PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA—Nestled within one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has officially opened its doors, offering discerning travelers a secluded, ultra-luxury retreat amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. Named after the Chorotega word for “lush garden,” Nekajui marks a monumental milestone as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and the eighth addition to the brand’s exclusive portfolio. Located on Peninsula Papagayo, a 1,400-acre canvas of dry tropical forest atop coastal cliffs, Nekajui’s collection of 107 thoughtfully designed ocean-facing rooms, suites, and three luxury treetop tents seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living while celebrating Costa...

NATIONAL REPORT—Packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs), properly maintained, are a reliable source for heating and cooling hotel guestrooms and other small spaces for up to seven to 10 years. Not properly maintained, and especially in higher-humidity environments, PTACs have a shorter life and can keep hoteliers—and guests—up at night and be the reason for negative reviews and lost room revenue. It is at the “end of their life” that PTACS truly become problematic. Do you send a PTAC to a landfill? Nathan Faircloth, Director/Business Development & Vendor Management, RoomOne Solutions, says the landfill option is not a good one for...

CANTON, MASS.—Tourism Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainability within the tourism industry, has partnered with the UnTours Foundation, the impact investment arm of UnTours—the world’s first Certified B Corporation—to launch the Meaningful Travel Fund. This innovative financing opportunity will provide affordable capital to small, purpose-driven tourism businesses worldwide, empowering them to scale their efforts in sustainability, community engagement, and cultural preservation to drive meaningful, lasting change in their communities. By leveraging the UnTours Foundation’s Reset Tourism Fund, the Meaningful Travel Fund will support businesses featured on Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Map or those that meet the same eligibility requirements,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—New data released by the Environmental Protection Agency shows an additional 15 million Americans have drinking water contaminated by the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. It brings the total number of people at risk of drinking this contaminated tap water to more than 158 million across the United States. “The EPA’s latest report confirms what scientists have feared: PFAS contamination is a public health disaster,” said David Andrews, Ph.D., Deputy Director of Investigations and a Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “Drinking water is a major source of PFAS exposure. The sheer number of contaminated sites shows that these chemicals...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton has been named the No. 1 Best Company to Work for in the U.S. by Great Place to Work and Fortune for the second consecutive year. The ranking represents a significant milestone for Hilton, marking its 10th appearance on the prestigious list and fourth overall ranking in the No. 1 spot. This achievement reflects the overwhelmingly positive experiences shared by Hilton team members and demonstrates years of investment in Hilton’s award-winning workplace culture designed to support inclusion, wellness, growth and purpose for its team members around the world. “At Hilton, our business is fundamentally about people serving people, and our team members are the heart...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The issue of overtourism has become a significant concern in the travel industry. Popular destinations worldwide are consistently burdened with crowds of visitors, leading to environmental and social issues. In the face of this dilemma, travel companies, governments, and tourists have a shared responsibility to combat this problem. Travel providers such as Accor, Booking.com, and Wyndham Resorts and Hotels are aware of their crucial role in tackling overtourism. These companies understand that their choice of destinations to offer can directly contribute to overcrowding in popular spots. As Philip Halanen, Head of Sourcing and Sustainability for Europe, the Middle East,...

ATLANTA—With a couple of weeks to go, AAHOA, the world’s largest hotel owners association, is set for AAHOACON25, the must-attend event for the hospitality industry, which will be held April 15 to 17, 2025, in New Orleans. Under this year's theme, “New Ideas, New Opportunities, New Orleans,” this epic event promises three days of innovative education, robust networking opportunities, and a bustling trade show floor showcasing the latest products and services. With the backdrop of one of America’s most lively and culturally rich cities, attendees will gain actionable insights to fuel their success in 2025 and beyond. “AAHOACON25 is more than...

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA.—Certified B Corporation andCo Hospitality announced its official launch, marking a transformative evolution for the storied sustainable hospitality brand. Originally operating as a singular flag under the Legacy Vacation Resorts name, andCo will now become the leading entity for a collection of three dynamic accommodations brands, each with its own personality and guest promise. This new multi-level brand structure including newly created “The Fold Hotels,” a revamp of the “Legacy Vacation Resorts” brand, and the recently acquired “The Local,” will provide many opportunities for responsible vacations in destinations across the U.S. for all travelers, making sustainable tourism options more accessible than...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The global wellness tourism sector has emerged as a pivotal force in reshaping the hospitality industry. By merging traditional tourism with health-centered activities, this sector addresses the growing demand for experiences that enhance well-being. Industry professionals must understand current market trends and adopt forward-looking strategies to integrate wellness across the travel ecosystem. What is Wellness Tourism? This market refers to the notion of traveling with the goal of improving or maintaining personal well-being, according to the Global Wellness Institute. In a world where travel often comes with stress and unhealthy habits, wellness centered vacations offer a way to counter those downsides, transforming trips into opportunities...

STOWE, VERMONT—Spruce Peak announced it has achieved its 14th consecutive year as an Audubon International Sustainable Community. This prestigious recognition underscores Spruce Peak’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the enhancement of the natural beauty that defines the region. Spruce Peak’s long history with the Audubon International Sustainable Communities Program began in 2010 when it became the first Ski Resort community in the country to earn this distinguished environmental achievement. Since then, the community has continued to uphold and exceed the standards set by this certification. Additionally, the dedication to sustainability is evident through the involvement in other Audubon...