WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has selected the Cusco-Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu corridor in Peru, and the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Puerto Varas, and Frutillar in the Lakes Region of Chile for the second round of its pilot program to test its new Criteria and Indicators for Destinations.These new Early Adopters are the first South American destinations to participate.Overseen by GSTC’s Destination Working Group and managed by NGO partner Sustainable Travel International, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Criteria for Destinations are designed to orient destination managers, communities, and businesses toward the steps that are needed to sustain their...

TURTLE ISLAND, YASAWAS, FIJI—Turtle Island Resort in Fiji has recently completed a groundbreaking solar installation, making it one of the first ever clean energy resorts in the world. The installation renders the island resort nearly 100 percent self-sufficient using the sun’s clean energy. This project, which entailed a total of 968 solar panels being installed on the island, commenced in early 2012 and is now fully operational. Through its ecologically conscious operations, the resort runs on an average of 85 percent solar power, more than any other island resort in Fiji, and perhaps any luxury resort worldwide.“At Turtle Island...

GAITHERSBURG, MD.—Sodexo announces the launch of a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified sustainable seafood program. The program will commence at some of the most recognized and iconic institutions that Sodexo serves in North America.The locations selected for Sodexo’s program are in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and include: National Geographic, National Academy of Sciences, National Aquarium, The Brookings Institution, International Monetary Fund, Gannett, Marriott International, Sodexo Headquarters (Rio Café), Marymount University, The University of Mary Washington and George Mason University. The program is expected to reach more than one million consumers, and help Sodexo raise awareness about its...

DEATH VALLEY, CALIF.—Approaching its five-year anniversary, the solar photovoltaic system national park and resort concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts installed in Death Valley has produced more than 10 million kW and met the company’s goal of reducing purchased electricity by 30 percent.The one megawatt (MW) system was completed in June 2008 and covers five acres within Furnace Creek Resort which includes the historic Inn at Furnace Creek, Ranch at Furnace Creek and Furnace Creek Golf Course as well as employee offices and housing.“Our solar PV system has been a true workhorse as it harnesses the sun’s energy practically every...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced the start of the Hyatt Thrive Global Month of Community Service where associates at Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world will volunteer to give back to the communities they call home. Hyatt also unveils a Commit To Thrive social pledge campaign, which asks associates, guests, and neighbors to take an online pledge to commit to making a positive difference in their communities. For each pledge taken up to 35,000, Hyatt will donate a book to a child in need through Room to Read and We Give Books.In its third year, the Hyatt Thrive Global...

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS—Award winning hotelier Ewald Biemans, whose properties enjoy average occupancies of more than 90 percent, will share his innovative and profitable environmental approaches with delegates attending the region’s premier sustainable tourism conference in Trinidad & Tobago next month.Biemans, the owner and managing director of Bucuti and Tara Resorts in Aruba, is an innovator in environmental practices and his success in achieving profitability through sustainable means has earned both him and his properties global recognition. In his presentation at the 14th Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-14), the successful hotelier will outline a complete environmental roadmap for hotels and destination organizations to...

BOSTON—The Lenox Hotel in Boston will embrace the upcoming Earth Day by offering a month-long program of green amenities, services and an overnight package designed to keep Boston green.Starting April 1 and continuing through April 30, The Lenox Hotel will offer guests a “Green Dreams” package that includes an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s Heaven on Eleven Pure rooms, a sustainable breakfast in City Table restaurant, an eco-tour of the hotel with the property’s Director of Green, access to the hotel’s book lending eco-library and a guaranteed carbon neutral stay. As part of “Give 5% Keep Boston...

COZUMEL, MEXICO—Cozumel has taken a giant leap forward in its quest to become one of the world’s leading sustainable destinations, through the development of an action plan focused on three priority destination stewardship initiatives.An island of turquoise waters, dazzling coral reefs, white beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Cozumel faces the common challenge of maintaining a sustainable growth trajectory while at the same time, protecting its natural and cultural heritage. The popular Riviera Maya destination attracts approximately 240,000 overnight tourists and 3 million cruise visitors to its shores each year, making it the world’s second most-visited cruise port of call.More...

ANN ARBOR, MICH.—Carbonfund.org Foundation and NSF International announce the renewal of LEI Electronics’ Eco Alkalines batteries into the CarbonFree Product Certification Program. In addition to completing a carbon footprint, the batteries continue to meet and exceed some of the most important international standards such as PAS 2050 (carbon label standard) and ISO 14044 (life cycle assessment standard).LEI’s Eco Alkalines batteries are entering their third year under the CarbonFree Product Certification Program offered through NSF International’s Sustainability Division. CarbonFree certified products are available in multiple countries and LEI reports increasing sales as the product continues to gain acceptance from consumers...

LAGRANGE, GA.—Lindsay James, a seven-year veteran of Interface Americas who most recently was the modular carpet tile manufacturer’s Director of Strategic Sustainability, has been named Vice President of Restorative Enterprise.In announcing the promotion, John Wells, Interface Americas president and CEO, explained, “The formation of the Restorative Enterprise team is a next step in our company’s journey to our 2020 Mission Zero goal and our promise to eliminate any negative impact our manufacturing and products have on the environment. This team is charged with helping to transform our company into an enterprise that restores the environment as well as preserves...