NATIONAL REPORT—Given the immense climatic challenges we currently face and the growing consumer demand for more sustainable products and services, businesses in every sector are starting to take their environmental impact seriously. In hospitality, the situation is no different. Energy consumption in the industry is high, with cooling, lighting, heating, and ventilation responsible for up to 60 percent of a hotel’s CO2 emissions. Energy-intensive extras such as heated swimming pools, excessive water and plastic use, and food waste also contribute to the industry’s environmental impacts. Given these unavoidable energy requirements and resource needs, hotels must be smart about increasing energy efficiency and reducing their...

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched a landmark report at its Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia, highlighting how Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute $67BN USD to the global economy by 2034. The report showcases the sector’s role in driving economic growth, particularly in remote regions, and its vital contribution for cultural preservation and community empowerment. Indigenous Tourism: A Driver of Economic Growth Indigenous tourism is rapidly emerging as a key economic driver.  It creates jobs and economic value in remote areas. It promotes and protects Indigenous people’s cultures, languages and lands. And gives visitors a...

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS—The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC), by Hotelschool The Hague, announces the Winner of its 2024 edition, revealed during the grand finale at the Future Hospitality Summit World in Dubai. This year’s competition, which brought together seven visionary student teams from across the globe, celebrated groundbreaking innovations set to reshape the future of hospitality. The 2024 edition saw an incredible level of competition, with a remarkable turnout from industry leaders eager to participate as jurors. Teams presented their innovative concepts to a distinguished panel of 19 current industry leaders, making this year’s challenge one of the most competitive...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton, a global leader in hospitality, reported the significant impact of its annual Travel with Purpose Week, a global week of community engagement among its nearly half a million team members around the world. Every year, Hilton’s global community of team members come together to give back to the communities where they live, work and travel. By partnering with local organizations, Hilton’s corporate and property-based team members support local destination stewardship, career development, community resilience and other social and environmental priorities. This year, more than 1,200 events were held in communities around the world, contributing approximately 72,500 volunteer hours in...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—“Net-zero hotels” are something no one had heard of ten years ago, but now an increasing number are redirecting their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve this gold standard in hospitality sustainability. While this is an encouraging step—you might call it a breath of fresh air—the wider environmental challenges facing the hotel sector remain stark. According to the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s Global Hotel Decarbonisation Report, the sector must reduce its emissions by two-thirds by 2030 and 90 percent per room by 2050 if it’s to contribute to the goals set out in the Paris Climate Agreement. These ambitious...

LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports a significant decrease in the climate footprint emissions of travel and tourism. Despite this positive development, the WTTC urges the sector to continue to innovate and invest in green technologies. WTTC’s latest Environmental & Social Research (ESR), created in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, reveals that in 2023 Travel & Tourism accounted for 6.7 percent of all emissions globally, down from 7.8 percent in 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak. The research showcases an important achievement with the sector’s economic contribution growing faster than its environmental impact. Last...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Scandic has launched its second Scandic Go hotel in Stockholm with 234 rooms. Together with property owner Pandox, the company has opened a new hotel at Fridhemsplan on the island of Kungsholmen in Stockholm. The parties have completed a comprehensive renovation of the hotel, which is now ready to welcome guests who want to explore the wide range of entertainment and experiences Stockholm offers. Fridhemsplan is a major gateway to central Stockholm. The residential buildings, restaurants, bars, stores and vast green spaces in the area create a vibrant and lively environment that attracts leisure and business travelers alike. A good...

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, a holistic hospitality company serving those who value wellness, social good, and the environment, is excited to unveil its newest brand-wide program, Epic Experiences. This initiative is designed to help facilitate lasting take-home value for SCP guests through engaging, immersive, and educational guide-led adventures. Each Epic Experience emphasizes the destination’s culture and unique natural qualities—from California’s spectacular Mendocino coast to Oregon’s rugged Cascades and the vibrant jungle and tropical waters of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. “SCP’s Epic Experiences offer our guests one-of-a-kind opportunities to engage with our natural surroundings as locals would—in ways that...

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS—The Hospitality Show (The Show), produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), last week wrapped up its second annual event at The Henry B. González Convention Center with three days of groundbreaking insights, networking opportunities, and innovative solutions designed to elevate the hospitality industry. The Hospitality Show witnessed an impressive year-over-year growth attracting 4,800 attendees and 460 vendors, marking a 26 percent increase in attendance and a staggering 43 percent growth in vendors. “The Hospitality Show exists to convene our industry’s top operations and technology leaders, and provide the absolute best networking, learning, and deal-making opportunities,” said AHLA Interim President...

ASPEN, COLO.—The Aspen Mountain Residences, a landmark in the heart of Aspen, is located in Aspen’s coveted front row. A comprehensive remodeling project includes upgrades with new decor, finishes, lighting, and furniture throughout each unit, reaffirming the commitment to providing guests with an unparalleled blend of elegance, modernity, and mountain charm. Each newly remodeled residence at The Aspen Mountain Residences features a harmonious blend of contemporary design and timeless sophistication to offer a serene retreat after a day of exploring Aspen’s stunning landscapes. The residences boast high-end furnishings, plush bedding, and elegant decor that reflect the natural beauty of Aspen....