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...

LEBANON, N.H.—FreshAir Sensor, the leading innovator in indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring, launched FreshAir Certified, a low-cost, high-margin bookable room attribute that allows hotels to leverage air quality as an exclusive guest purchase option. While odors and lingering smells remain a common guest complaint, hoteliers are often challenged to pre-empt any complaints before they arise. FreshAir Certified addresses these challenges by enabling hotels to offer guestrooms with scientifically verified, high-quality indoor air, meeting the growing demand for personalized, wellness-focused accommodations while creating a new, effortless revenue stream. FreshAir Sensor’s molecular air quality monitoring solutions are installed directly in the hotel guestroom...

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO—Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), announces its Valentine’s Day initiative, “Love Letter from Puerto Rico,” with Puerto Rican actor and producer Amaury Nolasco. As an extension of the DMO’s Live Boricua campaign, this emotive video is an open invitation for travelers to experience Puerto Rico’s rich diversity and a reminder to explore the island with respect. By celebrating Puerto Rico’s vibrant spirit, culture, and communities, it aims to foster deeper connections while promoting mindful and responsible travel. “This project is deeply personal to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase our...

In the first article of the series, which explored What greenwashing risks mean for the legal profession, we outlined the key principles that legal and risk management professionals are to follow to mitigate such risks. These include: Making accurate and truthful claims; Explaining conditions or qualifications; Using clear and understandable language; and Ensuring accountability in the value chain. In this article, we take it a step further, delving into the best practices and reviewing real-life case studies for two of the principles: (1) making accurate and truthful claims, and (2) explaining conditions and qualifications to sustainability-related assertions. We also highlight how adopting globally recognized...

FAIRFIELD, N.J.—Garden on the Wall (GOTW) announced that the award-winning firm has just debuted its all-new website, www.gardenonthewall.com. Live now, and replacing the previous website design and content, the new website features a fresh design, information architecture, and rich mixture of photos, videos, artistry, and sound. Featuring a wealth of new content and stunning photography, plus an industry-first designer hub full of helpful resources, the website offers a wealth of information and insight for design professionals. New website features: Comprehensive information on preserved gardens and moss walls Design portfolio Memorable user experience Case studies Videos & nature audio, with calming...