TAOS SKI VALLEY, N.M.—Taos Ski Valley announced that it continues to grow its commitment to workforce housing and below-market local housing. In 2018 the resort had three housing units for approximately 20 staff members. This year the resort will expand its workforce housing from a current capacity of 150 staff members to close to 200 staff members by Fall 2024. Additionally, Taos Ski Valley is now directing a $2 per room, per night community impact contribution to hotel stays at the resort’s slopeside property The Blake to the Taos Housing Partnership to support its efforts to address below-market housing solutions in Taos. Funds totaled more than $13,000 for the Winter 24...

RACINE, WIS.—Hotel Verdant, the newest hotel built in downtown Racine, Wisconsin in decades, has officially earned a LEED Gold Certification for its outstanding sustainable design and operations, including the use of geothermal, solar and wind technologies. The Gold level of the certification solidifies Hotel Verdant as the most sustainable hotel in the state of Wisconsin. The 80-room boutique property, which is managed by the renowned hospitality group Charlestowne Hotels, is a revitalized adaptive reuse project that prioritizes mindful amenities and a positive environmental impact. Formerly the iconic Zahn’s Department Store, the property boasts two on-site food and beverage outlets, Marguerite,...

GATINEAU, QUEBEC—Indigenous tourism helps advance economic reconciliation, while allowing the sharing of Indigenous cultures and histories across Canada. That’s why supporting its growth, in close partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, is one of the Government of Canada’s top priorities. One of the many ways in which the government invests in Indigenous tourism is through the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF), a $20 million investment in both large and small Indigenous projects. The first stream of the ITF, the Micro and Small Business Stream, was launched in November 2023 and has already supported 145 projects across the country. The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and...

SEATTLE—Expedia Group released its 2023 Global Impact Report highlighting actions taken and progress made in pursuit of the company’s environmental, social and governance targets and commitments. Formally launched in 2022, Expedia Group’s Open World social impact and sustainability framework has since come to life through programs and partnerships focused on driving impact, with the mission of powering more responsible and sustainable travel for everyone, everywhere. “Expedia Group continues to focus on making a positive impact across the travel industry, concentrating on the connection between our employees, partners, travelers and communities,” said Peter Kern, Vice Chairman and CEO, Expedia Group. “We have expanded our environmental and...

MIAMI—SH Hotels & Resorts, the hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels, and Treehouse Hotels, announced the appointment of several leaders to key roles across the company. These seasoned hospitality veterans are set to spearhead operations at established 1 Hotel properties spanning North America and Treehouse Silicon Valley opening this year, as well as European locations including Treehouse Manchester, also opening this year, and 1 Hotel Copenhagen. “We are thrilled to bring in and elevate these extraordinary professionals as we continue to rapidly expand across the globe and enter new markets,” said Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts....

NATIONAL REPORT—You may have heard the adage: what gets measured gets managed. It’s just as relevant today when it comes to more sustainable business travel. As corporations across the world work towards science-based or net-zero targets, many travel buyers are taking a deep dive into scope 3 emissions while looking at their company’s carbon footprint to manage and mitigate travel impacts. Recent legal and regulatory developments around the world, including the European Union Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, require reporting on scope 1, 2, and 3 for certain companies. According to Global Business Travel Association’s 2023 report, The State of Climate Action...

SAN ANTONIO—The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is filled with hidden gems including the elevated artwork that fills this luxurious resort. Hallways and common spaces feature unique, sophisticated work by locally, nationally, and internationally acclaimed artists, giving guests the opportunity to roam the resort to tour and discover the magnificent art pieces curated for guests to enjoy as a new indoor activity. The “Art Walk” takes resort guests throughout the upper and lower-level lobbies where they can view and read about 13 different pieces of art on a self-guided tour. Guides can be picked up at the...

MALAYSIA—Marriott Hotels, the namesake brand of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, announced the opening of Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa on the island of Perhentian Kecil in Terengganu, on the East Coast of Malaysia. Nestled amidst the beauty of the Perhentian Island Marine Park, the opening of Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa marks the flagship brand’s debut in Terengganu. Through the brand’s rich legacy, the new resort invites guests to discover the irresistible charm of a tropical sanctuary that beckons with the unparallelled natural beauty of marine biodiversity, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a myriad of unforgettable experiences...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International announced the publication of its 2023 Social Impact and Sustainability Report. The report details the company’s continuing and steadfast commitment to its Social Impact and Sustainability principles of embracing humanity and protecting the planet and building a legacy for generations to come. The report also highlights strategies, programs and performance focused on creating a more sustainable future and making a positive impact on the lives of employees, guests, and communities. “Our legacy is grounded in being visionaries and working together to achieve the ambitious goals we set as a business,” said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, H.R. 7024, could provide substantial tax relief to hotels across the country, incentivizing investments in renovations and property upgrades, according to a Cornell University study commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Assn. The study, conducted by Cornell’s Center for Hospitality Research, highlights how hotels of all sizes and service levels stand to benefit from H.R. 7024’s provisions to extend 100 percent bonus depreciation and expand deductibility of business interest. The bipartisan bill to temporarily extend these provisions passed the House in January and is now pending in the Senate. Temporarily restoring 100 percent...