AUSTIN, TEXAS—Although travelers burn gas to get to their destinations, one answer to greener travel is to vacation by choosing an eco-friendly B&B. BedandBreakfast.com innkeepers are moving toward greener getaways by investing in earth-friendly practices to ensure guests the finest in eco-escapes. BedandBreakfast.com currently lists more than 35 earth-friendly special packages. Listed in alphabetical order by state, here are some examples of green packages offered by BedandBreakfast.com members. Strawberry Creek B&B, Idyllwild, Calif.: Relax on soft, cotton-like hammocks made from recycled soda bottles. This inn’s tranquil wooded setting is certified by the National Wildlife Federation as an...

NATIONAL REPORT—When the first loft-style NYLO hotel opens later this year in Plano, Texas, an entire floor—44 rooms—of the 176-room property will include allergy-friendly guestrooms. Atlanta-based NYLO Hotels LLC has partnered with Pure Solutions NA, Buffalo, N.Y., to provide the PURE rooms. NYLO, which has a goal of opening 50 properties throughout North America by 2010, intends to include one PURE floor in each of its hotels. NYLO’s decision to provide these super clean rooms will be a welcome relief to the 70 million Americans who suffer from allergies or some type of chemical sensitivity. The PURE rooms also will...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In April, all 2,800 hotels in nearly 70 countries will help Marriott International Inc. celebrate Environmental Awareness Month, marking the company’s biggest effort to promote eco-friendly practices on the road, at work, at home and in the community. The month-long drive enlists Marriott customers, associates and business partners in a variety of projects to save, recycle and reuse, including: Clean Up the World—In partnership with Clean Up the World, a global green volunteer organization, Marriott hotels will join forces on a variety of local cleanup projects including the River Thames in London, the Potomac River in Washington,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is launching a Webinar program to further compliment the association’s wide array of existing educational offerings that help members operate more efficiently and profitably. The first three trainings—presented in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program—will run in April, May and June, and focus on the keys to a successful energy management program that improve property efficiency and financial performance. Topics include: How Does Your Hotel Measure Up—April 4, 1 p.m. (EST) Explore the financial and environmental reasons why hotel operators should measure, trace...

NATIONAL REPORT—Lighting plays a key role in the hospitality experience, from enhancing architectural effects to providing security and directional functions. Recent technological advances in the lighting industry have also made it an increasingly important consideration in sustainable design and building practices. New light sources have emerged that are both cost-effective and that perform up to or better than older technologies. While some of the newer light sources may cost more initially, the resulting electrical and maintenance savings often equate to an impressive 30 to 600 percent return on investment. The energy programs and policies of any hotel, motel or resort should...

SAN JUAN, P.R.—Key players from the U.K. tourism industry had the opportunity to exchange views on climate change with the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), its environmental division the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) at a meeting held in London last week. The encounter, organized by the Caribbean Council for CHA and CTO, enabled representatives from tour operators, airlines, travel associations and government officials to exchange views on how best the industry in the Caribbean might develop a carbon-neutral approach. CAST Director Deirdre Shurland set the stage by tabling two fundamental...

BERLIN, GERMANY—World Travel and Tourism is expected to generate in excess of $7 trillion in 2007, rising to over $13 trillion over the coming decade according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) research, sponsored by Accenture and prepared by Oxford Economics. The new TSA results show strong performance for travel and tourism demand in 2007, growing at a rate of 3.9 percent. This forecast points to a mature but steady phase of growth for world travel and tourism in the short and medium term, averaging 4.3 percent per annum, between 2008 and...

DALLAS—In January, when Pineapple Hospitality and Lodging Hospitality revved up their planning for their first Green Hospitality Conference, they expected about 75 people to register. On Wednesday, March 14, however, about 175 people attended—many signing up the day of the event. That surprise surge in attendees proved that owners and operators are hungry to learn about environmental trends and how to operate more profitably while conserving natural resources. “We were extremely pleased with the attendance,” says Ray Burger, President of Pineapple Hospitality, Saint Charles, Mo. “The number of hotel companies represented was impressive and we appreciated the support...

SAN FRANCISCO—The Serrano Hotel in San Francisco’s theater district has partnered with two unique Bay Area green businesses—3 Phases Energy and DriveNeutral—to offset its output of carbon dioxide and support renewable energy efforts. “We are totally committed to making effective changes in our environmental and socially responsible practices, without compromising the quality, service or integrity of the experience we provide our guests,” says Michael Pace, general manager at the Serrano Hotel, one of 41 Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants throughout the country. “Renewable energy and offsetting our CO2 output are two effective ways for our hotel to make a...

ST. PETE BEACH, FLA.—Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection welcomed the TradeWinds Sandpiper Hotel and Suites to the Florida Green Lodging program. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. “The TradeWinds Sandpiper joins its sister property, the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, as two premiere St. Pete Beach hotels committed to the state’s environment,” said DEP Southwest District Assistant Director Michael Farley. “These facilities serve as great examples to hotels across the state to adopt innovative green practices that conserve natural resources for...