MCDONOUGH, GA.—A new survey by ALPLA, a global leader in packaging solutions, uncovers critical barriers to the adoption of reusable products, pointing to a significant disconnect between consumer intent and action. Despite a widespread desire to incorporate reusable items into their daily routines, many are held back by cost and quality concerns. This builds on ALPLA’s previous research highlighting a strong generational shift in favor of sustainable packaging, showing that while the intent to adopt sustainable practices remains high, practical barriers such as affordability and perceived quality must be addressed. ALPLA’s latest findings shed light on an exciting opportunity for the industry to...

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE—The Belize Tourism Board announces the launch of “No Barriers Reef,” a pioneering initiative designed to make the breathtaking natural wonders of Belize accessible to every Belizean. This innovative project, which went live on Saturday, June 8, in honor of World Ocean Day, is a testament to Belize’s commitment to the appreciation and preservation of our oceans and natural heritage. In collaboration with The Zimmerman Agency, Belize introduced an innovative virtual reality (VR) experience this past March that immerses viewers in the stunning beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest living reef in the northern hemisphere. The primary goal of this initiative is to provide Belizeans,...

In the dynamic landscape of facility management, one principle stands as an unwavering cornerstone: sustainability. Far more than just a buzzword, sustainability has become an indispensable guiding principle for facility managers tasked with optimizing operations, minimizing environmental impact, and futureproofing their facilities. At the heart of sustainability lies a fundamental commitment to environmental stewardship. Facility managers play a pivotal role in minimizing resource consumption, reducing waste generation, and mitigating environmental impact. By implementing energy-efficient systems, adopting eco-friendly practices, and embracing renewable technologies, facility managers can contribute to the preservation of our planet for future generations. Over the past thirty years, corporations...

NEW ORLEANS—iSeatz, a leading provider of travel loyalty technology, has released its 5th annual State of Loyalty: Hospitality Rewards Report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse and dynamic landscape of hotels, casino hotels, and vacation club brands, each with a unique portfolio of rewards and approaches to how their loyalty program members can earn and redeem points. What the analyzed hotels all have in common this year, according to the State of Loyalty: 2024 Hospitality Rewards Report, is that they are expanding the opportunities available to their loyalty members. In the aggregate, reward portfolios grew across nearly all categories compared to 2023, likely in...

NATIONAL REPORT—In a competitive hospitality market dominated by big hotel chains and the burgeoning presence of Airbnbs and home vacation rentals, small hotel owners must use strategies to distinguish their properties. For those committed to environmental sustainability, this ethos offers a compelling way to differentiate your hotel. Here are three ways to make your small hotel stand out by embracing green practices. Lean into Marketing Your Commitment to Sustainability In today’s eco-conscious marketplace, your green initiatives are powerful marketing tools. Highlighting your commitment to sustainability can set you apart. Use your website, social media platforms, and all marketing communications to tell...

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.—Visit San Luis Obispo is partnering with Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back program to offer new inspiration for eco-friendly travel on California’s Central Coast. Affectionately referred to as SLO, San Luis Obispo’s Keys for Trees program means every guest staying overnight in any of its 42 hotels will contribute to the planting of new trees in the city, bettering the place with each visit. SLO’s partnership with Kind Traveler provides live impact reports and communication tools, making it fun and easy for visitors to see how their travel creates a positive impact and other ways...

In 2008 I first wrote about energy surcharges at hotels. At that time, the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) announced that it would support energy surcharges of up to $10 per night at its member hotels. The idea did not go over well at that time and today the whole notion of additional “hidden” fees does not sit well with any traveler. That is why I was surprised to learn that the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples Downtown – 5th Ave (Fla.) is currently charging a 5 percent Green Hotel Initiatives Eco Fee. The Gate With Brian...

DENVER—Populus, the country’s first carbon positive hotel, set to open in Denver in summer of 2024, is now accepting reservations for September 2024 onwards. Managed by Aparium Hotel Group, a pioneer in the lifestyle hotel industry, and developed by Urban Villages, a leading real estate developer and environmental steward, Populus will feature 265 guestrooms, a ground floor signature restaurant, lounge and coffee bar, flexible event spaces, a rooftop restaurant and bar offering unobstructed views of the mountains, city skyline, and Civic Center Park. Committed to offsetting both its embodied and operational carbon footprints through Colorado based reforesting efforts, Populus invites guests...

CHICAGO—One in every four individuals in the U.S. has a sensory need or an invisible disability according to KultureCity, including those with autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and attention-deficit disorder. With more than 90 percent of neurodivergent individuals and caregivers of neurodivergent individuals in the U.S. planning to travel at least one night this year, a new survey led by Hyatt finds hotels can make their travel journeys, from pre-arrival to check-out, more seamless and inclusive. The survey was done in collaboration with KultureCity, a leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities, and external consultants Professors Dr. Recep “Richie”...

RIO GRANDE, PUERTO RICO—Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, Wyndham Palmas, the Friends of El Yunque Foundation, and the United States Forest Service announced the signing of an industry-leading donation agreement that will provide a simple way for tourists to directly support El Yunque National Rainforest in the promotion of its educational programs, conservation, and recreation. Under this agreement, guests of Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest, Beach and Golf Resort and Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort will have the opportunity to voluntarily donate $1 to the Friends of El Yunque Foundation when they book their stay. Friends of El Yunque is a nonprofit organization in...