BERLIN—The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has declared 2017 the year of sustainable tourism. The focus is on the economic, ecological and social objectives pursued by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For many years, ITB Berlin, through numerous initiatives, has campaigned for greater social equality, protecting the environment and human rights. It makes use of its key role to promote a dialogue with companies in an effort to provide economically, socially and ecologically responsible tourism products and services. In this context, the ITB CSR Day at the ITB Berlin Convention is a driving force. On March 10, leading...

LAAMU, MALDIVES—Six Senses Laamu is surrounded by the infinite blue waters of the Indian Ocean and every day the resort is committed to making the operation more sustainable while simultaneously raising awareness, to guests and hosts alike, about the importance of marine conservation. Staying true to the commitment of protecting the marine life of the Laamu Atoll, Marine Biologists Jenni Choma and Oscar Ignetik have started new projects on turtle identification and coral health and recovery. In July 2016, Jenni and Oscar began identifying the Laamu turtle population. A mere six months later, the database currently stands at 138 unique...

SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE—The United Nations’ designation of 2017 as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development” can have far reaching positive effects on Belize and global tourism, especially if the industry and travelers embrace the tenets of responsible travel, according to The Lodge at Chaa Creek. Lucy Fleming, who with her husband Mick started Chaa Creek as one of Belize’s first eco-resorts in 1981, said the importance of the UN designation cannot be overemphasized, as sustainable tourism will continue to effect so many people around the world. And, the little country of Belize is a prime example of the success...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—The Wyndham Worldwide 2015-2016 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report reflects the company’s holistic integration of CSR into its business and how CSR continues to be an important driver of its success. Within the last year, the company began tracking progress to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals framework; achieved 22 percent reduction in carbon emissions and 18 percent reduction in water consumption; relaunched the Wyndham Worldwide Charitable Foundation and philanthropy programs to improve future generations around the world; and continued its commitment to diversity with a 16.2 percent diverse spend rate. For the fourth year in a row, Wyndham...

MADRID, SPAIN—His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain presided over an event celebrating the launch of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The gathering was attended by ministers of tourism from around the world. The celebration highlighted tourism’s enormous potential to contribute to the development of all countries within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, and the need to continue advancing towards a more sustainable sector that generates benefits to local communities and promotes the conservation of cultural values and natural heritage. The event, held in the El Pardo Palace...

SPRINGFIELD, MO.—John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (JQH) announced that the company was recently honored with Marriott International, Inc.’s 2016 Spirit to Serve Award during the MINA and Full Service Owners Conference. The world’s largest hotel company recognized JQH’s serving in the community, which aligns with Marriott’s initiatives of: employee volunteerism, in-kind and cash donations, nonprofit organizations supported, and community activities and partnerships. Springfield, Missouri-based JQH is a leading private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States, including operating more than 1 million square feet of meeting space. Marriott noted JQH’s efforts to make a significant impact...

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO—The “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit have been named among Mexico’s most eco-conscious hotels, receiving the Distintivo “S” recognition from the Mexico Tourism Board. The Distintivo “S” award is based on a global criteria of sustainability by EarthCheck and the Rainforest Alliance and is promoted by the World Tourism Organization and The Global Sustainable Tourism Council. The AAA Five Diamond resorts received the award for their best practices involving environmental programs, eco-practices and self-sustainability. With an elite water treatment process and rigorous protection of its current environment, Grand Velas...

LONDON—An estimated 11,700 people live in modern slavery in the United Kingdom, and Prime Minster Theresa May has labelled it “the great human rights issue of our time”. From goods produced by forced labor to hotels being used for sexual exploitation, modern slavery is a very real concern for the hotel and hospitality industry. Yet the scale and nature of the problem in the hotel industry is often undetected or underreported. Victims may be unaware that their treatment is illegal. If they are aware, they may be unable to report their situation for risk of deportation. In addition, multi-tier recruitment systems can...

Name: Pranav Jampani Title: Director of Sustainability Company: Las Vegas Sands Corp. Years with company: Three years Primary responsibilities: “I oversee the sustainability program for our Las Vegas operations. We have some of the world’s largest green buildings with over 9,000 employees. I manage development, management and implementation of policies and programs.” Company’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “It’s difficult to pick one. Last year Las Vegas Sands was ranked as one of the greenest large companies in the world in the 2016 Newsweek Green Rankings. Las Vegas Sands was the highest ranked hospitality company in the world. In addition, in Las Vegas, we have...

NATIONAL REPORT—When William Roam sells soap, shampoo and conditioner to its customers, one percent of all sales are pledged to environmental organizations as part of the company’s 1% for the Planet commitment. Through its Roam Foundation it awards scholarships to college students studying hotel and restaurant management. Through its partnership with the Julian Center, an Indianapolis-based organization that provides safe haven to victims of domestic abuse, William Roam team members volunteer their time and also supply amenities to the center’s residents. William Roam, like other amenity suppliers in the lodging industry, shares its success with the local community and those...