WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO—As destinations worldwide struggle with overtourism, the Caribbean Island of Curaçao is taking a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes high-value, low-impact tourism growth and long-term resilience over short-term gains. In partnership with Sustainable Travel International and the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies (GW IITS), Curaçao is implementing a Destination Carrying Capacity Study, a 360-degree framework evaluating the economic, environmental, and social impacts of increasing tourism. By shifting the focus from sheer volume to a more holistic measure of tourism’s value, this initiative aims to create a balanced, mutually beneficial industry that maximizes economic benefits while safeguarding...

BERLIN—BeCause, a global leader in sustainability data management for the hospitality and tourism sectors, is partnering with Green Destinations (GD) to transform how destinations, including national tourism organizations (NTOs), measure, track, and showcase their sustainability efforts. The partnership, announced at ITB Berlin, implements a universal reporting framework for members of the Green Destination-backed Good Travel Alliance, a global initiative promoting responsible tourism. This framework will allow stakeholders to track the key sustainability performance indicators of hotels and tourism companies in their markets—including carbon emissions, water usage, waste management, energy consumption and certification status. Travel businesses add their data to the framework,...

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL—New reporting requirements will oblige companies to pay closer attention to their sustainability data and goals and the disclosure of their annual progress. With more transparency will come a greater expectation for business travel to play its part in addressing climate change. Less talk and more action will be needed to avoid accusations of greenwashing. Emphasis must shift to meaningful travel—where low emissions, positive local impact, traveler wellness and business success all go hand in hand. Travelers must know when to travel and when to stay at home, how to book the most sustainable options; and travel policies...

BRADES, MONTSERRAT—The Montserrat Tourism Authority in collaboration with local stakeholders has launched Phase 2 of its Community Awareness Program, the Community Environmental Stewardship Initiative. This initiative serves as a rallying call for all residents, community leaders, and government officials alike—to strengthen the collective commitment to preserving the island’s invaluable terrestrial and coastal ecosystems. As the driving force behind this community-led movement, the Montserrat Tourism Authority recognized that protecting Montserrat’s natural beauty is not only vital for sustainable tourism but also essential for the well-being and prosperity of its people. By fostering environmental stewardship at every level, the aim is to...

EXETER, ENGLAND—IHG has opened voco Zeal Exeter Science Park—IHG’s first branded net zero carbon hotel, in partnership with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality. It has been designed to operate entirely on renewable and solar energy. As with all voco branded hotels, the 142-room voco Zeal Exeter Science Park has been designed to help guests truly unwind and feel at ease with the use of neutral tones and contemporary features throughout the guestrooms and public spaces. Guests staying at the hotel will have access to a mini gym, gardens, a versatile meeting space and 12 EV charging points. The hotel’s onsite restaurant and bar,...

BERLIN—Between revolution and adaptation: The international travel industry made an impressive comeback last year. However, new technologies are fundamentally changing the game’s rules in the industry. In a world of dynamic change, the international tourism industry remains on course. At the close of ITB Berlin 2025, the travel world presented itself in an optimistic mood and robust shape. The order books of most companies are well-filled, and global travel demand has not been this high in a long time. At the same time, the industry is facing a series of complex challenges and tasks that require new strategies and ways of thinking. The...

BETHESDA, MD.—The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, announces a new brand partnership with MAD Academy, the trailblazing nonprofit organization founded by chef René Redzepi, recipient of three MICHELIN Stars, with a focus on transforming food systems through the people who work in food and hospitality across the globe. With more than 120 hotels and resorts across over 40 countries and territories, The Luxury Collection boasts a diverse global portfolio that connects guests to the distinctive wonders of their destination. Through its immersive collaboration with MAD Academy, The Luxury Collection aims to create a scalable...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces the opening of Hyatt Place Leeds and Hyatt House Leeds in the United Kingdom, marking the Hyatt brands’ debut into the Leeds market. With Hyatt Place and Hyatt House under one roof, this new dual-branded development combines intuitive design, practical amenities, spacious rooms, and 24/7 convenience, offering guests a home away from home. Hyatt Place Leeds and Hyatt House Leeds are BREEAM certified and fully electric, which underscores the hotels’ dedication to creating more sustainable, high-performing buildings. Located in the heart of Leeds, in the regenerated Sovereign Square, these hotels are a stone’s throw from the train station...

EMERYVILLE, CALIF.—SCS Global Services (SCS), a pioneer and international leader in third-party sustainability and environmental certifications, announces the first events certified under the SCS Zero Waste Standard—two Dell Technologies Forum Events in India. Organized by Kestone Global and in consultation with Saahas Zero Waste, these regional events were held in Mumbai and Bangalore and achieved 98.64 percent and 92.88 percent diversion, respectively. The third-party certification from SCS was awarded after completing a comprehensive waste assessment, including an on-site audit during the events to verify successful diversion of waste from landfill through recycling, composting, waste-to-energy, and resale. “The events were an integrated approach...

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII—Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an Autograph Collection property on Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, has completed the first phase of its $200 million renovation and unveiled its on-property garden, created to redefine coastal dining with a transformative culinary experience. By blending the island’s abundant variety of fresh local vegetables, herbs, and fruit with innovative culinary techniques at Manta restaurant, the newly reinvigorated oceanfront venue introduces a new concept: a hyper-farm-to-table menu sourced directly from the resort’s “Ulu Garden.” This results in bold interpretations of classic Hawaiian cuisine. Nestled within the resort, the Ulu Garden is a testament to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s commitment to...