If I happened to be in Moscow in the coming days, I could get a room at a very nice hotel for $62 a night (about 6,240 rubles). Not a bad rate but me and most of the world do not want to have anything to do with Russia since they invaded Ukraine. I am no expert in politics and don’t want to make this a political column, but politics and the lodging industry are very closely intertwined and what Russia has done will impact many owners, developers, managers, employees, suppliers, and others in our global industry.
Our industry is known for its big heart, and I expect many hoteliers will have the opportunity to host many refugees from Ukraine in the coming days, weeks, and months. Even if the chance of a refugee showing up at your door is very slim, do what you can to help these people.
World Tourism Organization Response
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has convened an emergency session of its Executive Council in response to the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. The session will be held in Madrid on March 8. Following the request of Guatemala, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, and Ukraine for the suspension of the Russian Federation from membership of UNWTO, the UNWTO Secretary-General has called for an emergency session of the Executive Council to address the matter. It is the first time in the Organization’s history that the Executive Council will address a request of this type.
UNWTO has unequivocally condemned the actions of the Russian Federation, noting that they are a clear breach of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and contrary to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and UNWTO Statutes.
HFTP Shares News from Ukraine
This past Thursday, March 3, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) shared the following release:
“Today Frank Wolfe, CEO for HFTP had the honor of speaking with Irina Sidletska, President of the Ukrainian Hotel and Resort Association (UHRA), while she was keeping safe inside a bomb shelter in Ukraine. She reached out to Wolfe, requesting that the following unedited information be relayed to the tourism industry.
The message is as follows: Ukrainian Hotel and Resort Association (UHRA) urges U.S.-based tourist and hospitality associations, as well as whole tourism community—travel-related authorities and bodies, professional associations, and businesses—to push for imposing restrictive measures on Russian tourism and hospitality industry:
- Expel Russia from UNWTO (please, see the respectful appeal, + list of local tourism authorities);
- Expel Russia from IATA and its bodies (please, see the respectful appeal);
- Urge global OTAs, i.e., those holdings, which own/operate booking.com, expedia.com, hrs.de, hotels.com, C-trip.com, Airbnb and others to immediately halt their services on the Russian territory, and for Russian entities and individuals;
- Urge international wholesalers and tour operators such as Hotelbeds, DOTW, Sunhotel, Travco to terminate any kind of relationship and serving the Russian tourists and business units.”
Statement from Marriott on March 2
“We are deeply concerned to see the humanitarian crisis impacting the people of Ukraine and neighboring countries and our teams are mobilizing to help those in need. Supporting the communities in which we operate has always been part of Marriott International’s culture and the company has a long history of working with numerous international organizations in support of refugees and displaced peoples globally. We are currently working with charitable organizations on the ground focused on providing meals, healthcare, and safe water, with several hotels also providing accommodation and supplies to refugees fleeing their homes. The safety and security of our associates and guests in the region also remains a top priority. We deplore the suffering and loss of life in the region and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution.”
I am sure other companies have issued similar statements. I will do my best to share what similar news I can on Green Lodging News.
Green Lodging News Adds World Amenities to Product Directory
Green Lodging News has added World Amenities to the “Amenities/Dispensers/Toiletries” section of its Green Product & Service Directory. Founded in 2015, World Amenities, an Inc. 5000 company, is a leading global supplier of environmentally friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable quality luxe skincare-based brands, custom amenities, necessities, and accessories. Incorporating EcoPure biodegradable technology, World Amenities brings 20 years of experience to the production and distribution of FDA-approved and certified, vegan and cruelty-free skincare brands, with most products and packaging made in North America.
Whether a customer needs dispenser solutions or sustainable refillable pumps, World Amenities uniquely designs, formulates, customizes, and manufactures each personal care guestroom amenity with artisanal skills. World Amenities efficiently reaches more than 70 global markets in 40,000 plus hotels, salons, spas, medical and educational sites with its five USA distribution centers. The industry recognizes World Amenities as an influencer in hospitality standards and expectations. For more information, call World Amenities at (619) 276-7660, e-mail sales@worldamenities.com, or go to www.worldamenities.com.
Earth Hour & Earth Day
Earth Hour is planned this year for March 26 at 8:30 p.m. local time and Earth Day is April 22. In the past hotels have found very creative ways to mark these occasions. Got something planned for Earth Hour and/or Earth Day? Tell me about them by writing to greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers, and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Get in the Green Suppliers Spotlight!
Green Lodging News, lodging’s leading environmental news source, publishes Green Suppliers Spotlight, an e-blast to 22,294 subscribers that features the lodging industry’s leading green products and services. The e-blast features multiple vendors—unlike the current Green Supplier Spotlight that allows one supplier to “own” the Green Lodging News subscriber list for one e-blast. (Click here for a Green Suppliers Spotlight sample.)
Green Suppliers Spotlight is published weekly on Thursdays to general managers, owners, management companies, directors of sustainability, directors of engineering, facilities managers and many others who are either in purchasing positions or who influence purchasing decisions. Suppliers of green products and services throughout North America and beyond are invited to participate in the e-blast. (Minimum two suppliers per e-blast.) Green Suppliers Spotlight was created to give vendors an opportunity to reach a high number of industry purchasers at a very low cost—as low as $200 per e-mail. (Click here for rate sheet.)
Those advertising in Green Suppliers Spotlight can include up to 100 words, one image, contact information and multiple links to their website in their ad. At the end of each week, a report will be sent to each supplier with information on delivered e-mails, opens and click-throughs.
Planning Advertising for 2022?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2022. Many excellent spots are available on our website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2022 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com. A media kit can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Newsletter & Green Supplier Spotlight Circulation
The circulation of our weekly e-newsletter and Green Supplier Spotlight currently stands at 22,294. Thank you to our new subscribers for signing up. Be sure to encourage your colleagues to do the same. There are “subscribe” links on the Green Lodging News home page. You may also e-mail greenlodgingnews@gmail.com to be added to our list.
Green Lodging News & Social Media
Green Lodging News now has 1,752 Twitter followers. Thank you to all of those who follow our tweets. In addition to following us on Twitter, be sure to bookmark the Green Lodging News Blog in your browser. More importantly, participate with your comments. Green Lodging News is also on Facebook. Be sure to “Like” us there. Green Lodging News now has 975 Facebook likes.
As always, I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
