CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR, CALIF.—A recent study, Sustainable Signals: Understanding Corporate Sustainability Priorities and Challenges by the Morgan Stanley Institute, finds that overwhelmingly, companies view sustainability as a profit generator and a way to lower the cost of capital.   With the global participation of more than three hundred public and private companies from the U.S., Europe, and Asia, the findings reveal a strong consensus among key decision-makers that sustainability is not only a profit generator but essential to their company’s long-term value-creation efforts.   According to Jessica Alsford, Chief Sustainability Officer at Morgan Stanley, the convergence of sustainability strategies and core business strategies is becoming...

For many pet owners, their furry companions are integral members of the family. It’s no surprise, then, that the trend of traveling with pets has grown significantly in recent years. The hospitality industry has responded accordingly, with an increasing number of pet-friendly accommodations and even eateries that welcome four-legged friends. Simultaneously, the interest in sustainable tourism is on the rise. Fortunately, it is possible to combine these two trends, offering travel options that are both eco-conscious and pet friendly. The Environmental Impact of Pets Pets, particularly in the United States, have a considerable environmental footprint. The most significant impact comes from feeding...

TORONTO and NEWARK, CALIF.—Global luxury hospitality leader Four Seasons and Lucid Group, Inc., maker of the world’s most advanced electric vehicles, announce a new partnership grounded in a shared vision of an exceptional, sustainable lifestyle. The collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to environmental stewardship and responds to a growing guest desire for added flexibility and unique, eco-friendly experiences during their stay. Program elements include the following offerings at participating Four Seasons properties: Complimentary driving experience. Based on availability and bookable at no cost both on-site and online, guests can reserve a Lucid vehicle for their own use. Concierge teams will also provide a suggested route...

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Sands announced it was a presenting partner sponsor of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting on Sept. 23 to 24 in New York City, building on the company’s commitment to addressing economic, social and environmental issues for the betterment of its regions around the world. The CGI meeting coincided with the U.N. General Assembly and brought together business, government and civil society leaders to drive progress on climate resilience, inclusive economic growth and recovery, health equity, the full participation of women and girls, and humanitarian response efforts to crises around the globe. Since its inception, the CGI...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—With the rising presence and utilization of AI and its impact on the way society uses technology, it is no surprise that it is at the forefront of travel planning for Europeans. Key research conducted by MMGY, the authority on European traveler intelligence, unveils a shifting landscape in travel preferences according to its latest release of Portrait of European Travellers. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has surged in popularity according to the new report, and sustainability remains one of the top five motivators for European travelers in 2024. This comprehensive research examining adult travelers from the U.K., France, Germany,...

COSTA RICA—Big Five Tours & Expeditions (Big Five), a distinguished member of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), announced new Costa Rica Programs and its latest initiative in Costa Rica aimed at combating overtourism through the adoption of the WTTC’s Community Conscious Travel global campaign. With decades of experience in sustainable tourism, Big Five is renowned for its innovative approach to preserving cultural heritage and supporting local economies and this new focus in Costa Rica builds on Big Five’s successes in Kenya, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Peru and many other places. Through its newly launched programs in Costa Rica, such as those featured...

AMSTERDAM—A new series of online training sessions for hospitality businesses, focusing on community engagement, energy and greenhouse gases, as well as food and water management, has been developed by Booking.com in collaboration with UN Tourism. The courses have been launched on the Tourism Online Academy (TOA), a collaborative project between UN Tourism and IE University. The four Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) address crucial aspects of sustainability to drive change in production and consumption patterns. While targeted at hospitality businesses, the courses are also available to the general public. They focus on: Energy and climate action: For hospitality, efficient energy...

LAAMU ATOLL, MALDIVES—Six Senses Laamu commemorates the one-year anniversary of its Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL), highlighting the resort’s steadfast dedication to marine conservation and environmental education. In March 2023, Six Senses Laamu unveiled the SHELL on its sunset beach, marking a pivotal milestone in the journey toward fostering environmental awareness and education. The 2,336 square-foot (217 square-meter) immersive exhibition space invites resort guests, hosts, and Maldivian residents to explore and learn about the colorful and vibrant local marine life. Investing further in marine conservation, the SHELL houses a working marine laboratory run by the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI),...

NEW YORK—The Hospitality Show, the industry’s leading technology and operations event produced by Questex and The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), announced a slate of sustainability programming and initiatives for this year’s event, including the co-location of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s Autumn Summit at The Show, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas, October 28 to 30, 2024, at the Henry B. González Convention Center. World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s Autumn Summit will convene senior leaders from across the global hospitality industry, including CEOs and C-suite members from leading hotel companies, real estate owners, investment funds, technology companies, procurement specialists and...

1 Hotels & Treehouse Hotels 2025 openings were announced. 1 Hotel Melbourne is opening in March 2025. Situated on the Yarra River, 1 Hotels & Homes Melbourne, the brand’s first location in Australia, will feature 277 guestrooms and 114 hotel-branded residences. The luxury property will also feature several dining options and a stunning lobby bar with breathtaking waterfront views. Other amenities include Bamford Wellness Spa, an indoor pool, a large function center and access to a 3,500-square-meter public park. The property’s biophilic design, which will include recycled and reclaimed timber from the site’s heritage wharf & shed as well as other...