BETHESDA, MD.—For the eighth time, Marriott International has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as a 2015 World’s Most Ethical Company. The World’s Most Ethical Companies designation recognizes organizations that have had a material impact on the way business is conducted by fostering a culture of ethics and transparency at every level of the company.Marriott was selected for showing leadership in promoting ethical business standards. This recognition is a testament to Marriott’s leadership and commitment to governance, ethics and compliance policies that not only meet legal minimums and industry standards, but exceed them.“We are very pleased to again be...

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—As California enters a fourth year of severe drought, the State Water Resources Control Board Tuesday adopted an expanded emergency regulation to safeguard the state’s remaining water supplies. While Californians have made great strides to conserve water, more effort is needed, the State Water Resources Control Board said.“We are experiencing the lowest snowpack and the driest January in recorded history, and communities around the state are already suffering severely from the prior three years of drought,” said State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus. “If the drought continues through next winter and we do not conserve more—the consequences could...

HIGHLANDS, N.C.—Old Edwards Inn and Spa announces the installation of a new Tesla High Power Connector for its resort guests, as well as a general charging station for all electric vehicles (EV). Tesla Motors, Inc. is an American company that designs, manufactures, and sells electric cars and electric vehicle powertrain components. Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable transport.Old Edwards joins a growing network of upscale resorts in this program, which Tesla refers to as “destination charging.” The idea is to put Tesla chargers at hotels, resorts, and restaurants around the country so people can top...

SAN FRANCISCO—For the eighth consecutive year, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts of the Western U.S. and Hawaii will participate in Earth Hour, a global event organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF,) to raise awareness about climate change. On Saturday, March 28 at 8:30 p.m. (local time) Fairmont Hotels & Resorts around the planet will participate by turning off their lights for one hour.“Earth Hour is a unique opportunity for Fairmont colleagues and guests to participate in the world’s largest global climate change initiative,” says Thomas Klein, Regional Vice-President and General Manager, Fairmont San Francisco. “Earth Hour is on its...

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.—The LEED Gold certified CityFlatsHotel is once again expanding in downtown Grand Rapids, adding additional event space and a blow dry bar into their offerings for current and future guests. CityFlatsHotel opened its second location in what was once the legendary Fox Jewelers building in 2011. The Grand Rapids location expanded into the neighboring Hinman Building with opening of the Ballroom @ CityFlatsHotel in the fall of 2012. Events @ CityFlatsHotel will inhabit 77 Monroe Center St NW in what was once Louis Benton Steakhouse, which closed its doors in January after about 14 years of operation....

TROY, N.Y.—Environmental nonprofit Audubon International announces the first global Golf Course BioBlitz, a free program for golf courses, which will run the week of Earth Day, April 19 to 25, 2015.BioBlitz is a species counting competition designed to create awareness among golfers and the community about the environmental value of the habitats supported by golf courses. The program, sponsored by the United States Golf Assn., is open to any golf course worldwide including those unaffiliated with Audubon International.“How many species can you count? When we’re done, we’ll have a great idea about the wildlife, plant-life, and ecosystems that golf...

TETIAROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA—The Brando, a luxury resort on French Polynesia’s private atoll of Tetiaroa, composed of a dozen idyllic islets surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles north of Tahiti, has introduced a vegan menu in its dining venues—the first offered by a luxury hotel or resort in French Polynesia.In addition to its Polynesia-inspired dishes, East/West fusion and classic French cuisine designed by Guy Martin of the award-winning Michelin-starred Le Grand Vefour in Paris, The Brando now offers a vegan menu in its Les Mutines fine dining restaurant, Beachcomber Cafe, and in-room dining.The Brando commissioned Kelvin Au-Ieong, chef and owner,...

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Extended Stay America (ESA), owner and operator of 682 hotels across the United States and Canada, is more than half way through a renovation program that began in 2012 and is projected to be completed next year. As it has worked its way through each hotel, ESA has been faced with the challenge of finding what to do with old carpet, mattresses, box springs, bedding, lighting and other items. Through partnerships with suppliers, recyclers and various charities ESA has found a way to keep the “retired” items out of the landfill. So far, 25 million cubic feet of...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The five winners of the 2015 National Geographic World Legacy Awards were announced last week during an awards ceremony held at ITB Berlin. A partnership between the National Geographic Society and ITB Berlin, the World Legacy Awards showcase the leading companies, organizations and destinations—ranging from hotels to ecolodges and from small islands to entire countries—that are driving the positive transformation of the travel industry based on National Geographic’s work of inspiring people to care about the planet.More than 150 entries were received, representing 56 countries across six continents. Winners and finalists in five categories were selected by 18...

TAMPA, FLA.—McKibbon Hotel Group, an award-winning, third-generation leader in the hospitality development, operations and management industry specializing in multi-brand properties, is proud of its community involvement in assisting with the rescue of orphaned pets. McKibbon Hotel Group, which owns and manages the Aloft Asheville Downtown in Asheville, N.C., paired up with a local animal shelter, Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue (CAAR), in an effort to increase the dog adoption numbers in the community.“The close partnership that we created with Charlie’s Angels is a perfect example of our commitment to community and family,” said John McKibbon, Chairman of McKibbon Hotel Group....