NATIONAL REPORT—Hotels around the planet are lining up activities for Earth Hour. The annual event will take place on Saturday, March 19 at 8:30 p.m. local time. The Earth Hour global initiative, now in its 10th year, aims to raise awareness about climate change and the need to find solutions to the world’s environmental problems. Las Vegas Sands, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide are a few of the companies with properties participating this year.Sands ECO360°, the global corporate sustainability program of Las Vegas Sands (LVS), is launching its fourth annual “I Will If You...

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND—The Global Destination Sustainability Index has launched. It is the first-ever sustainability ranking for event destinations worldwide. Initiated by ICCA’s Scandinavian Chapter and MCI, the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI-Index) is supported by IMEX and ICCA (the International Congress and Convention Assn.).The GDS-Index aims to promote the sustainable growth of international meeting destinations, highlighting best practices and responsible business tourism. In a world increasingly focused on responsible business and environmental impact, the GDS-Index helps destinations to engage clients with sustainability, align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and drive the adoption, promotion and recognition of sustainable practices in...

PORTLAND, ORE.—Since 2012, visitors to Oregon contributed more than $90,000 to enhance communities across the state through an innovative philanthropy program created by Travel Oregon and Sustainable Travel International. Funds are directed to projects throughout Oregon that improve the environment, support local culture and enrich the destination through the Travel Oregon Forever Fund.The Travel Oregon Forever Fund is the first statewide program of its kind. The goal of the program is to improve experiences for visitors and locals by connecting them to participating businesses that directly improve and enhance Oregon communities.“Travel Oregon not only strives to create economic impact...

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—The Convention Industry Council (CIC) announced that the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) will become a council of CIC with a specific charter and mandate to advocate and educate around sustainability in the MICE industry operating under the direction of its board. In a move designed to demonstrate the importance of collaboration in a crowded marketplace, the merger will allow the GMIC to reach a wider audience and open its doors and assets to the full industry with the aim to have a deeper impact.The Convention Industry Council is the preeminent organization representing all segments of the meetings...

ARLINGTON, VA.—On February 24, the Virginia Green program will present the Virginia Green Travel Star Award to 21 Virginia tourism businesses for their outstanding commitments to green tourism practices at the third annual Virginia Green Travel Conference and Travel Star Awards Celebration in Arlington, Va. Twenty-one additional tourism businesses will also be recognized and receive the Virginia Green Travel Leader Award for their exceptional efforts to protect the environment and promote green tourism in Virginia.The larger Virginia Green Travel Conference & Mid-Atlantic Green Tourism Business Expo is being held on February 23 to 24, 2016 at the Renaissance Arlington...

NEW YORK CITY—The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has started the new year with the announcement of “Fascinating Nature Vacations in Germany,” its marketing theme for 2016. Worldwide marketing campaigns and trade activities will be centered on the 130 natural landscapes throughout Germany, including 16 national parks, 15 UNESCO protected biosphere reserves and more than 100 natural parks. Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the GNTB, revealed that 2.6 million Europeans have traveled to Germany for nature vacations. This makes Germany, next to France and Austria, the most popular worldwide nature destination amongst Europeans. More than one-third of Germany consists of...

OSHKOSH, WIS.—Continental Girbau Inc. recently unveiled a new website featuring OnePress Ironing Systems. The improved website is mobile friendly, simple to navigate, graphically appealing, content rich and search engine optimized, according to OnePress Marketing Communications Director Tari Martin.“The site clearly defines OnePress ironing products, which are engineered for medium- and high-volume laundries across North America,” she said. Site visitors will also find product brochures, warranty bonds and technical specifications. “OnePress ironers are highlighted,” said Martin, “including the Z-Series Heated-Roll Ironer and the Compact 5-in-One, which feeds, irons, folds, stacks and accumulates.”Each OnePress system delivers superior quality and productivity from...

SEDONA, ARIZ.—The Sedona Verde Valley Tourism Council (SVVTC) has partnered with National Geographic to launch a new Geotourism website. The newly released website features more than 200 local businesses as part of the sustainable tourism initiative in the Verde Valley.The partnership resulted in a co-branded National Geographic Geotourism “MapGuide” website and has been created to promote sustainable travel to some of the world’s most important tourism destinations. National Geographic defines geotourism as “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place, its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.” The Sedona Verde Valley is...

CAMPBELL, CALIF.—The newest program from ChargePoint, ChargePoint Places, connects participating businesses to the largest community of electric vehicle (EV) drivers and provides EV drivers access to exclusive offers from destinations that offer charging. ChargePoint Places in a unique and innovative program where companies in retail and hospitality can increase their sales by promoting special offers and experiences to ChargePoint’s extensive community of EV drivers.  “By joining ChargePoint Places, businesses are highlighting their leadership in corporate responsibility and sustainability, and they’re attracting new customers who not only share their commitment to the environment but who also are a loyal customer...

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.—Shore Hotel was honored at the 1st annual Best of the Best Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) awards ceremony last month, winning the Los Angeles Best Green Hotel award for 2015. This award coincides with the hotel’s fourth anniversary and recent technology enhancement, reinforcing its commitment to the environment, guests, employees, and community.“Despite being open for four years now, the Shore Hotel continues to garner awards and recognition commending our sustainability efforts,” says COO Steve Farzam. “We will not stop here and will continue to further our mission to create a better future by being...