INTERNATIONAL REPORT—In 2025, 93 percent of global travelers expressed a desire to make more sustainable travel choices, with 58 percent actively changing their travel habits to do so, as indicated in Booking.com’s Sustainability and Travel Report 2025. Traveling sustainably is no longer just a trend, but increasingly a priority for many. As awareness grows around the impact of travel on the environment, more destinations are stepping up to offer experiences that are both unforgettable and that can continue to be enjoyed by all for years to come. To mark its annual research, Booking.com is profiling a list of global destinations,...

BETHESDA, MD.—As the United States completes its recognition of National Volunteer Month, Marriott International announced it has exceeded its volunteerism goal of 15 million hours served around the world—one year ahead of schedule—supporting the company’s sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction. From 2016 through the end of 2024, Marriott associates completed a total of 15.6 million volunteer hours in their local communities. “Since our founding nearly 100 years ago, Marriott has been committed to serving our world. I am deeply grateful to our associates, Business Councils, and owners for the thoughtful and creative ways they...

CHARLESTON, W. VA.—West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the creation of “Tourism Works,” an online education program designed to enhance hospitality skills and training among the state’s tourism workforce and everyday West Virginians. The announcement was made with the support of over 200 tourism and hospitality industry professionals at the State Capitol to celebrate the tourism industry’s record-setting $8.7 billion annual economic impact. “As Governor, one of my top priorities is to grow our economy, our population, and our workforce,” said Governor Patrick Morrisey. “Our tourism and hospitality industry is one of the best in the country, and it will be a...

AMSTERDAM—The latest research conducted by Booking.com in 2025 has revealed a significant shift in traveler perceptions regarding sustainability. A majority are now aware of their impact on local communities and the environment. This marks the first time that over half of the participants (53 percent) have shown an understanding of tourism’s influence on these areas. The study, which is the 10th edition of Booking.com’s annual research, delved into consumer attitudes and intentions concerning the social and ecological implications of travel. The findings reflect a growing discussion on the repercussions of tourism on destinations. Interestingly, more than half of the travelers (57 percent)...

CHICAGO—Hilton, a global leader in hospitality, has become the first signatory from its sector to sign the U.S. Food Waste Pact, the national voluntary agreement focused on reducing food waste in the U.S., co-led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Hilton joins 19 other companies and organizations across the food system who have signed onto the Pact, which uses the “Target, Measure, Act” framework to reduce food waste in businesses’ operations. According to ReFED, 31 percent of food produced in the United States goes uneaten or unsold, with the vast majority becoming waste that gets sent to destinations like landfills, incinerators, and sewer...

WESTHAMPTON, N.Y.—Set to offer a fresh take on luxury hospitality in the Hamptons, Three Ducks will open its doors in summer 2025. The hotel is a collaboration and debut property for designer-developers Randall Stone and Elizabeth Bakhash of Three Ducks Hospitality, a hospitality brand focused on creating design-forward properties that celebrate the locale. Stone and Bakhash first met while working at a New York brand and experience agency, where they discovered a shared passion for redefining hospitality through curated guest experiences. A much-needed addition to the vibrant and newly revitalized Westhampton Beach, Three Ducks is a thoughtful redevelopment of the...

MIAMI—The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the foremost gathering of international leaders in the $6.3 trillion global wellness economy, announced that its 19th annual conference will take place in Abu Dhabi November 18 to 21, 2025, at the iconic Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. This milestone event is being held through a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Investment Gate (ADIG) and Shura Global Consultancy (SGC) and with support from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. Bringing together government leaders and industry visionaries, the 2025 Global Wellness Summit will solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a prominent global wellness hub, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to...

ARMENIA—Armenia has been named Destination of the Year for Adventure Tourism at the PATWA International Travel Awards 2025, held at ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows. This prestigious award highlights Armenia’s growing reputation as a top global destination for adventure seekers. From its rugged mountains and scenic hiking trails to exhilarating outdoor activities like rock climbing, paragliding, and off-road exploration, Armenia offers an unparalleled experience for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts. The country’s rich cultural heritage, combined with breathtaking landscapes, makes it an ideal choice for travelers looking for unique and immersive adventures. Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points are becoming increasingly essential for hotels to stay competitive in the hospitality industry. The number of EV drivers in the U.K. has seen a sixfold increase from 2020 to 2024, reaching 1.36 million. As a result, the demand for accessible charging facilities has grown, with the availability of these facilities playing a pivotal role in the choice of accommodation for EV owners. Hotels that provide EV charging facilities stand to benefit in multiple ways. They can expect increased bookings and longer stays, as EV drivers often plan their trips around charging availability and may...

EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS.—For almost a quarter of a century, Excel Hand Dryer Inc. has been producing XLERATOR Hand Dryers—a game changer in the hand drying space that dries hands completely in 10 seconds while using 80 percent less energy than conventional hand dryers. Excel Hand Dryer Executive Vice President and COO William Gagnon said there are now approximately one million XLERATOR Hand Dryers in use around the globe. “We just put 1,000 XLERATOR Hand Dryers in the largest airport in the world in Turkey,” Gagnon says. XLERATOR Hand Dryers can help facility managers save thousands of dollars annually by eliminating the...