INDIAN SHORES, FLA.—Certified B Corporation Legacy Vacation Resorts continues on the path toward a more regenerative future in tourism and has debuted their newest solar energy project atop their Indian Shores resort. The new array will produce 78 percent of the property’s electricity (355,817 kWh of solar power per year), equivalent to powering over 65,000 U.S. homes annually. This push toward the utilization of clean energy is nothing new for the values-driven company that also boasts programs such as carbon offsetting for guests and corporate team travel/commuting, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), complimentary EV charging, auto setback thermostat systems, and...

DUBAI, U.A.E.—Millennium Hotels and Resorts recognizes the travel industry’s significant environmental impact and announced its sustainability vision at the 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Keeping in line with the exhibition’s theme of “Working Towards Net Zero,” the hotel group’s stand is free from paper and single-use plastics as well as features food and beverages from local suppliers. The brand is committed to contributing towards minimizing the impact of travel and will be actively addressing environmental issues related to the use and conservation of energy and water, elimination of single-use plastics, supporting local communities and working towards obtaining ISO14001...

CHICAGO—Through the rapid growth of its innovative “Alias-Approved Hotels” effort, Safe Stays by ReloShare is building upon its status as the first and only hotel booking platform to meet the unique emergency housing challenges of social agencies supporting domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault victims. Via the groundbreaking Safe Stays lodging platform, social service agencies can provide crime victims with safe, emergency housing at local hotels—instantly and with complete anonymity. Approximately 435 social service agencies across the U.S. currently use the Safe Stays platform to book rooms for the people they serve. Nearly 20 percent of the approximately 15,000 hotel rooms available...

RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO—The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya recently debuted a new bee sanctuary, the Meliponario, to protect the local Maya Melipona Bee. In addition to preserving the species and facilitating their honey production, the resort now offers an experience for guests to learn more about the species with a new eco-tour and honey tasting. For centuries, the Yucatan Peninsula has been home to many native Melipona stingless bees. Considered by the Mayans as sacred, the Melipona bee uniquely harvests the blooms of plants with medicinal properties. Inspired by the pre-Hispanic beekeeping tradition, Grand Velas Riviera Maya rescues...

PUNTA MITA, MEXICO—Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico was named one of the Best New Nature Resorts and one of the Best New Hotels in the world in Travel + Leisure’s 2023 It List. The distinguished annual It List recognizes the 100 best new and renovated hotels and resorts around the world that have made the biggest impression on the magazine’s editors and contributors. As a recognized property, Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico will be featured in the May 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure and online at travelandleisure.com. “We are excited to be spotlighted on the Travel + Leisure 2023 It List as a...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—According to a review by the SUN DAY Campaign of data just released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), wind and solar combined now provide more generating capacity and produce more electricity than coal. The latest issue of EIA’s “Electric Power Monthly” report (with data through February 28, 2023) reveals that in the first two months of this year, electrical generation by solar (including small-scale distributed systems) grew by 6.7 percent, compared to the same two-month period in 2022—faster than any other energy source. This was driven in large part by growth...

LAS VEGAS—More than 600 exhibitors displayed their goods and services at last week’s HD Expo at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. More than 80 of those exhibitors identified themselves as sustainable in one way or another. It would be impossible to mention all those companies in this article but below are many examples of what this author considered especially creative and unique. Elkay Manufacturing Co. introduced its ezH2O Liv Pro Filtered Water Dispenser. Unlike other Elkay dispensers, this one features a low-profile design and a more upscale look with its either black or white frame. It fits within 16” OC...

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—TRSA, the association for linen, uniform and facility services providers, announces the launch of a new website, LaundryServices.org. It connects all types of businesses, especially restaurants, hotels, healthcare institutions and consumer and industrial services, with these commercial laundry providers. The website generates awareness of these and educates end-users and consumers on why commercial laundries are beneficial, including their standards and practices that support environmental and supply chain sustainability. Commercial laundries use one-third of the water used in home laundering, saving over 30 billion gallons of water per year in the United States. LaundryServices.org videos and interactive tools teach consumers and business...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—The economy segment has grown in recent years, and it is expected to expand further, driven by changed travel behavior and new financial constraints among many travelers. The segment is not as developed in the Nordic region as in other European countries, accounting for less than 5 percent of the total hotel market compared with 15 percent in the rest of Europe. With Scandic Go, Scandic is now entering this rapidly growing segment with a clear ambition to lead the market. “The fast-growing economy segment is a fantastic and unique opportunity to further strengthen our portfolio to meet the rapidly...

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Sands has released its latest environmental, social and governance (ESG) report outlining the company’s 2022 progress on the corporate responsibility ambitions and priorities established for its 2021-2025 reporting period. Targeted for achievement by 2025, Sands’ performance on its ambitions in the People, Communities and Planet pillars of its corporate responsibility program through 2022 included: People—Aiming toward its 2025 target to invest $200 million in workforce development initiatives to advance Team Members and local talent in the hospitality industry, Sands invested $56 million in 2022 and $113 million since 2021. Funding has supported core initiatives such as the Sands Academy Team Member training and development program...