OAKLAND, CALIF.—A new global survey by Lonely Planet reveals that travelers are keen to make significant changes to their behavior to travel sustainably. Lonely Planet’s annual Travelers’ Pulse survey, which polled over 24,500 people worldwide, showed 84 percent of respondents said they would consider offsetting their emissions in the future, whereas only 31 percent had done so in the past. One of the strongest changes for the future was in volunteering. A huge 79 percent of respondents said they would or might volunteer overseas in the future, with only 25 percent having done so in the past. Seventy percent of...

MCLEAN, VA.—Showcasing an enhanced agenda this year, the 18th annual Affordable Meetings National show, Sept. 5-6 at the Washington Convention Center, will offer meeting and event planners two general sessions, 28 educational seminars—11 new to the line-up including sessions on green meetings and new industry technologies—two networking luncheons and a welcome reception, all designed to present attendees with the skills and techniques that are essential in the industry. With a variety of educational opportunities, meeting planners at all levels of experience can choose from 28 workshops and seminars that will focus on “need to know” industry topics. This free comprehensive...

KEY WEST, FLA.—The Banyan Resort and the Gardens Hotel last week became the Florida Keys’ first certified members of the Green Lodging Program, created by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to recognize and reward environmentally conscious lodging facilities in the state. The two Old Town Key West properties were awarded “one palm” certification for their environmental commitment in ceremonies attended by State Representative Ron Saunders, Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson, Stacey Mitchell, director of sales for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Laura Comer and Gus Rios of the DEP. “These businesses are stepping up to recognize...

SAN FRANCISCO—W Hotels Worldwide is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Pace as general manager of W San Francisco. Pace replaces Toni Knorr, the longtime W general manager who recently took over the general manager duties at the St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco. Pace joins W San Francisco from Kimpton Hotels, where he successfully led various San Francisco hotels as general manager since 1998. His most recent position was that of general manager for the 236-room Hotel Serrano in San Francisco. Known for his passionate commitment to guest services, Pace has also established himself as a vocal advocate...

NEEDHAM, MASS.—TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, announced the results of its smoking survey of more than 1,400 travelers worldwide, revealing that nearly 90 percent of respondents believe hotels and restaurants need to be clearer about whether they are smoking or nonsmoking establishments, and where smoking is permitted and prohibited. Eighty-six percent of travelers surveyed were nonsmokers. While only 14 percent identified themselves as smokers, 23 percent admitted to “social smoking.” Twenty-two percent of travelers said that visiting a city or country where smoking is prohibited is “always” a consideration, while 34 percent said it is “sometimes” a consideration. Whether...

BROOMFIELD, COLO.—Through its partnership with The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., Quintess, LRW has joined the company’s recently launched Leading Green Initiative, a program enabling and encouraging guests to make conscious decisions about greener travel by actively supporting Sustainable Travel International (STI), a nonprofit organization that emphasizes responsible tourism. The Leading Green Initiative is a carbon neutral program whereby Quintess, LRW will directly absorb the cost to offset members’ energy consumption in each of the Club’s more than 60 properties worldwide. Through this, Quintess, LRW will contribute funds to renewable energy programs that will prevent an equal amount of...

BANGKOK, THAILAND—The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is challenging influential and passionate travel industry leaders to agree and sign on to a truly cross-sectoral industry response to climate change, one of the greatest global threats to travel and tourism. Hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and organized in partnership with the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) and the Burba Hotel Network (BHN), PATA’s CEO Challenge 2008: Confronting Climate Change will take place in Bangkok on April 29-30, 2008. PATA President and CEO Peter de Jong said that the ambitious goal for the CEO Challenge is to create a...

LA TANTE, ST. DAVID’S, GRENADA—The recently opened Paradise Bay Resort & Spa in Grenada, Eastern Caribbean will buy carbon certificates to compensate the CO2 emissions from guest’s flights, as well as the transport on the islands. Guests do not need to sign in for this or pay extra; it is an automatic, externally audited program valid for all guests. Resort prices have not been increased because of this. “We expect the extra costs for this Carbon Free Vacation approach will be compensated by higher guest loyalty,” says James Post, owner. Paradise Bay Resort & Spa is the first resort in the...

DUBAI, U.A.E.—Shaza Hotels, the regional lifestyle hotel brand, has announced that all of its upcoming hotel developments will be certified to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards—the internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of eco-friendly buildings. The certification—the first of its kind across an entire hotel brand in the Dubai region—demonstrates the hotelier’s commitment to environmentally sustainable projects that embody a green lifestyle and embrace the values and traditions of its discerning clientele. The progressive move will ensure that Shaza’s first seven properties—Dubai, Doha, Muscat, Cairo, Bahrain, Jeddah and Marrakech—are designed to follow the internationally-recognized...

ATLANTA—Barry Hotel Partners, a division of Barry Real Estate Companies, and Starwood Capital Group will develop a 1 Hotel & Residences as part of The Streets of Buckhead, the massive mixed-use development spearheaded by Atlanta-based Ben Carter Properties. The 1 Hotel, an eco-friendly luxury global hotel brand by Starwood Capital, will open its doors to the public in 2010, offering guests and residences an unmatched combination of environmentally sustainable architecture, luxurious comfort and impeccable service. “Atlanta has grown up a lot in the last several years and it’s ready for the level of luxury shopping, dining, lodging and living that...