WASHINGTON, D.C.—The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to ecotourism pioneer Stanley Selengut, known by many in the tourism industry as “the father of sustainable resort development,” at the September 19 to 21 Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), on Hilton Head Island, S.C. The TIES Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the distinguished achievements of those who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to promoting ecotourism. The ESTC will host an award ceremony and reception with honoree Selengut from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. September 19 at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Selengut will also...

RENO—Being part of the unique high desert canvas of Reno-Tahoe has inspired the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino to adopt sweeping green initiatives to dramatically reduce the resort’s carbon footprint. For several years the resort has been mindful to minimize the impact of operations on the environment while maintaining a premiere level of service and experience for guests. The resort has used geothermal energy to heat the domestic hot water for the Tuscany Tower, including the 43,000 square foot Spa Toscana and Fitness Center as well as the two outdoor swimming pools and spas, since the 2007 expansion project. With...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, achieved significant growth in its spend with diverse suppliers in 2010, adding value to its global supply chain while delivering on its core values. From linen supply, to equipment purchases, to general contractor and architectural services, Wyndham Worldwide spent 10.3 percent of its total purchases with diverse suppliers, a 51 percent increase over the previous year, placing the company among the top performers in its industry. During the past year, Wyndham Worldwide continued to formalize its supplier diversity program; by including diverse suppliers when possible in each request for proposal...

NATIONAL REPORT—The carbon footprint of single-use plastic and glass bottled water containers is huge. Consider the raw materials that go into the bottles, the manufacturing of the bottles themselves, the transportation of the bottles and finally, their disposal (only 20 percent of plastic bottles and 28 percent of glass bottles are ever recycled). Fortunately, many vendors are now making it easy to eliminate most of the carbon footprint of bottled water—thanks to on-site water purification and dispensing systems that incorporate reusable, branded glass bottles. Some restaurants are even charging upwards of $10 for the premium water that is bottled...

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Sands Corp., a leading international developer of multi-use integrated resorts, launched its custom Sands Eco 360° Meetings program. The program extends the Las Vegas Sands’ award-winning sustainability efforts to its large meeting and convention customers, giving them the opportunity to host gatherings in the largest LEED building in the world in a more environmentally friendly way.  “The launch of Sands Eco 360° Meetings is a natural expansion of Sands’ commitment to respect the environment in a comprehensive and impactful way, and to build a legacy of a cleaner and safer world for future generations,” said Michael...

PORTSMOUTH, N.H.—The New England Eco-Hospitality Conference attracts hospitality professionals from throughout the region. The day features three tracks of educational sessions, with three one hour sessions in each track, allowing attendees to choose topics of interest to them. This year’s venue is the Sheraton Harborside Hotel in Portsmouth, an Environmental Champion in the New Hampshire Sustainable Lodging & Restaurant Program. The conference will be held on Wednesday, November 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The conference’s organizers are requesting presentation proposals from industry experts, focused on topics of sustainability. Some topics of interest shared recently include: The Latest in...

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) announced the acquisition of Project ICARUS from the United Kingdom’s Institute of Travel and Meetings (ITM). This acquisition will allow for the creation of a global sustainability program. “In Europe last year, we entered into a groundbreaking relationship with ITM to build GBTA Europe,” said GBTA executive director and COO, Michael W. McCormick. “So as an organization, we were looking to develop a global sustainability program. “We didn't have to look very far. I would like to congratulate ITM on their tremendous achievement in bringing Project ICARUS to this point and I know,...

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO—The CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa has started a new program aimed at helping female turtles lay eggs and hatchlings to make it to sea. Guests are welcomed to take part in the conservation effort. CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort has created a summer tradition and is again inviting guests to take part in a educational vacation experience—the “Secretos del Mar” Sea Turtle Rescue Program, unique among Puerto Vallarta hotels. Guests are encouraged to spend time with a local biologist, learn more about the endangered species and participate in combing the beach so female turtles...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International has issued its Environmental Responsibility Report chronicling its comprehensive philosophy known as its “Green Advantage.” The report, released during the Fourth Annual National Clean Energy Summit held at the company’s ARIA Resort, outlines the company’s strategic approach and recent achievements toward improved stewardship of the environment at its 15 resorts around the country. “Environmental responsibility is a core company value that is woven into and throughout our culture and business operations,” said James J. Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “For our customers, environmental stewardship is becoming a key area of awareness. They are...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—NEWH announces the first annual NEWH Sustainable Design and Development Conference and Tradeshow. This tradeshow will bring together innovative, sustainable leaders, ideas, products, design and tangible business results. NEWH invites all members of the design and development community, hospitality industry, event professionals and sustainable partners who are looking to gain further insight and to promote and build strong business relationships to attend this new industry show. The show will be a one-day event December 9, 2011, and will be held at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. The tradeshow will run all day, concluding with a cocktail reception...