SAN FRANCISCO—To support those impacted by recent flooding in central Texas, Airbnb.org—a nonprofit founded by Airbnb to provide emergency housing in times of crisis—is working with nonprofit organization All Hands and Hearts, state and local officials, and local nonprofits to offer free, emergency housing to both displaced residents and first responders. Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of donors. Airbnb.org works with local organizations to help identify those in greatest need of emergency housing. All Hands and Hearts, state and local officials, and other nonprofits are identifying central Texas residents most in need...

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIF.—RESET Hotel has officially opened its doors introducing a full-service, 65 room boutique hotel, inviting guests to reconnect with nature through design-forward rooms, curated amenities, and direct access to Joshua Tree’s North Entrance. RESET is the first full-service hotel to be built from the ground up in the high desert in over 15 years. Its scale and intentionality sets it apart from nearby short-term rentals and motels, offering a boutique hospitality experience just two hours from Los Angeles or San Diego, and about three hours from Phoenix and Las Vegas. “RESET is about more than just a place to stay—it’s...

SINGAPORE—A new era of luxury travel is taking shape across Asia Pacific, defined by purpose, personalization, and profound lifestyle shifts. According to a new study from the Luxury Group by Marriott International, high-net-worth (HNW) travelers in the region are recalibrating how, where, and why they travel—prioritizing wellbeing, immersive experiences, emotional value, and intentional design over volume and extravagance. The new report surveyed 1,750 of Asia Pacific’s most affluent travelers across Australia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand, revealing a luxury travel mindset marked by deeper cultural engagement, increased precision in itinerary planning, and rising expectations from brands and experiences. “Luxury travelers are now more intentional than ever before,” says Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China,...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Pfluger Architects and developer SHIR Capital are helping alleviate Austin’s affordable housing crisis by transforming vacant and distressed hotel buildings into modern, convenient and affordable apartments in the heart of the city. The recently completed Veer Apartments features more than 89,000 square feet of living space and amenities in 174 pet-friendly units, all outfitted with modern floorplans and brand-new, efficient appliances. Veer Apartments, a former Quality Inn, ideally situated near the intersection of I-35 and Highway 183, is now a renovated five-story building offering spacious studio apartments in two floorplan choices. Conveniently located near retail, dining and entertainment venues as...

BANGKOK—Six Senses has signed a hotel management agreement with Narai Hospitality Group to introduce Six Senses Bangkok as part of Hatai, a visionary mixed-use development on the site of the iconic Narai Hotel in the heart of Silom. Narai Hotel first opened its doors in 1968, becoming a trailblazer in Thailand’s hospitality story as a grand gathering place that shaped Silom’s skyline and set the scene for its thriving business and social district. For over five decades, its dedication to exceptional service and unique offerings made it a beloved establishment for travelers, celebrities, and royalty. Now, in partnership with Narai Hospitality Group,...

TOKYO, JAPAN—The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for advancing healthy buildings, organizations and communities, announced rapid uptake of the streamlined pathway for projects that pursue both LEED and WELL certification. In less than two years, total project space using the pathway has more than tripled—from 80 million to nearly 250 million square feet—while the number of projects has more than doubled, growing from 300 to over 750 across 47 countries. In addition, more than 100 projects, spanning 15 million square feet, have already achieved LEED and WELL certification using the pathway. The accelerated growth reflects a...

BARBADOS—The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has signed a landmark two-year agreement with global nonprofit Conservation International to promote nature-positive tourism throughout the Caribbean. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on June 11, 2025, at CTO’s headquarters in Barbados, establishes a framework for joint efforts to advance sustainable tourism models that protect biodiversity, strengthen local economies, and improve community well-being. The partnership aligns with CTO’s Reimagine 2025–2027 Plan, which champions bold, resilient and inclusive strategies to shape the future of tourism in the region. Collaborative actions under the MoU will focus on advancing sustainable, nature-positive tourism through conservation-driven investments, support for community-led initiatives...

LINCOLN, NEB.—New data shows that last year, nearly one-third of the Arbor Day Foundation’s tree planting work in cities and towns was related to addressing extreme heat. “Communities are struggling to endure the pressures of rising heat and they’re reaching for trees as a way to cope. This data is a validator of trees in their role as critical infrastructure. In our world’s cities, trees are a ‘must-have’, not just a ‘nice-to-have’,” said Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation. “As the rate of extreme heat increases, so must our response. The Arbor Day Foundation is focused on leveraging the latest...

NEW YORK—Neil Jacobs, the visionary former CEO of Six Senses, announces the launch of his new company: Wild Origins. This marks a new chapter for one of hospitality’s most influential leaders, following a 13-year tenure that redefined sustainable and experiential travel. “Wild Origins is about building what’s next,” says Jacobs, Founder of Wild Origins. We are partnering with people and projects that are bold and purposeful. I believe the best ideas feel both inevitable and inspired, while being deeply grounded in purpose.” Wild Origins is a purpose-driven advisory collective and creative studio that brings soulful and sustainable projects to life. Rooted...

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority (Authority) and the Urban League of Louisiana announced the fifth annual Morial Award winners at a private ceremony inside the Convention Center’s Great Hall on June 26. The Morial Awards recognize a small business and a corporation that have demonstrated innovative growth and economic impact, as well as exceptional contributions to creating opportunities for local communities and small businesses across Louisiana. This year’s event was presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, with additional support from AECOM HUNT|Broadmoor, Liberty Bank, VPG Construction, ILSI...