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...

NATIONAL REPORT—The science is clear that human activity, primarily burning fossil fuels and massive deforestation, has accelerated climate change. Companies need to set science-based net-zero targets to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Achieving net-zero emissions worldwide requires fundamental changes to many of our social and economic systems. Up until now, nearly 1,800 companies, including SAP, have committed to becoming net zero across their value chains. These commitments aim to achieve an emissions state consistent with societal climate and sustainability goals and within the biophysical boundaries of the planet. At the beginning of 2022,...

LOS ANGELES—On the opening day of the 2023 Asian American Hotel Owners Assn. (AAHOA) Convention & Trade Show, the association announced the launch of the AAHOA Charitable Foundation. Forming later this year as an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the AAHOA Charitable Foundation will aim to support humanity, providing disaster relief, educational scholarships, and grants, charitable initiatives for worthy causes, and humanitarian aid. “I can think of no better way to conclude my chairmanship of AAHOA than by launching the AAHOA Charitable Foundation,” said outgoing Chairman Nishant (Neal) Patel. “AAHOA members are hardworking, creative, and entrepreneurial. They are also generous and community minded. The...

BOYNE FALLS, MICH.—Boyne Resorts introduced its Master Plan for reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2030—a goal to which the company is deeply committed and that was the catalyst to forming ForeverProject, Boyne Resorts’ long-term pledge to sustainable practices. Largely structured around collective action, the 2030 Master Plan includes property-specific plans that both allow and require independent initiative among the company’s resorts and facilities located across North America. The pathway now mapped enables Boyne Resorts to reduce its carbon footprint while closely balancing environmental and economic sustainability. “Our 75-year journey as a resort company defines and demonstrates a heritage of stewardship, leadership,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and the International WELL Building Institute pbc (IWBI) released a streamlined process for projects pursuing certifications for the LEED green building rating system and the WELL Building Standard. The process streamlines documentation for projects that are pursuing both certifications at the same time or that have already earned one certification and are looking to add the other. “USGBC’s partnership with IWBI builds upon our shared commitment to driving positive health outcomes across the built environment,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO of USGBC and GBCI. “Improving human health has...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International announced the publication of its 2022 Social Impact and Sustainability Report. The report details the company’s continuing and steadfast commitment to its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles of embracing humanity and protecting the planet. The report also highlights the company’s strategies, programs and performance focused on creating a more sustainable future and making a positive impact on the lives of employees, guests, and communities. “We are a company comprised of tens of thousands of people who, together, know what it is to collaborate and bring about meaningful change,” said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM...

CHICAGO—THE MART announced that seven new brands have signed on for permanent showrooms and several companies are extending their leases ahead of the 2023 edition of NeoCon, the leading commercial design trade show, June 12 to 14 at THE MART in Chicago. The brisk leasing activity, alongside a roster of new 7th floor NeoCon exhibitors, and a milestone building renovation project helmed by Gensler Chicago, reinforces THE MART as an important strategic hub for both emerging and established brands based in the U.S. and abroad. “We’ve seen over 200,000 square feet of showroom leasing within the past 18 months, with...

BETHESDA, MD.—JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 hotel brands, announced the opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, marking the company’s debut in the luxury safari segment. Sitting within the Masai Mara National Reserve in Southwestern Kenya, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife and wilderness conservation regions, the lodge is a sophisticated sanctuary from which to discover animals and breathtaking vistas in harmony. Exhilarating guided game drives offer guests the opportunity to observe the “Big Five” that Masai Mara is home to, including lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros, and elephants. Between June and September, the reserve is...

COLUMBUS, OHIO—Red Roof, an award-winning leader in the lodging industry, has evolved its Forum on Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs into a 360-degree program, SHE, to continue to support, help and elevate women. The annual SHE Leads Forum, taking place September 28 to 29 in Dallas, will be a kickoff for a continuous infusion of inspiration for women primarily in hospitality, that facilitates sharing professional experiences and provides collaborative learning opportunities to foster change in industry. SHE will provide thought leadership, access to resources and serve as a platform, sharing content and best practices through a dedicated website, she-leads.com, which is coming soon. Additionally, SHE will create a quarterly e-newsletter...