INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, whose mission is to accelerate the path to net positive hospitality through strategic industry leadership, collaborative action, harmonization of metrics and regenerative solutions, issued several announcements in the last two months. First, in December it announced that Green Key Global has joined the Alliance. With standardized programs and resources tailored for the hotel and meetings industries, Green Key Global supports over 1,600 hotel properties and brands, as well as 350 venues, in their commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable initiatives. Through their Green Key Eco-Rating Program, hotels and lodging facilities are recognized for their...

PENSACOLA BEACH, FLA.—Innisfree Hotels announces the completion of an ambitious solar power project at its Surf & Sand Hotel in Pensacola Beach. SunFarm Energy, Northwest Florida’s local solar experts, recently installed a 330-panel rooftop solar array atop the 100-room property, making it the first solar-powered commercial site in Pensacola Beach and resulting in a huge reduction in the hotel’s carbon footprint. The solar power provided by the rooftop setup will offset nearly half of the Surf & Sand’s annual energy usage and provide substantial savings on utility bills. By reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint by 50 percent, the solar project is reducing emissions...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—After the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation from Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., to reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act for five years, American Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO Chip Rogers released the following statement: “The hotel industry is united behind preventing human trafficking and helping survivors, and AHLA applauds House lawmakers for this bipartisan vote to extend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act,” said Rogers. “The bill provides vital funding for trafficking prevention and awareness efforts as well as housing, employment, and education programs for trafficking survivors. These initiatives complement AHLA Foundation’s No Room For Trafficking initiative, which supports human trafficking...

BETHESDA, MD.—Pebblebrook Hotel Trust announced that it published its fifth annual Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility Report covering the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in 2022 and its commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices and social responsibility to its employees and other stakeholders. Pebblebrook’s 2023 ESG Report is aligned with international reporting standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and includes pivotal disclosures in accordance with the Real Estate Sustainability Accounting Standard of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). It also demonstrates Pebblebrook’s proactive approach in evaluating and planning for sustainability risks following the guidelines of the...

CHICAGO—Plans are taking shape for the 55th edition of NeoCon (held June 10 to 12 at THE MART), the world’s leading platform for commercial space design, as show management announces a power-list of thought-provoking speakers, dynamic activations, best-in-class brands, and the newest movers and shakers impacting the built environment. The three-day event offers opportunities to connect, learn, and experience the latest trends and innovations across verticals, from office to healthcare. Attendees, who hail from large enterprise companies to design professionals representing markets ranging from Workplace, Healthcare, Hospitality, Retail, Real Estate, Education, Public Space, and Government can register for this...

DENVER—Under Canvas, a leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, announced that all five of its Grand Circle camps across Utah and Arizona—Under Canvas Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell - Grand Staircase and Moab—have been recognized as the world’s first official DarkSky-certified resorts, creating the preeminent road trip itinerary for astrotourism. Additionally, Under Canvas announced a new “We Own the Night” campaign, which will invite guests to experience the beauty and wonder of the night sky like never before. In August 2023, Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase became the first-ever DarkSky-certified lodging property in the world; now, the brand can proudly say all five of its...

NEOM, SAUDI ARABIA—Luxury ecotourism in Saudi Arabia has taken a major step forward with the announcement of Zardun, an exclusive sanctuary resort developed by NEOM, the sustainable region taking shape in the northwest of the Kingdom. Announced by the NEOM Board of Directors, Zardun has been designed to seamlessly blend contemporary luxury with nature. The unique destination is the latest in a series of coastal assets that form part of the ongoing development taking place across the NEOM region. Overlooking the crystalline waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, Zardun is a nature-based resort that will host four ultra-luxury signature buildings, all of which will...

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA.—Capitalizing on the growing percentage of road travelers who drive electric vehicles (EVs), the online Stay-N-Charge directory of lodging establishments with EV chargers in North America is gaining serious traction. A recent search on the site produced 1,353 properties with EV charging stations. The directory serves as a marketing tool for owners as well as a helpful resource for travelers looking for a place to stay and charge. Tony Booth, founder, and CEO of Stay-N-Charge, says that in the U.S. about 2 percent of car owners now drive EVs. In California it is about 15 percent. “Nationwide,...

LOS ANGELES—Blackstone’s planned acquisition of the single-family rental company Tricon Residential will further exacerbate the housing affordability crisis and harm tenants and workers, according to UNITE HERE Local 11, AFSCME Local 3299, the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) and the Private Equity Stakeholder Project (PESP). As Blackstone seeks to grow as a landlord, workers at its hotel properties struggle to afford rent. Workers at the Blackstone-owned Fairfield LAX/El Segundo, Aloft LAX/El Segundo and Sheraton Phoenix went on strike last year and continue to fight for a contract that will provide living wages, affordable benefits, and adequate staffing. While 29 hotels...

COLUMBUS, OHIO—Red Roof is once again partnering with Canine Companions through its Room In Your Heart (RIYH) purpose-driven program. Canine Companions is an organization that transforms the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs to those in need, including veterans. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ben Connor says his Canine Companions Service Dog, Sims, has brought structure and joy back to his life by doing things for him that most people take for granted. Travelers who book and stay at any Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof, or The Red Collection property from February 1,...