PARIS—For the first time, Accor joins the ‘A-list’ of global environmental non-profit CDP, as part of the leading companies regarding transparency, management of environment risks and demonstrating the rigor and ambition with which the climate issue is addressed in the company’s business model. Accor is one of the 141 European companies that achieved an ‘A’ on climate change out of over 21,000 companies scored. Moreover, Accor has once again demonstrated its leadership on the climate issue by being the only company, among the leading hospitality companies, to be recognized with an ‘A’. This recognition rewards the work carried out as part...

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.—Hotel Casa del Mar, located on the beach in Santa Monica, kicked off a new partnership with Schmidt Ocean Institute with an educational luncheon at the hotel’s newest event space, The Conservatory. The iconic hotel welcomed guests to the stunning oceanfront venue last month for a special afternoon learning about the Ocean Rising initiative and Schmidt Ocean Institute’s deep-sea expeditions and latest discoveries. The luncheon was the first of many events that the hotel and Schmidt Ocean Institute have in store for the new year. Guests viewed art from Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Artist-at-Sea program, which brings artists aboard its research vessel to work alongside scientists, and...

MIAMI—Arlo Wynwood, an experience-driven, 217-room boutique hotel that serves as a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike, has announced a new artist exhibition in its third floor Living Room Gallery. The three-month installation, titled “Our Shadow Remains” (on view February 14 through May 15), highlights the work of Afro-Caribbean visual artist Kandy G Lopez, whose pieces often represent marginalized individuals who inspire and move her. Drawing much of her inspiration from individuals she follows and connects with on social media, Lopez dives deeper into their lives, seeking to understand their experiences to create captivating portraits that reflect their personalities...

NEW YORK—The Open Wing Alliance (OWA), a global coalition of 100 organizations in 72 countries on six continents, released a new animal welfare report: Fair and Fowl: Global Travel Edition. The report examines ethical discrepancies within the hospitality sector, exposing companies that, despite pledging to source 100 percent cage-free eggs in their supply chains in recent years, are refusing to disclose progress on their commitments. The report highlights the importance of corporate transparency and holding companies accountable for the welfare of animals in their supply chains. Among the hospitality laggards called out in the report are Best Western, Capella Hotel Group, and Millennium and Copthorne Hotels for refusing to provide public updates...

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...