BERLIN—The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with OceanShot and Deborah Brosnan & Associates during the Hospitality and Tourism Panel at the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) CEO Summit in London. This landmark partnership highlights a shared commitment to integrating nature-based solutions into the hospitality industry, aiming to achieve Net Positive Hospitality through practical, science-driven, and regenerative solutions that benefit both the environment and the sector. The MOU will be effective for three years, focusing on key milestones such as the development of a comprehensive framework, implementation of pilot programs, and ongoing evaluation...

SELFOSS, ICELAND—Opened for more than a decade, the ION Adventure Hotel is located just about as far north as one can have a hotel—about an hour outside of Reykjavik, Iceland. The ION Adventure Hotel has many sustainable features and offers front row seating for the majestic Northern Lights. Making it easy to see those lights is the property’s Northern Lights Bar with its 180-degree panoramic windows. The ION Adventure Hotel, which sits on a series of pillars that dramatically jut out of the slopes of Mount Hengill, was once the living residences for the nearby geothermal plant. In 2011, owner...

PARIS—Accor announces the launch of its white paper, Sustainable Expansion of Greek Tourism, an industry report exploring how sustainability can drive long-term growth and resilience in Greece’s tourism sector. In 2024, Greece welcomed a record-breaking over 35 million international visitors, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s top travel destinations. As tourism continues to thrive, so does the need for responsible expansion—one that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. With its strong and expanding presence in Greece, Accor considers the country a strategic priority, and this white paper reflects its commitment to supporting the evolution of sustainable...

LONDON—As India rapidly matures in global and economic influence, so does the buying power of its vast and adventurous traveling population. According to new research by MMGY Travel Intelligence, passport-carrying adults in India intend to spend an average of $4,755 on leisure trips in the next 12 months, pinpointing a 14 percent increase in spending over the past year. This and other findings are at the core of Portrait of Indian International Travellers—which unveils key new insights into the travel behaviors, motivations and preferences of Indian travelers exploring abroad. “India is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most influential outbound travel markets,” said...

WISCONSIN DELLS, WIS.—Kalahari Resorts & Conventions announced the launch of the Kalahari Adventure Collection, a new property tier defined by distinctive, experience-driven accommodations that invite guests to explore, connect and discover in unexpected ways. The first destination under this banner is now underway in Wisconsin Dells, with a bold mix of elevated treehouses, lakefront cabins and spacious villas, opening in 2026. Tucked within the woods neighboring Kalahari’s flagship resort, the new development brings an entirely fresh flavor to the Kalahari experience—one where elevated design meets natural immersion. Leading the design and build of the custom treehouses is Nelson Treehouse, the...

GREENVILLE, S.C.—For a second consecutive year, third-party hotel management company Hospitality America has earned the “Top Workplaces 2025” award, co-sponsored by USA Today and Energage. The program celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. In the words of company employees, it’s Hospitality America’s “Engagement,” “Alignment,” “Performance,” “Connection,” and “Coaching,” that earned it this coveted accomplishment. “The Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for Hospitality America, because it reflects the authentic experiences of our team,” said Ben Campbell, President and CEO. “We are deeply humbled by this recognition. Over the years, we’ve learned that attracting and retaining top...

NATIONAL REPORT—In an era marked by rising energy costs, shifting regulations, and a growing demand for sustainable business practices, the cold storage industry stands at the crossroads of innovation and necessity. Energy efficiency is no longer a bonus—it’s a mandate. For businesses that rely on walk-in coolers and freezers, from restaurants and grocery stores to pharmaceutical labs and food distribution centers, future-ready refrigeration means embracing smarter, greener, and more efficient technologies. Cold storage is an energy-intensive necessity. With compressors running 24/7 and temperature consistency being critical to product integrity, refrigeration systems account for a substantial portion of operational energy use....

NORTH BETHESDA, MD.—Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, released its 2024 Sustainability Report. “At Choice Hotels, we are dedicated to building a better tomorrow, today, by integrating sustainable practices across our business,” said Megan Brumagim, Vice President, Upscale Brands and Chief Sustainability Officer for Choice Hotels International. “Our 2024 Sustainability Report highlights our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and driving long-term value for hotel owners. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain energized to continue our journey towards a more sustainable tomorrow.” Key Highlights of the 2024 Sustainability Report Carbon Emissions: Choice Hotels has reported...

NATIONAL REPORT—Hospitality employees, particularly those in luxury hotels and spas, have always been expected to deliver excellent, personalized, and remarkable service to guests. This service often involves emotional labor, defined as managing personal emotions to meet workplace expectations. However, a study published in Tourism Management suggests this emotional labor might have hidden costs, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion among employees. The study monitored 534 hotel interns, observing their mental health changes over eight months. It was uncovered that within the first three months of employment, occurrences of anxiety and depression increased. “Surface acting,” or the act of suppressing or...

BERLIN, GERMANY—Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper called for immediate and tangible climate action, financing and collaboration to protect tourism-dependent destinations during a high-profile panel discussion at ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows. Regis-Prosper was speaking during a panel titled, “From Promise to Progress: Steering Tourism in Challenging Times”, alongside global tourism executives from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the European Commission, and NECSTouR. Highlighting the Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate change, Regis-Prosper stressed the urgent need for practical tools and financing to help tourism-dependent regions navigate escalating climate impacts. “Sustainability is our...