across its 34 properties. Discovered at Rosewood, photographed by Jo Metson Scott, renowned for her intimate storytelling through portraits and documentary filmmaking, aims to illustrate how each Rosewood location encourages guests to explore local traditions, communities, and lifestyles. The campaign underscores Rosewood’s dedication to providing transformative stays through cultural immersion, the incorporation of local craftsmanship, and a sense of place. The campaign will feature...

LOS ANGELES—Springboard Hospitality, the leading hospitality management company of 48 independent hotels in metropolitan and leisure destination markets across 14 states, is proud to celebrate three years since the inception of its Culture Champion Club, an initiative designed to enhance employee satisfaction and community engagement across its properties. Proving success in fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace, the club demonstrates Springboard’s commitment to its staff and the broader community. Led by Cherise Lee Campbell, Corporate Director of Talent Development & Culture, the club is founded on five pillars: service standards, community, wellness, team member engagement, and workplace safety. The Culture Champion Club, comprising...