WASHINGTON, D.C.—Zipcar and Delaware North Parks and Resorts announced a new partnership aimed at offering eco-conscious travelers a convenient and sustainable way to travel to and explore a local natural wonder. This fall, those who spot the 12 new, limited-edition Shenandoah National Park custom-designed Zipcars in greater Washington, D.C., can enter to win the Blue Ridge Retreat Giveaway, a retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The Blue Ridge Retreat Giveaway includes a free annual Zipcar membership, $300 in Zipcar driving credit and a two-night weekend getaway package at Skyland Resort in Shenandoah National Park. Delaware North Parks and Resorts,...

COPENHAGEN—There is a need to change the mindset of tourists and encourage green choices. Data show a large willingness as 82 percent say they want to act sustainably, but only 22 percent have changed their behavior. This is why Copenhagen’s official tourism organization has introduced CopenPay—a new initiative transforming green actions into currency for cultural experiences. It is Copenhagen’s ambition to inspire visitors to make conscious green choices and help bridge the large gap between the desire to act sustainably and their actual behavior. CopenPay rewards actions such as cycling, participating in cleanup efforts, or volunteering at urban farms with access...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Accor, a global leader in hospitality, has entered into an industry-pioneering three-year partnership with World Monuments Fund (WMF) to protect cultural heritage and strengthen local communities. Through this partnership, Accor will work with WMF to share their expertise, resources, and global presence on projects that enhance destinations, connect with communities, and support long-term resilience. The travel and tourism industry plays a critical role in the global economy, accounting for up to 10 percent of global GDP—and as much as 70 percent in certain countries—while supporting 10 percent of global employment. At the same time, the consequences of climate change and the...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott (JWASM) Foundation are combining forces to donate $500,000 to World Central Kitchen (WCK), the nonprofit organization founded by renowned chef José Andrés. The donation is expected to greatly enhance WCK’s ability to provide meals in the wake of natural disasters and crises around the world, helping those in need receive the nutrition and support they require during challenging times. The donation builds on the company’s and the Marriott family’s longstanding support for WCK. Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International, announced the donation during a taping of Chef...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A review by the SUN DAY Campaign of data newly released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) confirms that solar has continued its decade-long streak as the nation’s fastest growing source of electricity. In its latest monthly “Electric Power Monthly” report (with data through April 30, 2024), EIA says the combination of utility-scale and small-scale (e.g., rooftop) solar increased by 25.4 percent in the first four months of 2024 compared to the first third of 2023. Small-scale solar alone grew by 19.3 percent while utility-scale solar thermal and photovoltaic expanded by 28.4 percent—substantially faster than any other energy...

NEW YORK—Preferred Travel Group, parent company of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Beyond Green, Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide, PTG Consulting, and Beyond Green Travel, is reaffirming its commitment to sustainable tourism and climate action with the development of a comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP). Created in partnership with the Travel Foundation, a prominent international sustainable tourism organization, this initiative builds on the organization’s signing of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. It underscores Preferred Travel Group’s proactive role in leading by example to drive necessary change within the travel industry. Acknowledging the urgent need for climate leadership, scalable...

NEW YORK—The Open Wing Alliance (OWA), a leading global coalition of 95 animal protection organizations in over 70 countries, has released the inaugural Fair and Fowl: Global Companies Edition. This comprehensive report addresses the urgent need for corporate transparency in the fast-growing cage-free movement. It ranks global companies with cage-free egg commitments, highlighting the “early birds” leading the way in their transitions and the “bad eggs” refusing to disclose progress despite their public promises. Companies that publish progress reports build consumer trust and showcase their dedication to responsible sourcing, while those engaging in “greenhushing”—concealing their progress to avoid scrutiny—risk...

Diversity and inclusion (DE&I) are not just buzzwords—they are critical components of success and longevity in the hospitality and events industry. Event management professionals, often at the forefront of customer experience and staff coordination, play a pivotal role in embedding DE&I principles into the fabric of hospitality operations. Here’s why DE&I is vital and how you can champion inclusivity for both staff and customers. Hospitality is all about creating memorable experiences for diverse groups of people. Regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, abilities, etc., you need to create a hospitable experience for all customers. By embracing DE&I,...

TAMPA, FLA.—Wellness in Travel & Tourism (WITT), an independent organization composed of experts with over 125 years of combined experience at the intersection of hospitality, wellness, and travel, announced the launch of a wellness certification for hotels and resorts. This groundbreaking initiative aims to transform the hospitality sector by providing prestigious certification criteria that sets properties apart in a competitive market, enabling them to enhance their wellness offerings and attract travelers. “The WITT Certified seal provides hotels and resorts with a significant advantage in attracting travelers by offering objective and rigorous audits of their wellness amenities and services,” said Robin Ruiz, WITT’s CEO and...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Green Key Global—the sustainability certification designed specifically for hotels—announced its first-ever slate of board members and the appointment of Heather McCrory, a hospitality expert with 40 years of experience in the industry, as chair. McCrory recently served as CEO of Accor’s North American and Central American operations, and currently advises the hospitality industry as principal of Heather J. McCrory & Associates. She joins other top hospitality professionals who will guide Green Key Global, the world’s leading hotel sustainability certification provider, which is jointly operated by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC). In addition to McCrory,...