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World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi Set for November 22-24
ABU DHABI, U.A.E.—A world leading expert on responsible tourism is urging key industry stakeholders to accept responsibility for advancing a sustainable agenda and is joining a growing lobby which will press the case at next month’s World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi. Professor Harold Goodwin, director of the U.K.’s International Centre for Responsible Tourism says the Abu Dhabi conference, which will run at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from November 22 to 24, could be a platform for change.
“For too long the major stakeholders have failed to take responsibility for their impacts and for making their businesses more economically,...
Carpet Makers Lead Push for Sustainable Manufacturing Practices, Products
NATIONAL REPORT—Carpeting is certainly one of the most significant considerations when designing a hotel’s interior—from an aesthetic, cost, maintenance, and durability perspective. Fortunately for the lodging industry, and for those who specify or purchase carpet, manufacturers of the floor covering material are making it easier to minimize one’s environmental impact without compromising any aspect of the product. Increasingly, manufacturers are taking a Cradle to Cradle approach to manufacturing—making sure that as few resources as necessary are used during manufacturing, that as much recycled content as possible is included in the carpeting and its backing, and that at the end...
Guestroom Designs for Westin, Sheraton Have Green Touch
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. debuted new guestroom designs for its Westin and Sheraton hotels. The new room schemes, from furniture to textiles, were custom-created by Starwood’s in-house Brand Design team led by Erin Hoover, vice president of design. With a background in fashion, fine art and industrial design, the team applied key learning’s from extensive in-room behavior research which indicated a desire for a greater level of stylish functionality—resulting in design specifically targeted to address some of traveler’s biggest pet peeves. The new room designs will be featured in new hotels and renovation projects globally...
AH&LA Fall Conference Just One Month Away
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) 2010 Fall Conference, held in conjunction with the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS), is November 12 to 16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
The AH&LA Hospitality Leadership Forum on Saturday, November 13, is comprised of seminars on a wide range of industry topics, as well as perennial favorites, the CEO Leadership Panel and the Lodging Industry Summit Panel. This year’s keynote features two former members of Congress who’ll provide an insider’s view of the political landscape just one week after the mid-term elections.
The invitation-only...
Marriott Sustainability Report Tracks Reductions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
BETHESDA, MD.—Since 2007, Marriott International has reduced its energy consumption by 11 percent, reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 10.7 percent, and is on track to meet its aggressive goal of a 25 percent decrease in energy and water consumption per available room by 2017. These results are among those reported to shareholders, customers, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), associates and other stakeholders in the company’s first official Sustainability Report using the guidelines set forth by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
“We are committed to being a corporate social responsibility leader, benchmarking with like-minded companies, and providing the information and transparency that our...
MGM Resorts Presents Results of Diversity, Giving Programs
LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International chairman and CEO James J. Murren and Alexis Herman, chair of the company’s Diversity and Community Affairs Committee of the Board, recently presented the latest results of the company’s Diversity and Philanthropy Initiatives at its formal Annual Diversity & Philanthropy Meeting held at ARIA Resort & Casino. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the Diversity Initiative since it was launched in 2000.
Murren and Herman provided information about the progress of the Diversity Initiative, which showed strong results in the areas of supplier diversity, construction diversity and employment.
“It has become more important than ever, particularly...
GSA in New Bulletin to Government Agencies: Travel Green
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), on September 30, 2010, issued GSA Bulletin FTR 10-06. The purpose of the bulletin is to provide guidance to employees of agencies subject to the Federal Travel Regulation to enhance travel cost savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The bulletin includes suggestions regarding green lodging and green meetings. The guidance will improve management of agency travel programs, save money on travel costs, better protect the environment, and conserve natural resources. According to the bulletin, when managing travel programs, sustainability and protecting the interests of taxpayers must be among the prime considerations...
Hilton San Francisco Opens Electric Vehicle Charging Station
SAN FRANCISCO—Hilton San Francisco Financial District, ParkPod, LLC, and Ace Parking announced the successful installation of San Francisco’s first high speed electric vehicle charging station (Level II) open to the public at a non-government location. Beginning immediately, electric vehicle owners will be able to charge at Hilton San Francisco Financial District Hotel at 750 Kearny Street.
Until now, most charging stations have been publicly financed and installed at government-owned locations. Rainer Genschel, ParkPod’s co-CEO, said, “The first high speed installation at a commercial location is particularly significant because, above all, charging has to be convenient. ParkPod’s aim is to make...
Federal Trade Commission Mandates Mercury Warnings on CFL Packaging
SAN FRANCISCO—The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ruling on mercury labeling will require all compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) manufacturers to provide information on proper handling and cleanup when a CFL breaks. CFLs have gained in market share in recent years because of their energy efficiency. Amy Galland, research director of As You Sow, said, “Consumers have learned that CFLs use less electricity than incandescent bulbs, which is good for the environment. But as more CFLs entered the market we have been concerned that consumers do not fully appreciate the potential dangers if a CFL is broken. There is mercury...
HAC Accepting Entries for Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence
OTTAWA, ONT.—The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is now accepting entries for the 2010 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence. Now in its seventh year, the Hall of Fame Awards program continues the association’s tradition of acknowledging the strong standards and values of those involved in and with the lodging industry. Each year the Hall of Fame Awards attracts more and more entries from HAC members across the country. The Awards program recognizes those individuals, companies or properties that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to the industry in several divisions.
The Humanitarian Award is given for...