WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than three-quarters of surveyed hotels are experiencing a staffing shortage, and hotels are increasing pay, benefits, and perks to recruit and retain employees, according to a May survey of hoteliers conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Over the last six months, 86 percent of respondents have increased wages, 52 percent have offered greater flexibility with hours, and 33 percent have expanded benefits to cope with the nationwide workforce shortage. Nonetheless, 79 percent say they are still unable to fill open positions. Seventy-six percent of survey respondents said they are experiencing a staffing shortage, and 13 percent...

MIAMI—SH Hotels & Resorts, the sustainable hotel brand management company founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announced plans to unveil 1 Hotel & Homes San Miguel de Allende. Set to open in 2027, the property is poised to redefine luxury and sustainability in the heart of historic Mexico. Located just minutes away from the vibrant city center of San Miguel de Allende and perched on an incline with breathtaking views, this sanctuary will offer a profound escape guided by the beauty of its surroundings. “1 Hotel & Homes San Miguel de Allende embodies our steadfast dedication to preserving nature’s beauty...

HONOLULU—Governor Josh Green, M.D. signed into law a bill incorporating regenerative tourism frameworks into the Hawaiʻi State Planning Act in a ceremony at his office on June 28, attended by legislative leaders, community proponents, and Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) leadership. “Sustainable tourism is essential for the future of our state,” said Governor Green. “This bill ensures that our visitor industry grows in a way that respects and preserves our cultural heritage while promoting economic diversification.” Senate Bill 2659, introduced by Senators Jarrett Keohokalole and Les Ihara, Jr. and championed by the Native Hawaiian Caucus in both chambers of the Legislature, incorporates...

LAS VEGAS—Caesars Entertainment, Inc., the largest casino-entertainment company in the U.S., released its 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility report. The report highlights the company’s progress in environmental impact, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Team Member development, community investment and more. “At Caesars Entertainment, we’re committed to continuing to develop, diversify and achieve our CSR goals,” said Heather Rapp, SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility for Caesars Entertainment. “We’ve been in a period of progress as we met and exceeded our interim emission reduction goals three years ahead of schedule, and because of that work, we were able to implement new, more ambitious goals...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will work with the Biden Administration during Greenbuild to announce plans to create a new national definition of a zero-emissions building. This is the future of buildings, and the definition will be an important tool for establishing a common understanding of what it really means to be a zero operating emissions building. As financial institutions, investors, and insurers grapple with climate risks, USGBC sees the baseline established by this definition as key to evolving market expectations. USGBC is currently developing the next phase of the LEED rating system—LEED v5—and is committed to aligning the new rating systems by including specific LEED certifications designed to certify projects to the national definition. LEED, which launched the green building revolution 30...

KYOTO, JAPAN—Six Senses Kyoto has opened its doors, marking the brand’s entry into Japan. Conveniently situated among the iconic heritage shrines and palaces within the ancient capital, Six Senses Kyoto invites guests to both an epicenter and an escape, to enjoy holistic wellness, signature sustainability and out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Six Senses Kyoto marks a historic milestone of taking the Six Senses brand into new frontiers, while continuing to enrich IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio—now the second largest in the world. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the Heian period (794 to 1185), when Heian-kyo (now Kyoto) was the capital of Japan, considered...

IOS, GREECE—Calilo, the family-owned luxury resort in Ios, announced the launch of an independent Environmental Observatory for the island, solidifying its commitment to sustainability and preservation. The independently funded, operated and science-based plan aims to enhance sustainable development on the island by monitoring environmental evolution, diagnosing trends, formulating data-driven proposals, and implementing sustainability practices across the island. Situated on the unspoiled island of Ios in the Greek Cyclades, Calilo was created with sustainability and ecotourism at the heart of their ethos. With a deep-rooted love for the island and a goal of immersing guests in a destination focused on reconnection...

ATLANTA—AAHOA issued the following statement in response to the tragic murder of Hemant Mistry (59), a respected AAHOA Member and veteran hotel owner/operator from Oklahoma City, Okla. According to police reports, a 41-year-old suspect was arrested and is now in custody following an altercation on Saturday, June 22, during which he punched Mistry, who died Sunday from the impact. Local sources indicate that Mistry had asked the suspect to leave the property. This incident bears a heartbreaking resemblance to the murder of Pravin R. Patel, owner of the Hillcrest Motel in Sheffield, Alabama, who was killed under similar circumstances in February. “Our hearts go out to...

OTTAWA, ONT.—Green Key Global, the leading sustainable certification program for hotels in North America, powered by the Hotel Association of Canada and the American Hotel and Lodging Association, announced it has signed an agreement with Choice Hotels International, Inc. to offer its franchisees preferred services as properties seek its sought-after sustainability certification. With the agreement, Choice hotel owners in the U.S. will have the opportunity to harness Green Key Global’s expertise to optimize operations for sustainable practices and potentially get Green Key Eco-Rating and Green Key Meetings certifications. For certification, Green Key Global partners with a third-party accredited audit facilitator,...

TROY, N.Y.—Audubon International—the environmentally focused nonprofit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play—is now the exclusive environmental stewardship partner for world-class golf and resort developer The Cabot Collection. Its portfolio includes the award-winning Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, Cabot Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, Cabot Revelstoke in British Columbia, Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida and Cabot Highlands in Scotland. In this exclusive, groundbreaking partnership, Toronto-based Cabot becomes the first multi-property brand to enroll every golf course and surrounding built environment into Audubon International’s comprehensive, all-inclusive Platinum Signature Sanctuary certification program, which was introduced in 2023. Platinum...