LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, a holistic hospitality company serving those who value wellness, social good and the environment, announced the opening of the Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels, a classic, beachfront experience in one of California’s most iconic destinations. Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, Calif., the 41-room eco surf lodge sits directly on the sand of the town’s legendary beach, an easy walking distance to the acclaimed art galleries, eateries, and boutiques of Laguna Beach village. The hotel immerses guests in the nostalgia of California’s fabled surf scene, while offering modern nature-based wellness experiences, locally...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International and BetMGM announced new groundbreaking initiatives in collaboration with Kindbridge designed to support problem gambling research and mental health services. Kindbridge Research Institute and Kindbridge Behavioral Health are organizations that aim to better understand the problems that exist within at-risk communities, delivering evidence-based treatment for gambling disorder. The partnerships and collaborations break down as follows: MGM Resorts & Kindbridge Research Institute As part of its commitment to responsible gaming research, MGM Resorts has donated $100,000 to Kindbridge Research Institute in support of a voluntary medication trial for veterans experiencing gambling addiction in Las Vegas. This first-of-its-kind treatment aims to reduce gambling urges and symptom severity among veterans with gambling disorder. “This contribution will help...

NEW YORK—The Open Wing Alliance (OWA), a global coalition working to end the abuse of chickens worldwide, announces that Hilton, Louvre Hotels Group, and Meliá Hotels International have all made impressive strides in their transparency in reporting progress on their commitments to source 100 percent cage-free eggs in their entire portfolios globally. This vital reporting comes just 17 days after the launch of a global campaign led by the OWA, urging hospitality companies to provide details on their cage-free egg implementation plans. Once implemented, the combined commitments will reduce the suffering of nearly 861,000 hens in supply chains annually. Details of...

NORTH BETHESDA, MD.—Over a dozen local nonprofits nationwide were recently recognized as part of Choice Hotels International, Inc.’s Your Community, Your Choice program. This program, which began in 2019, empowers hotel owners and operators to make a positive difference in their communities. The recipients of the grants, totaling $75,000, exemplify Choice Hotels’ commitment to serving the communities where Choice owners and operators work and live. “We are proud to recognize and celebrate the impact of these charities Choice hotel owners and operators nominated to receive grants,” said Megan Brumagim, Vice President, Sustainability, Choice Hotels International. “As local business owners themselves, owners and operators...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—While lifestyle hotels around the world continue to thrive, experiences in the hotel space are geared toward adults. Rachel Meng realized that much of hospitality’s modern branding, offerings, and amenities don’t reflect the wants and needs of today’s young family. So, she created Hotel Bambinee to deliver an elevated lifestyle experience that puts families at the forefront. “The brand reflects the busy, wonderful, complex, and ever-changing world of families. Hotel Bambinee invites guests to embark easily and rest peacefully. We’re celebrating and empowering families,” said Meng, who has over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry and most...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—A groundbreaking statistical framework, developed under the leadership of UN Tourism, has been adopted by all 193 UN member states. The Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) thus becomes the internationally agreed reference framework for measuring the economic, social, and environmental aspects of tourism. The adoption by the UN Statistical Commission at its 55th session marks a historical milestone towards harnessing the full potential of the sector, providing a solution to the pressing need for a harmonized methodology to effectively assess the sustainability of tourism. “Tourism is a powerful force for positive change when managed responsibly and sustainably,” says Zurab Pololikashvili, UN...

WISCONSIN DELLS, WIS.—The Nelson family, owners and operators of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, have announced their development of a new distinctive resort experience in the Wisconsin Dells area called Dawn Manor in homage to the historical home previously located on the resort’s land. The lodging at the new resort, named “Kalahari Treehouse Collection at Dawn Manor”, will feature 21 partially supported luxury treehouses and 31 ground-supported houses, in addition to a 10,000-square-foot Wisconsin supper club, named Daylene’s Supper Club at Dawn Manor, all overlooking scenic Lake Delton. “Our family, along with our thousands of dedicated associates, have been bringing beyond-expectations...

SHAWANO, WIS.—NEWH, Inc. introduces the executive committee for 2024 to 2025. This year holds particular significance for the organization, as 2024 marks the grand 40th Anniversary of NEWH. While the official milestone is set for October, the celebration commences early with captivating programs leading up to and during the Hospitality Design’s annual HD Expo in Las Vegas from April 29 to May 2, 2024. Through the years, the hospitality industry’s top talent has served on NEWH’s executive committee. The 2024-2025 committee consists of 15 individuals, including President Sandy Banks, Secretary Jennifer Wellman, Vice Presidents Kevin Swart (Finance), Brittany Spinner (Scholarship), Dallas Bentley...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International announced that it has partnered with the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) to incentivize residential water conservation for its more than 50,000 employees in Southern Nevada. Through a $500,000 grant to the SNWA Water Efficiency Improvement Fund, MGM Resorts employees will earn additional rebates when they take advantage of existing SNWA water savings programs that target residential water conservation. “In light of my pledge to the CEO Water Mandate and commitments to water stewardship in the community, I’m proud to announce a half-million-dollar grant that will educate and empower our employees to make a meaningful impact on water conservation,”...

NORTH BETHESDA, MD.—Sleep Inn, a leading limited service, lifestyle brand from Choice Hotels International, Inc. known for its modern, nature-inspired, stylish design, has revealed the interior details for its latest prototype, Scenic Dreams. Developed in collaboration with developers, owners, and operators, the refreshed Sleep Inn prototype features redesigned guestrooms and common areas that complement the iconic exterior tower and purple accent lighting previously announced in April 2023. Through consumer testing the Scenic Dreams prototype was found to significantly increase guests’ likelihood to stay, while remaining one of the lowest cost hotels to build and operate in midscale. “Choice Hotels strives to bring an intentional approach to design and...