WISCONSIN DELLS, WIS.—Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, announced its pledge to bring clean water to one million people throughout Africa in partnership with the world-renowned nonprofit, charity: water. The pledge equates to a commitment of $50 million. Kalahari Resorts is authentically African-themed, inspired by a trip to Africa over 20 years ago by the owners and founders, the Nelson family. Known for their four award-winning waterpark resorts in Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas, the Nelson family opened the first Kalahari Resort in 2000 and continue to own and operate the resort brand today. Kalahari recently...

NATIONAL REPORT—Minimizing the spread of germs should be top-of-mind for facility managers, especially this time of year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 11 percent of the U.S. comes down with the flu each year. Businesses can help facility occupants stay safe from infections, like influenza or the common cold, by taking the time to analyze and enhance their cleaning programs. Upticks in infections lead to increased absences in schools, offices and other businesses, resulting in lost productivity. Outbreaks can also negatively affect the public’s perception of a business. Implementing cleaning and hygiene best...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Scandic has reached a sustainability milestone by recertifying all of its previously ecolabeled hotels according to the Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s new, tougher environmental requirements. More than 88 percent of Scandic’s hotels are ecolabeled and the company is continuing its efforts to ensure that all hotels are certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is the official environmental certification in the Nordic countries. It updates its requirements approximately every four years, and the most recent update in 2023 included higher environmental goals. To continue to be certified, Scandic’s ecolabeled hotels have now undergone a rigorous recertification process...

SHEWANO, WIS.—NEWH announced the launch of the Martha’s Mentor Program, a transformative, 10-month initiative designed to connect aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry with experienced industry role models. This program aims to empower mentees and support their journey towards achieving success and leadership positions within the hospitality sector. The program is named in memory of Martha Tillim, esteemed industry veteran and mentor to many who served on the board of the Washington D.C. chapter. This mentor project exemplifies NEWH’s commitment to fostering professional growth and elevating peers in the industry. By pairing mentees with highly accomplished mentors, the program seeks...

SAN FRANCISCO—RESET, a new hotel brand, has broken ground on its first property on 180 acres of private desert next to Joshua Tree National Park. This 65-room property will serve as the flagship for the RESET brand co-founded by Ben Uyeda. Sightline Hospitality has signed on as the operator. This project combines state-of-the-art steel frame modular construction, a modern and minimalist approach to design, and an investor group with over 40 million social media followers to create a new brand that brings curated hospitality to the very edge of one of California’s most iconic natural landscapes. RESET Hotel, Joshua Tree, features 65 rooms...

BETHESDA, MD.—In recognition of World Children’s Day, Marriott International announced it is working together with UNICEF to relaunch and expand its donation program “Check Out for Children.” The program—which invites guests to make a voluntary donation for each night of their stay—is now live in over 500 properties across 40 countries in Marriott’s Caribbean, Latin America (CALA), Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) regions. Over the course of nearly three decades, hotels in the company’s portfolio have helped Marriott raise over $50M for UNICEF, benefiting more than 4.5M children worldwide, mainly through the Check Out...

ATLANTA—Coverings (www.coverings.com), the premier international ceramic tile and natural stone exhibition and conference in North America, has launched the official openings for event registration, discounted hotel booking options and award program submissions for Coverings 2024, which will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Atlanta, April 22 to 25. Tile, stone, and design professionals across all segments of the industry can now register at no cost to attend Coverings 2024 by visiting Coverings.com. Registering online currently offers several benefits, including advanced access to event updates, special program notifications, exclusive promotions, introduction to new product trends and innovations,...

ATLANTA—Hotel Indigo, part of IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, is launching a first-of-its-kind offering—in the U.S. and U.K.—where those who live in the same zip code, or postcode, as a Hotel Indigo can now “borrow” everyday necessities at no cost. The program, Borrowed by Hotel Indigo, which comes on the heels of the brand’s largest marketing campaign, The World’s Neighborhood Hotel, will aim to foster connection and build community. Our social structure has evolved, and we no longer borrow from our neighbors as much as we once used to. In fact, a recent survey from Hotel Indigo reveals that people interact with...

MONTEGROTTO TERME, ITALY—An eco-friendly approach to hospitality, in full respect of the region and its preexisting elements: the new Green Lodges of the Terme Preistoriche Resort & Spa in Montegrotto Terme, designed by Studio Apostoli, is meant to be a manifesto of zero-emission wellness hospitality. Seven suites are incorporated into four wooden stilted structures and interconnected through a raised system of ramps, walkways, and accessible terraces. They also include a historically preserved villa, the eighth and most extensive offering within this entrepreneurial endeavor. A total of 160 micro piles support the new constructions and outdoor spaces, preserving the roots...

BURBANK, CALIF.—Around the world, Disney is committed to giving to those in need. During this special time of year when people gather with loved ones, Disney is volunteering at local food banks and donating food from its kitchens to surrounding communities, sharing Thanksgiving meals as one of the many ways it makes a difference throughout the year. “Giving is who we are as part of the Disney family,” said Chef Gregg Hannon, Culinary Director at Walt Disney World. “We believe that everything we do to make magic can also make a difference, which is what I see happening when we provide...