LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports a significant decrease in the climate footprint emissions of travel and tourism. Despite this positive development, the WTTC urges the sector to continue to innovate and invest in green technologies. WTTC’s latest Environmental & Social Research (ESR), created in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, reveals that in 2023 Travel & Tourism accounted for 6.7 percent of all emissions globally, down from 7.8 percent in 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak. The research showcases an important achievement with the sector’s economic contribution growing faster than its environmental impact. Last...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Scandic has launched its second Scandic Go hotel in Stockholm with 234 rooms. Together with property owner Pandox, the company has opened a new hotel at Fridhemsplan on the island of Kungsholmen in Stockholm. The parties have completed a comprehensive renovation of the hotel, which is now ready to welcome guests who want to explore the wide range of entertainment and experiences Stockholm offers. Fridhemsplan is a major gateway to central Stockholm. The residential buildings, restaurants, bars, stores and vast green spaces in the area create a vibrant and lively environment that attracts leisure and business travelers alike. A good...

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, a holistic hospitality company serving those who value wellness, social good, and the environment, is excited to unveil its newest brand-wide program, Epic Experiences. This initiative is designed to help facilitate lasting take-home value for SCP guests through engaging, immersive, and educational guide-led adventures. Each Epic Experience emphasizes the destination’s culture and unique natural qualities—from California’s spectacular Mendocino coast to Oregon’s rugged Cascades and the vibrant jungle and tropical waters of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. “SCP’s Epic Experiences offer our guests one-of-a-kind opportunities to engage with our natural surroundings as locals would—in ways that...

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS—The Hospitality Show (The Show), produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), last week wrapped up its second annual event at The Henry B. González Convention Center with three days of groundbreaking insights, networking opportunities, and innovative solutions designed to elevate the hospitality industry. The Hospitality Show witnessed an impressive year-over-year growth attracting 4,800 attendees and 460 vendors, marking a 26 percent increase in attendance and a staggering 43 percent growth in vendors. “The Hospitality Show exists to convene our industry’s top operations and technology leaders, and provide the absolute best networking, learning, and deal-making opportunities,” said AHLA Interim President...

ASPEN, COLO.—The Aspen Mountain Residences, a landmark in the heart of Aspen, is located in Aspen’s coveted front row. A comprehensive remodeling project includes upgrades with new decor, finishes, lighting, and furniture throughout each unit, reaffirming the commitment to providing guests with an unparalleled blend of elegance, modernity, and mountain charm. Each newly remodeled residence at The Aspen Mountain Residences features a harmonious blend of contemporary design and timeless sophistication to offer a serene retreat after a day of exploring Aspen’s stunning landscapes. The residences boast high-end furnishings, plush bedding, and elegant decor that reflect the natural beauty of Aspen....

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Sands announced it has partnered with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) to award 13 students at HACU-member schools with Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarships in support of their preparation for careers in the travel, tourism and leisure industry. Students receiving the $5,000 and $2,500 scholarships attend University of Nevada, Las Vegas (3 recipients); College of Southern Nevada (2 recipients); University of North Texas (5 recipients); and Dallas College (1 recipient). “HACU is excited to partner with Las Vegas Sands in this scholarship supporting students who are working towards a career in the hospitality industry,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Our nation’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions have always been...

NATIONAL REPORT—After more than two years of consistent year-over-year gains, the hospitality industry is now grappling with a slowdown from the surge of pent-up leisure travel demand triggered by the pandemic, according to a 2024 Travel Industry Outlook by Deloitte. This shift underscores the urgent need for hotels to enhance their offerings or risk losing travelers’ attention. Integrating natural elements into these strategies offers a potent way to create immersive and memorable guest experiences. The Lodge at Bodega Bay provides an instructive example of how hotels can leverage their natural surroundings to redefine their brand and design philosophy. Reflect the Local...

UNCASVILLE, CONN.—Mohegan Sun, home to two unique casinos, an award-winning hotel and spa, top-ranking entertainment venues, 30+ dining experiences and the 130,000 square-foot Shops at Mohegan Sun which includes the only Tesla full-scale Sales & Delivery Center in the state, has rolled out brand-new Destination Chargers for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. This brings the total number of Tesla EV Destination Chargers, which are compatible with other EV car makers, to 60, making Mohegan Sun a hub for charging up, and home to the most Tesla chargers at one location in all of Connecticut. “With this 2nd phase of our partnership with Tesla complete, Mohegan Sun now has a...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) announced that Rosanna Maietta has been selected to serve as the association’s next president & CEO, effective Nov. 14. Maietta is a talented executive with a global career marked by success working alongside boards and leading teams to high performance. Over the span of her career, she has achieved exceptional success in public affairs, strategic planning, association management, team building, and leadership. Having previously served as president & CEO of the AHLA Foundation and executive vice president of communications and public relations of AHLA, Maietta brings a deep understanding of AHLA’s mission,...

SHAWANO, WIS.—NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), a premier association committed to scholarships, advancing education, mentorship, and networking in the hospitality industry, will celebrate its 40th anniversary at BDNY 2024, held at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. The organization will award multiple scholarships and accolades to hospitality professionals during engaging events from November 8 to 11, 2024. “Each year BDNY creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement that allows both emerging and established professionals to connect, fostering opportunities to advance our industry through ideas and innovations,” said Shelia Lohmiller, CEO of NEWH, Inc. “We’re thrilled...