NEW YORK—Loews Hotels introduces Flavor by Loews Hotels, a food and beverage experience serving up the best local flavor right within the four walls of the hotel. Rolling out nationally this year, Flavor by Loews Hotels is built on partnerships with artisan food & beverage vendors ranging from bakers to ice cream makers. The indigenous products are showcased on menus across the brand’s portfolio, enabling guests to experience a taste of the destination without ever having to step off property. Loews Hotels is one of the first hotel brands to embrace local partnerships on a national scale. The Flavor by...

NORWOOD, MASS.—In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the North American travel and tourism industry is calling for donations to the Destination Disaster Recovery Fund to speed the restoration of destinations and the livelihoods they support (www.tourismcares.org/disasterrecovery). Led by the industry’s nonprofit, Tourism Cares, the Fund supports the three regions most affected: the Caribbean, the Texas Gulf Coast and the hardest hit parts of Florida and the Keys. The Fund complements the outpouring of relief aid in three ways: focusing on the recovery of tourism sites and communities; leveraging industry talent and influence; and partnering with local leaders such...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Through the generous support of Pineapple Hospitality and MDRT Foundation, Clean the World is better able to provide hurricane relief in the various affected regions. To assist in Clean the World’s recent hurricane relief effort, Pineapple Hospitality has donated 61,400 bars of new soap. “After watching the suffering being endured by the victims of Harvey and Irma from the comfort of our dry and air-conditioned homes we were seeking a way to assist,” says Ray Burger, President of Pineapple Hospitality. “We have been impressed with the ongoing efforts of Clean the World over the past few years and we...

NEW YORK—The challenge before the travel and tourism industry is real. In 2015, there were 1.2 billion international tourism arrivals, and billions more domestic tourists. This is predicted to nearly double by 2030, prompting the UN World Tourism Organization Secretary General, Taleb Rifai, to declare: “Will tourism bring us one billion opportunities to make the world a better place, or one billion disasters?” Virtuoso has always believed that tourism represents opportunities and it is that objective that recently inspired the renowned travel agency network, specializing in upscale and experiential travel, to hold its inaugural Sustainability Summit. For nearly a decade,...

SAN DIEGO—Evans Hotels, one of the premier hospitality leaders in Southern California, is pleased to announce its new corporate social responsibility program called WE CARE along with its first annual scorecard. Evans Hotels is a family-run business with a deep commitment to San Diego; its portfolio includes Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in Mission Bay as well as The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the AAA Five Diamond property in La Jolla. The WE CARE social responsibility program is in line with the company’s belief that its hotels are both “of the community” and “for the community,”...

The Biophilia hypothesis, according to Encyclopedia Brittanica, is the “idea that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.” Biophilia has influenced architecture and design significantly in recent years and is highlighted in a new book by Amanda Sturgeon entitled, “Creating Biophilic Buildings.” Be sure to check it out. Amanda is CEO of the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), a leading organization that focuses on the transformation to a world that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative. She is the founder and driving force behind the organization’s Biophilic Design Initiative...

BURBANK, CALIF.—The Walt Disney Company has committed $2.5 million to aid in humanitarian relief efforts across Florida, the Caribbean and other areas impacted by Hurricane Irma. The donation will support the disaster response and recovery efforts of the American Red Cross, UNICEF, Save the Children, and other nonprofit organizations. “We’re donating $2.5 million to support relief and recovery efforts in response to Hurricane Irma,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “This is in addition to nearly $16 million we raised after Hurricane Harvey to help ensure storm victims have the support needed to recover and...

LONDON—The International Tourism Partnership (ITP) announced the four Goals supported by ITP member companies as the major industry reference point to drive progress towards sustainability. The ITP Goals are a carefully constructed and practically achievable response to four of the core sustainability issues impacting responsible hospitality providers globally. At a glance, they include: • Youth Employment: Collectively impact one million young people through employability programs by 2030, thereby doubling the industry’s current impact on youth unemployment. • Carbon: Embrace science-based targets, and encourage the wider industry to join in reducing emissions at scale. • Water: Embed water stewardship programs to reduce the...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—In addition to a half decade of recognition in North America by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, Wyndham Worldwide is for the first time being named a socially responsible leader in Europe through the FTSE4Good Index Series. FTSE4Good measures the performance of companies demonstrating strong environmental, social and governance practices. Wyndham Worldwide has built Corporate Social Responsibility into its business to deliver great experiences for its customers, results for its shareholders, and service to its communities. Building on five consecutive years of recognition as a Dow Jones Sustainability Index hospitality leader in North America for its responsible business practices,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Imagine traveling from the mountains and rainforests of western Canada to the beaches of the Caribbean and Cuba, and finally ending up along the U.S.-Mexico border—all within eight hours. Invited guests will do just about that on World Tourism Day, September 27, 2017, when the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) and UN Environment—North America Office co-host a Forum showcasing the importance of the UN’s declaration of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The one-of-a-kind event will take place at the UN Foundation in Washington, D.C. “The UN’s international year is important for so many reasons,” says...