PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Rhode Island will soon have its own green lodging certification program. The program is being put together by the state’s Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Assn., Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, and several other organizations. According to Ron Gagnon, chief of the Office of Technical and Customer Assistance, Department of Environmental Management, January is the target month for the program’s launch and it will be run by his office. The certification program will mirror Maine’s Green Lodging Certification Program. Participants will be asked to complete surveys that ask them about efforts being...

CINCINNATI—P&G Professional, the away-from-home division of Procter & Gamble, has launched MyTradeShowToGo.com, an interactive experience allowing users to gain the industry insights offered at a trade show every day of the year. Now, those looking for the latest news and innovations don’t have to wait to gather information they need at the next industry event; they can simply log on to the Virtual Trade Show from the comfort and convenience of their office. P&G Professional created MyTradeShowToGo.com as an innovative response to the lodging industry’s need for constant access to the detailed news, information and offerings presented at trade shows....

LONDON—Few holidaymakers in the United Kingdom are prepared to part with their cash in order to fulfill green travel aspirations, according to a new study. And the Spanish are putting the rest of Europe to shame, boasting a population far more inclined to fund sustainable travel than any others. According to the TNS Travel & Tourism study, 7 percent of the British have gone so far as to make a payment towards minimizing the impact of their travel—such as a carbon offsetting scheme—compared with 12 percent of Spaniards. With almost a fifth of British people claiming they expect to change...

OTTAWA, CANADA—The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is pleased to announce the launch of the French component of its nationally recognized Green Key Eco-Rating Program. A mirror image of the English site, the new French portal serves as an important resource for the program’s expanding French member base. In commenting on this development, HAC President Tony Pollard stated, “HAC has continued to further expand the Green Key Program, and the development of the French website demonstrates our commitment to the bilingual market we operate in.” “HAC will continue to further develop the Green Key website in both official languages and...

YACHATS, ORE.—Green Vacation Hub and Eco Crown Hospitality have partnered to strengthen the power of green travel, while boosting the hospitality industry with certified green standards. In an age of eco-awareness, green standards vary wildly from hotel to hotel. In response, Green Vacation Hub (GreenVacationHub.com) and Eco Crown Hospitality (EcoCrown.com) have partnered to offer a reliable, universal system of measurement for green accommodations. Properties listed on these websites participate in established and approved ‘green’ programs—with many of the properties exceeding the required standards. Green Vacation Hub is a global guide that links travelers with accommodations that emphasize good health...

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently welcomed the Staybridge Suites to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The hotel is the second designated in Leon County and 52nd for the state. The Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary state initiative that provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, and encourages hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving green practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. “Staybridge Suites has shown great environmental leadership by becoming a Florida Green Lodge,” says DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “They are helping conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources for...

ANDOVER, MASS.—In an era of smoke-free spaces, “green” energy, eco-friendly products and environmental health, the Andover Residence Inn recently announced they are offering improved air quality guest accommodations at their hotel. In response to the wellness trends today’s travelers are requesting, the Andover Residence Inn installed the PURE Room system, the most comprehensive allergy-friendly system in the hospitality industry. The hotel now offers guests an environment with cleaner, healthier air. “At the Andover Residence Inn, we aim to perfect the extended stay experience by combining all the comforts of home with all the perks of a hotel,” says Marisa...

PHILADELPHIA—ARAMARK, a professional services organization and leading concessionaire of parks, resorts and hospitality services, has helped secure a $1 million grant to the National Park Foundation as the initial and lead sponsor of the Foundation’s newly unveiled First Bloom project. First Bloom was created in conjunction with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, for children to participate in hands-on natural resource protection activities in national parks. The First Bloom project, honoring the work of Lady Bird Johnson, was launched by the National Park Foundation and Honorary Chair, Mrs. Laura Bush. The donation is the first investment in the First Bloom...

ORLANDO, FLA.—RezHub.com, a brand new travel website, has been launched. With the launch of this new site, travelers can book with green hotels, hybrid rental car companies, and participate in carbon offsetting programs. RezHub.com is donating a portion of its revenue from all travel booked at the Green Travel Hub to a green organization, and that is whether or not the customer was able to book a green specific trip. “The most exciting part about our green travel offering is that you can plan the same trip that you would anywhere else, but when you reserve it with RezHub.com you...

NEW YORK—Green Spa Network, a newly launched organization promoting the natural connection between personal wellness and the health of the planet, has formed an alliance with Organic Spa Magazine. The two advocates for eco-friendly spa experiences are collaborating to help spas and spa goers discover how they can incorporate sustainability into their businesses and everyday lives. Michael Stusser, chair of the Green Spa Network’s board of directors and owner of eco-friendly Osmosis Day Spa says that “green spas are great spas” because: • Green spas are healthier. By limiting toxins and reducing pollution, green spas provide a healthier environment; not just for...