LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International recognized Earth Hour, the global effort to raise awareness of climate change, by dimming the exterior lights at 18 of its properties worldwide March 25. During the annual event, which is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, millions of people joined communities, businesses and iconic landmarks around the world in switching their lights off for one hour. The goal is to demonstrate the importance of energy conservation and to support action on climate change. Exterior lighting, rooftop signage, marquees and front features at all the MGM Resorts’ major Las Vegas resorts as well as MGM China in...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton today announced the launch of a global social media contest celebrating Earth Hour (8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 25)—the worldwide movement for the planet organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Building on the core theme of Earth Hour—turning off the lights for an hour to save energy—contestants are invited to submit a photo and caption showing how they celebrated the event. The grand prize includes travel and accommodation, including a five-night stay at the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre in Iceland. The winner will enjoy the destination’s proximity to the Arctic Circle, as well...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oceana released a new report finding that shark-related dives in Florida generated more than $221 million in revenue and fueled over 3,700 jobs in 2016. The independent report, commissioned by Oceana, highlights the stark contrast between the value of sharks to Florida’s dive industry ($221 million) and the total U.S. shark fin export market ($1.03 million in 2015). “Shark-based tourism, which depends on healthy shark populations, is a lucrative and rapidly growing industry in the U.S. as more and more divers recognize the beauty and awe of swimming with these magnificent creatures,” said Oceana Campaign Director Lora Snyder. “In...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced the launch of World of Hyatt, Hyatt’s new global platform grounded in the simple idea that a little understanding goes a long way. This reflects Hyatt’s purpose and reaffirms its commitment to building genuine and trusted experiences and engaging its community of loyalists in a way that is meaningful to them. “World of Hyatt is an expression of who we are,” said Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corp. “It’s a platform powered by our purpose—caring for people so they can be their best—and it inspires how we engage with guests, interact with colleagues and owners,...

SAMUI, THAILAND—Six Senses Samui has unveiled its latest sustainability initiative, Farm on the Hill, in its quest to be more environmentally conscious and to offer an authentic Thai farm experience to guests. The farm may be small, yet it adds big purpose and value to the resort’s operation while benefitting the local community. The farm’s inception was born from a landscaping necessity, which includes a large volume of organic waste generated (e.g. branch trimmings), unutilized grey water, and lack of nutrient rich soil. All the resort needed was 15 to 20 goats, 80 chickens, one simple greywater catchment system and...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Coinciding with the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development, the five winners of the 2017 National Geographic World Legacy Awards were announced during an awards ceremony held at the Palais am Funkturm. The World Legacy Awards, a partnership between National Geographic and ITB Berlin, showcase the leading travel and tourism companies, organizations and destinations—ranging from large resorts to small eco-lodges and from wildlife conservancies to entire countries—that are driving the sustainable tourism transformation of the global travel industry. More than 100 entries, representing 45 countries across six continents, were submitted for these awards. An international panel of...

LONDON—A new international study by Unilever reveals that one-third of consumers (33 percent) are now choosing to buy from brands they believe are doing social or environmental good. The study asked 20,000 adults from five countries how their sustainability concerns impact their choices in-store and at home. Crucially, it then mapped their claims against real purchase decisions, giving a more accurate picture than ever of what people are actually buying—and why. As well as confirming the public’s high expectations of brands when it comes to having a positive social and environmental impact, the study’s findings uncover an unprecedented opportunity for companies...

ALBANY, N.Y.—Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that three New York-owned ski resorts, Belleayre Ski Resort, Gore Mountain and Whiteface Mountain, have pledged to be powered by 100 percent renewal electricity by 2030, joining The Climate Reality Project’s I AM PRO SNOW 100% Committed campaign. The initiative corresponds with Governor Cuomo’s Clean Energy Standard, which requires that half of all electricity used in New York come from renewable sources by 2030. “Belleayre, Gore and Whiteface are key drivers of their local tourism economies, and with this commitment they are joining New York’s nation-leading efforts to fight climate change, reduce our carbon footprint and...

ASHEVILLE, N.C.—Festiva, a privately held hospitality company based in Asheville, N.C., announced that it will be doubling its donation to the Western North Carolina Nature Center, Asheville’s Wildlife Park, that was originally initiated in 2012. This means a commitment of a grand total of $100,000 to the center’s 2020 Vision, a long-term improvement and expansion project already underway at the Nature Center that will help transform the center into one of Asheville’s favorite treasures for locals and visitors alike. The donation is coordinated by Friends of the WNCNC, a nonprofit committed to supporting the WNC Nature Center’s mission of connecting...

GREENSBORO, N.C.—After 28 years of operating one of the top-rated hotel and restaurant companies in the South, the founders of Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels (QW) announced last fall that it is now 100 percent owned by its 600+ staff members. This makes QW one of only a few employee-owned restaurant and hotel companies in the entire country. Dennis and Nancy King Quaintance will continue to lead the company. Guests will not see changes at any of their six places: O.Henry Hotel, Green Valley Grill, Proximity Hotel, Print Works Bistro, and two Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen locations. According to Dennis Quaintance, “Co-founders...