LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) issued a Communiqué during the International Climate Change Negotiations in Durban which urges governments to develop climate change policies which ensure that travel and tourism can grow sustainably and continue to provide millions of new jobs across the planet, regardless of the outcome of talks in Durban. As one of the world’s largest industries, generating more than 9 percent of global GDP and accounting for some 260 million jobs worldwide, the continued growth of the travel and tourism industry is critical to the economic and social wellbeing of millions of people, and is...

GASTONIA, N.C.—Flanked by the mayor and city council of Gastonia, N.C., a crowd of local business owners, event planners, community organizations, arts committees and local residents watched Mayor Jennie Stultz cut the ribbon on the long-awaited 30,000-square-foot, multi-use Gastonia Conference Center. Located in downtown Gastonia, the Center is easily accessible to I-85, just 15 miles from Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. The Center’s design pays homage to the surrounding architecture and heritage of the area and is registered for LEED Gold certification. The $10 million project is a centerpiece of downtown Gastonia’s robust revitalization to create a strong sense of community...

CHICAGO—The National Restaurant Association is launching a new Healthier Kids Fare pavilion at its 2012 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show to underscore its commitment to helping its members and Show attendees increase healthful children’s options on restaurant menus. This special area of the exhibit floor at the nation’s largest and most comprehensive industry trade show will make it easy for foodservice operators to find a range of healthful food and beverage products to develop delicious and nutritious children’s menus. NRA Show 2012 will be held on its new dates, May 5 to 8, at Chicago’s McCormick Place. “Children’s nutrition is one of...

TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS—During a recent press conference, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Tourist Board launched the Sustainable Tourism Environmental Program (STEP) alongside Hugh Cresser, a consultant from the firm Tetra Tech who specializes in sustainable tourism management and planning. Tetra Tech has been contracted by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board to implement the project. The company specializes in consulting, engineering, program management, construction and technical services, and supports government and commercial clients by providing solutions focused on water, the environment, and energy.“Our environment is the biggest drawing card that we have and everybody has to do their...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added three hydrocarbons as acceptable alternatives in household and small commercial refrigerators and freezers through EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. EPA took action after requests from Ben and Jerry’s and General Electric, as well as A.S. Trust & Holdings, and True Manufacturing, a family-owned small business. These businesses are helping to clear the way for U.S. companies to use ozone layer-protective hydrocarbon refrigerants. “Today’s action is a great example of how businesses and EPA can work together to protect our planet and drive innovation,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for...

RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO—Officials from United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Rainforest Alliance gathered earlier this month to honor Mayakoba Resort and developer OHL Desarrollos as a world leader in sustainable tourism development. Both organizations represented awards bestowed on the development during 2011—the Ulysses Award from the United Nations World Tourism Organization and Sustainable Standard-Setter Award from the Rainforest Alliance. The award ceremony was held at the resort’s Banyan Tree Hotel and attended by representatives from both organizations, Audubon International, as well as several top government officials.In receiving the awards, Andrés Pan de Soraluce, president of OHL Desarrollos, applauded...

HOUSTON—The new Embassy Suites Houston-Downtown is making a case for being among the most environmentally-friendly hotels in Houston. The urban high-rise hotel has earned LEED Silver certification for its sustainable design, construction and operation as recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is the first LEED certified hotel in downtown Houston, the first LEED certified Embassy Suites in Texas and the only Hilton branded, LEED certified hotel in Texas.The downtown hotel is also the first in the city to cater to electric vehicle owners by installing charging stations in partnership with ECOtality and The EV Project. Overlooking Discovery...

SCHAUMBURG, ILL.—Hostmark Hospitality Group has been named the management company of Gaia Shasta Hotel and Spa, a LEED-certified eco-friendly resort property located near Mount Shasta in the Cascade Mountains of Northern California. Hostmark has been retained by the court-appointed trustee in bankruptcy.“We expect complete operational stability moving forward, and all associates of the Gaia Shasta Hotel are being retained,” said L.W. ‘Biff’ Hawkey, Hostmark senior vice president of development. “Honored by the trust placed in us as stewards of the hotel’s green operating systems, we plan to ensure that the vision of the owners is accomplished as we promote...

HOUSTON—Construction has started on the Hilton Garden Inn Houston Northwest—Americas Plaza, the first hotel in Texas scheduled to open with LEED Gold Certification, one of the highest environmental rankings bestowed on a building by the U.S. Green Building Council. Located at Highway 290 and West Little York, the 172-room property is scheduled for opening in November 2012 and will be owned and managed by Houston-based New Horizons Hospitality. The company’s portfolio of owned and managed hotels includes two Hampton Inns and a Homewood Suites in northwest Houston and a Hilton Garden Inn located in The Woodlands. As of October of this...

COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO—Six months into its GEM Program for green B&Bs, the Idaho Bed & Breakfast Association (IBBA) now has seven properties participating. The GEM Program consists of a basic Green Lodging Program and an “Inspected GEM” Program. Whereas the basic Green Lodging Program does not include an inspection component, the Inspected GEM Program does. Brian Scott, president of IBBA, who started the association and the GEM Program along with his wife Shar, says the GEM Program is being funded through a state grant that is funded through a 2 percent state bed tax. Nonprofits are eligible to apply...