ATLANTA—PKF Hospitality Research (PKF-HR) estimates that U.S. hotel revenues will increase an estimated 5.8 percent in 2007, and grow another 5.3 percent in 2008. Both projections exceed the long-term average annual growth rate of 4.5 percent. Further, revenue growth will be heavily weighted toward growth in room rates relative to occupancy. Forecasts for revenue growth in excess of 5 percent should result in huge gains in profits especially when revenue growth largely comes from room rates. However, PKF-HR is concerned about the strong operating expense increases that typically occur at this point in the cycle and the negative impact they...

ADELPHI, MD.—The UMUC Inn and Conference Center by Marriott (a Marriott managed property) was the first conference center and hotel in North America to be granted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in October of 2005. In 2008, to further demonstrate its commitment to the environment, the hotel has relaunched its recycling program and added a composting initiative to its food and beverage practices. “You cannot pick up a newspaper, magazine, or turn on the TV without seeing a company’s commitment to safer environmental practice,” said Mike McCarthy, general manager. “We have got to do the right thing...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Scandic has decided to stop selling bottled water in its restaurants and during conferences. The hotel chain calculates that this move will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 160 tonnes per year. Scandic currently sells around 1.2 million litres of water, equating to 3.6 million 33cl bottles, every year. Last autumn Scandic decided to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its direct activities to zero by 2025, with an interim target of halving emissions by 2011. Bottled water is being phased out at Scandic as part of the next focus, which in part is on shipments to the hotels. “After careful consideration,...

CHICAGO—The 2008 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, to be held May 17-20 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will feature more than 2,150 exhibiting companies and once again offer a slate of environment-related educational sessions. The show is expected to draw 74,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and 115 countries. Programming will also feature trendsetting chefs and restaurateurs, leading experts, celebrities and more. Located on Level 3 of the North Hall, the Organic & Natural Pavilion will highlight exhibitors offering certified organic food and beverage products. Organic is one of the hottest menu trends right now, and show attendees...

MINNEAPOLIS—The Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis announced that it has completed its conversion to a 100 percent smoke-free facility, including all public areas, meeting rooms and guestrooms. The month-long extensive cleaning process—including shampooing carpet and upholstered furniture, dry cleaning, painting, and other deep cleaning—focused on converting approximately 30 guestrooms to be smoke free at an investment of more than $15,000. “Our decision to become 100 percent smoke free reflects our commitment to providing guests with a clean, comfortable and healthy stay,” said Judith Kalfon, general manager of the Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis. “The conversion is a significant enhancement for the hotel...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, announced new standards requiring 34 of the company’s managed golf courses throughout North America and the Caribbean to become Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries by the end of 2008. Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, which enable golf facilities to protect the environment by enhancing natural areas and wildlife habitats, are part of a systemwide commitment by Marriott International, Inc. to promote environmental stewardship. Marriott’s Audubon Certification mandate program includes 34 golf courses at 25 locations throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, including famed golf destinations such...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Online attendee registration for the 2008 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) is now available at www.hitec.org. HITEC, a service of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), is the world’s largest hospitality technology exposition and conference. HITEC 2008 is June 16-19 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas. “HITEC is always a great opportunity to get a high-level overview of concepts at the education sessions, network with colleagues and meet vendors,” said Rahul Pandit, vice president of operations and people for Lemon Tree Hotels. HITEC 2008 offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry...

DENVER—RockResorts, a luxury hotel company with a long-standing tradition of emphasizing the natural settings of its resort locations, is launching a brand-wide Green Weddings initiative beginning this summer. From the majestic mountains of Vail to the authentic adobes of Santa Fe, couples can now say “I Do” at a RockResort without saying “I Don’t” to Mother Nature. Those exchanging their vows at the nine unique RockResorts properties will do much more than just recycle the cans attached to their “Just Married” signs. Celebrating this special day at a RockResort offers shades of green sure to satisfy and make a difference...

SCHAUMBURG, ILL.—The Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center has announced the conversion of its chlorine recreation facility into an eco-friendly mineral pool. As the first hotel in Illinois to replace chlorine with a mineral-based formula, the hotel’s new pool will contain fewer waterborne irritants and no strong chlorine odor. “We are excited to be the first hotel in Illinois to offer guests a mineral-based pool experience that is gentler on the skin and eyes,” said Thomas Robertson, general manager. “These environmental benefits further our operational goal to implement conservation and environmental practices while delivering a superior guest experience.” The mineral pool...

LAS VEGAS—Participants in day two, the final day of the UNLV & JMBM Hotel Developers Conference here at the Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa, heard from experts in finance, mixed-use developments, government programs and regulations, green hotel operations, and the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. Kip Richardson, Director of Business Development for Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects, kicked off the day of educational sessions with a presentation entitled, “Beyond LEED: The Cutting Edge of Sustainable Design.” Richardson described some of the reasons why it is important to take a sustainable...