WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) announced that Green Key Global, the sustainability certification body for hotels, is now jointly operated by the associations in the U.S. and Canada. A roster of hotel companies across the continent, including Accor, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Highgate, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and more continue to lead the way as some of Green Key Global’s partners committed to sustainability through their involvement with the third-party certification program. HAC created Green Key Global in 1994 to certify hotels’ environmental sustainability policies and...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Coinciding with Women’s History Month this month, Atrium Hospitality announced the launch of WomenRISE, the company’s new Hotel General Manager Development Program targeted to female leaders. Alpharetta, Georgia-based Atrium Hospitality is one of the nation’s largest hotel operators. The company manages a portfolio of 80 hotels, representing well-known brands such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Wyndham, in 28 states. Atrium operates approximately 20,000 guest rooms/suites and 3 million square feet of event space. “We’re excited to offer Atrium’s WomenRISE program to hasten the career paths of women in hospitality, a group that tends to be underrepresented at the General...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey thanked President Biden for signing legislation allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the number of H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas and called on DHS to exercise that authority as soon as possible so hotels can hire the staff they need to maintain and expand their operations. “Hotels across the nation are economic engines for the communities they serve. But labor shortages across the economy are preventing hotels from hiring the staff they need and reaching their full economic potential,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO...

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, a holistic hospitality company serving those who value wellness, social good and the environment, announced the opening of the Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels, a classic, beachfront experience in one of California’s most iconic destinations. Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, Calif., the 41-room eco surf lodge sits directly on the sand of the town’s legendary beach, an easy walking distance to the acclaimed art galleries, eateries, and boutiques of Laguna Beach village. The hotel immerses guests in the nostalgia of California’s fabled surf scene, while offering modern nature-based wellness experiences, locally...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International and BetMGM announced new groundbreaking initiatives in collaboration with Kindbridge designed to support problem gambling research and mental health services. Kindbridge Research Institute and Kindbridge Behavioral Health are organizations that aim to better understand the problems that exist within at-risk communities, delivering evidence-based treatment for gambling disorder. The partnerships and collaborations break down as follows: MGM Resorts & Kindbridge Research Institute As part of its commitment to responsible gaming research, MGM Resorts has donated $100,000 to Kindbridge Research Institute in support of a voluntary medication trial for veterans experiencing gambling addiction in Las Vegas. This first-of-its-kind treatment aims to reduce gambling urges and symptom severity among veterans with gambling disorder. “This contribution will help...

NEW YORK—The Open Wing Alliance (OWA), a global coalition working to end the abuse of chickens worldwide, announces that Hilton, Louvre Hotels Group, and Meliá Hotels International have all made impressive strides in their transparency in reporting progress on their commitments to source 100 percent cage-free eggs in their entire portfolios globally. This vital reporting comes just 17 days after the launch of a global campaign led by the OWA, urging hospitality companies to provide details on their cage-free egg implementation plans. Once implemented, the combined commitments will reduce the suffering of nearly 861,000 hens in supply chains annually. Details of...

NORTH BETHESDA, MD.—Over a dozen local nonprofits nationwide were recently recognized as part of Choice Hotels International, Inc.’s Your Community, Your Choice program. This program, which began in 2019, empowers hotel owners and operators to make a positive difference in their communities. The recipients of the grants, totaling $75,000, exemplify Choice Hotels’ commitment to serving the communities where Choice owners and operators work and live. “We are proud to recognize and celebrate the impact of these charities Choice hotel owners and operators nominated to receive grants,” said Megan Brumagim, Vice President, Sustainability, Choice Hotels International. “As local business owners themselves, owners and operators...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—While lifestyle hotels around the world continue to thrive, experiences in the hotel space are geared toward adults. Rachel Meng realized that much of hospitality’s modern branding, offerings, and amenities don’t reflect the wants and needs of today’s young family. So, she created Hotel Bambinee to deliver an elevated lifestyle experience that puts families at the forefront. “The brand reflects the busy, wonderful, complex, and ever-changing world of families. Hotel Bambinee invites guests to embark easily and rest peacefully. We’re celebrating and empowering families,” said Meng, who has over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry and most...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—A groundbreaking statistical framework, developed under the leadership of UN Tourism, has been adopted by all 193 UN member states. The Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) thus becomes the internationally agreed reference framework for measuring the economic, social, and environmental aspects of tourism. The adoption by the UN Statistical Commission at its 55th session marks a historical milestone towards harnessing the full potential of the sector, providing a solution to the pressing need for a harmonized methodology to effectively assess the sustainability of tourism. “Tourism is a powerful force for positive change when managed responsibly and sustainably,” says Zurab Pololikashvili, UN...

WISCONSIN DELLS, WIS.—The Nelson family, owners and operators of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, have announced their development of a new distinctive resort experience in the Wisconsin Dells area called Dawn Manor in homage to the historical home previously located on the resort’s land. The lodging at the new resort, named “Kalahari Treehouse Collection at Dawn Manor”, will feature 21 partially supported luxury treehouses and 31 ground-supported houses, in addition to a 10,000-square-foot Wisconsin supper club, named Daylene’s Supper Club at Dawn Manor, all overlooking scenic Lake Delton. “Our family, along with our thousands of dedicated associates, have been bringing beyond-expectations...