MIAMI—Grupo Piñero announces the opening of Cayo Levantado Resort, an exclusive complex located in one of the most enigmatic destinations in the Dominican Republic. The opening of Cayo Levantado Resort marks Grupo Piñero’s venture into the luxury segment of the hotel industry, redefined through a commitment to sustainable innovation and sophistication. Situated just five kilometers from the Samaná Peninsula, Cayo Levantado Resort officially opened its doors in the presence of Isabel García Lorca, President and Founder of Grupo Piñero, and Encarna Piñero, Executive Vice President, and CEO. This unique resort, nestled on a captivating island, features 218 rooms spread across 10...

BETHESDA, MD.—The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation and Marriott International announced a $550,000 combined contribution to support the AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Survivor Fund, as part of the hotel industry’s longstanding, united commitment to combat human trafficking. This contribution increases the NRFT Survivor Fund to $3.4 million since its launch less than a year ago and will be used for grants to community-based organizations that provide financial support and stability to human trafficking survivors. “Human trafficking is a profound violation of human rights and fundamentally contradicts the core values that have guided our company for...

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND—Real estate investor and developer Lamington Group is adding to its pioneering eco hometel brand with the opening of room2 Belfast, the fourth outpost, and first property outside England, set to open later this summer. With the opening just months away, the team are giving a first look at the hometel, which is set to become a hub for the community in the heart of the bustling city, moments away from Belfast’s most popular attractions. The new property will consist of 175 rooms across nine floors as well as a vibrant café, beautifully designed tearoom, meeting and event spaces, a gym,...

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.—The founders of The KOPU Water Co.—Justin and Mindy Mahy—are taking a different path, a circular one if you will, to the business of providing a high-quality water to the luxury/upscale end of the hotel market. Their water, available as spring water or sparkling water, is sourced from an artesian spring thousands of feet below the dormant volcanoes of Oregon’s Cascade Range. The water is naturally alkaline at 8.0 pH and is filled with minerals including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It also includes silica, known for its hair, nail and skin enhancing properties. Available in resealable, recyclable aluminum...

RICHMOND, VA.—The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Human Trafficking Awareness for Hotels online training is now available for Virginia hotel employees. House Bill 258 (Hotels; human trafficking training), as adopted by Chapter 751, is an act that directs the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), under the direction of the Criminal Justice Services Board, to develop an online course to train hotel proprietors and their employees, as defined in § 35.1-15.1 of the Code of Virginia, to recognize and report instances of suspected human trafficking. The act provides that the online course shall be provided at no cost to hotel proprietors and...

TORONTO—Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the leading luxury hospitality company, and Hotel Development, the NEOM division that is responsible for building a future-centric hospitality ecosystem in the developing region, have announced plans for a new luxury resort as part of the NEOM master project, located on Sindalah Island, Saudi Arabia. Extending over an area of approximately 840,000 square meters (9,041,684 square feet), Sindalah is one of a group of islands in the Red Sea that will be developed in NEOM, each according to its unique vision and design. In addition to the upcoming Four Seasons resort, Sindalah will be home...

SCARBOROUGH, TOBAGO—The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) will be leading World Sea Turtle Day 2023 celebrations in Tobago today, promoting conservation and responsible tourism through a one-day expo at the Scarborough Library. The island of Tobago is inhabited by the most sea turtles in the Caribbean, home to five different species—many of them critically endangered—including the Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Green turtle. TTAL, together with the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation, and fellow members of the National Sea Turtle Task Force - Save Our Sea Turtles (SOS), will host the first event of its kind observing World Sea Turtle...

EXETER, ENGLAND—Zeal Hotels has acquired the site for its 142-room net zero carbon hotel, with construction due to begin in July at Exeter Science Park. Zeal Hotels has signed an Exclusivity Agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts for the hotel, which Valor Hospitality will manage. The upscale lifestyle property, which is due to open in Q4 next year, aims for a minimum BREEAM rating of Excellent, with a target of Outstanding. Solar panels will ensure that the hotel generates all the energy required. Tim Wheeldon, Managing Director, Zeal Hotels, said: “The final pieces of our plan to create the first net...

DALLAS—ISSA Show North America 2023, the annual tradeshow that brings together leaders from the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning community, is open for industry-wide registration. The event showcases the latest products and innovations, engaging education, and numerous networking opportunities to help people grow their businesses and advance their careers. Industry members are encouraged to register now for the event taking place November 13 to 16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. “ISSA Show North America brings the industry together like no other cleaning industry event,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “It’s the premiere place to learn, network, celebrate,...

MIAMI—SH Hotels & Resorts recently celebrated the official opening of its corporate headquarters in Miami. City of Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez joined SH Hotels & Resorts Founder & Chairman Barry Sternlicht, CEO Raul Leal, and Miami-based team members to officially open the office. SH Hotels & Resorts, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels & Resorts and Treehouse Hotels. The company currently manages 14 properties with 16 in development. In 2022, SH Hotels & Resorts established its first global headquarters in Miami, while continuing...