GLENS FALLS, N.Y.—Sustainable PR (SPR), a specialized “green” public relations firm, is expanding its team and client base to meet the increasing need for environmental advocacy. This growth comes as landmark climate laws face challenges and clients in clean tech, food service, and renewable energy sectors intensify their advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels. SPR has appointed Matthew Matyjek as Director of Media Relations and Carly Vallet as Associate Account Manager. Matyjek will oversee media relations and the accounts team, Vallet will support media and community relations. “These additions enhance our capacity to meet client needs in a rapidly...

AMSTERDAM—Booking.com released the 10th edition of its annual research exploring consumer attitudes and intentions with regards to the social and ecological impact of travel. With insights from 32,000 travelers in 34 countries, and amid growing discussion of the impact of tourism on destinations, the research concludes that, for the first time, more than half of travelers (53 percent) are now conscious of travel’s impact on communities as well as the environment, and that two thirds (69 percent) now want to leave places better than when they arrived. Booking.com’s new research takes a community-centric lens. Asking respondents not just how they...

Last week I attended the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans. One of the most interesting companies I came across at the trade show was AdReach. The company makes it easy for upscale properties to supply affordable water to guests in Tetra Prisma Aseptic 330mL cartons made from 63.4 percent renewable plant-based materials. All paperboard used in the cartons comes from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests and other controlled sources. The recyclable cartons include a plant-based cap that is also recyclable. A lodging establishment must commit to purchase at least 1 pallet (2,304 cartons) per month for 12 months....

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO—In honor of Earth Day, Velas Resorts is offering a series of immersive, eco-conscious activities at its properties in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Los Cabos, and Riviera Maya. These initiatives are designed to connect guests with the natural world, highlight the importance of sustainability, and celebrate the local ecosystems and cultures that surround each property. “At Velas Resorts, we believe that sustainability isn’t a single-day effort—it’s a daily commitment to minimize our impact, support local communities, and preserve the culture around us,” says Juan Vela Ruiz, President of Velas Resorts. “This Earth Day, we’re inviting our guests to...

NATIONAL REPORT—An extensive study conducted by Hospitality and Tourism Management has highlighted potential issues with hotel sustainability information. The research indicates that excessive quantity and complexity of this information could lead to customer confusion and skepticism, potentially driving perceptions of “greenwashing”. The study was published in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management and involved over 800 users of hotel search platforms in the U.K. and Germany. The researchers used self-reported data and sustainability ratings from Booking.com’s now-defunct Travel Sustainable label. The label was removed in March 2024 following criticism from the Netherlands’ Consumers and Markets Authority. Survey results showed that 48 percent...

In today’s evolving business landscape, social sustainability has emerged as a crucial pillar of responsible governance, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive, inclusive environments that benefit individuals and communities. For the hospitality industry, social sustainability involves fostering an atmosphere where all guests feel valued and understood, including those with invisible disabilities like autism. This approach aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and opens new brand opportunities to serve a broader demographic. By making accommodations for autistic guests, hotels can enhance guest satisfaction, loyalty, and inclusivity—essential qualities for a socially sustainable business. Expanding Hospitality to Include Guests with Autism As mid-level...

LEBANON, N.H.—FreshAir Sensor, a leading innovator in indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring, announced it is partnering with the Curator Hotel & Resort Collection to elevate guest experiences and open new revenue paths for Curator properties by enhancing IAQ through molecular air quality monitoring technology. The new partnership enables Curator member properties to ensure higher standards of air quality for guestroom environments and allows them to drive new revenue streams with the new FreshAir Certified solution. Under the partnership, Curator member hotels across the portfolio will have access to preferred terms and choose to implement FreshAir Sensor’s proprietary indoor air quality solutions to...

I have always had a fascination with the night sky. I remember seeing Halley’s Comet in 1986 and Comet Kohoutek in 1973. I have never seen the Northern Lights but hope to someday. Here in Florida, we are far from the Northern Lights. Light pollution hides most stars in the Tampa area, but I don’t have to travel far to see thousands of them. Nearly two thirds of Americans live in areas where it’s difficult to see stars glimmering, and about one third of the world’s population miss out completely on the beauty of stargazing. According to Booking.com, 2025 is set...

NATIONAL REPORT—In a recent study conducted by the Penn State School of Hospitality Management, it was discovered that social media influencers dedicated to environmental causes, also known as “green influencers,” can greatly assist in the efforts to reduce waste and pollution in the tourism industry. Through their passionate and specific messaging, these influencers can inspire tourists to adopt more sustainable behaviors, thereby reducing the environmental impact of tourism. Researchers led by Penn State Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management Anni Ding published their findings in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism. They highlighted that tourism companies and destinations can leverage green influencers who are deeply committed...

NATIONAL REPORT—Many organizations delegate the HR department to manage their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and sustainability is an incremental component of such efforts. However, an organization’s sustainability efforts go beyond building a strong employment brand for current and prospective employees. It also affects a company’s bottom line. Hotels, for example, ensure guests continue to choose their property amongst the rest by providing great customer experiences, high-quality services, and a comfortable stay. Recently, another factor affecting travelers’ hotel choice and perception of a hotel brand is on the rise in importance: sustainability. Sustainability is becoming a core focus as it...