NEWPORT BEACH, FLA.—Preferred Hotel Group—the family-owned company that manages and operates global travel and hospitality brands including Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide, PHG Consulting, and Beyond Green Travel—announced the launch of Beyond Green last November. This hospitality brand debuted with a global portfolio of 24 founding member hotels, resorts, and lodges that exemplify sustainable tourism leadership. Born through a synergy between the Ueberroth Family, the owners of Preferred Hotel Group, and ecotourism pioneer and global sustainability expert Costas Christ, the founder of Beyond Green Travel, which Preferred acquired in February 2020, Beyond Green brings together forward-thinking properties around the world...

LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched a major new report which reveals how destinations can grow responsibly, using the Destination Stewardship model. The report was launched in partnership with the Travel Foundation and the European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI) at NHL Stenden University, in the Netherlands. ‘Towards Destination Stewardship: Achieving Destination Stewardship through scenarios & a Governance Diagnostics framework’ lays out how destinations can balance the needs of visitors and residents, with the involvement of both the public and private sector. Destination Stewardship is based on the responsible use of shared or “common pool” resources, which provide diminished benefits if...

MELBOURNE, FLA.—EcoSmart PR, a Florida-based public relations and strategic communications firm, is now open for business and accepting new clients. “Our mission is to create successful marketing, PR, and public education campaigns for clients with a pro-environment message,” said Whitney Waite, President of EcoSmart PR. “Like our clients, we want to make a difference in the fight to protect our planet. It is what drives us every day.” The company offers its clients the support of a cadre of science and engineering subject matter experts that range from water treatment and coastal ecology to biosolid reuse, plastic recycling, renewable energy, and...

For the most part, the COVID-19 pandemic put a hold on hospitality and travel services all over the world. According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the virus’s impact on the industry has been nine times that of 9/11. In 2021, now that a coronavirus vaccine has been developed and made readily available to those in the United States, it appears as if life is returning to some semblance of normality. Restrictions are gradually being lifted and more people are becoming comfortable with the thought of traveling once again—which means that, as a hotel owner or operator, you might...

Like the recent survey conducted by Booking.com, a similar one conducted by The Vacationer indicates a strong preference for sustainable travel. When asked how important sustainable travel is to you, 82 percent said either somewhat important (56%) or very important (26%). “Sustainable travel is most important to the youngest generation aged 18 to 29,” the report said. “29.63 percent of people in this age bracket noted it was Very Important to them.” When asked, “Do you intend to make more sustainable (eco-friendly) decisions when planning travel?”, 48 percent said yes but only if it does not inconvenience them. Twenty-six percent...

ARLINGTON, VA.—As hospitality operators continue to scale their operations to meet the sustained demand for takeout/delivery and accommodate dine-in experiences for guests, restaurant commerce platform GoTab has rolled out innovative features designed to set them up for further success. The smart tipping model is devised to replace a routinely complicated and time-consuming task and make tip distribution among staff a fairer and easier process. With ingredient prices proving to be as volatile as ever, GoTab also introduces a dynamic pricing tool that allows operators to swiftly and seamlessly adjust menu items and their associated prices. A Better Tipping Model: Smart Tipping With contactless ordering...

ROSEAU, DOMINICA—In light of increasing consumer confidence and positive traveler intent, Dominica has launched “In Our Nature,” an initiative signaling Dominica’s readiness to welcome global travelers. The new global campaign, “In Our Nature,” embodies the island’s rejuvenating and transformative natural experiences including geothermal rainforest spas, farm- and sea-to-table cuisine, and one-of-a-kind adventures on land and underwater. The country of Dominica, located in the Caribbean, is renowned for its natural beauty, friendly people, unique experiences, and laid-back vibe. “Through the In Our Nature campaign, we hope to increase awareness of the destination internationally, invite tourists to immerse themselves in our unique experiences, and inspire and stimulate travelers to visit Dominica,” says the...

NEW YORK—New research released from Booking.com, containing insights gathered from more than 29,000 travelers across 30 countries, suggests that the pandemic has been the tipping point for travelers to finally commit to their own sustainable journey, with 63 percent of U.S. travelers believing people must act now to save the planet for future generations. As the world of travel starts to open up again, Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report reveals that American travelers are more committed than ever to do so in a mindful way, with just under half (46 percent) stating that the pandemic has influenced them to want to...

Booking.com just released its sixth annual Sustainable Travel Report (see related article). It is based on one of the travel industry’s largest surveys and worth paying attention to. A total of 29,000 travelers from 30 countries were surveyed. (Click here to access a page where the Report can be downloaded.) “Our research uncovers how the travel hiatus has opened travelers’ eyes to the impact, both positive and negative, that their trips can have on local ecosystems and communities around the world,” said Marianne Gybels, Director of Sustainability at Booking.com. As the world of travel starts to open again, Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel...

Booking.com just released its 2021 Sustainable Travel Report. I will be running the entire press release about the report in the coming days. Be sure to watch for it. Insights in the report were drawn from 29,000 travelers across 30 countries. There were some survey results that jumped out at me. First, when looking just at the 40 percent of American travelers that said they have not stayed in a sustainable property in the past year, 37 percent said they did not even know that they existed, 16 percent said they could not find any options where they were...