LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Greenview have launched a Global ESG Policy Tracker to help Travel and Tourism businesses monitor evolving ESG-related regulations and policies worldwide. The tool is designed to help these businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes and incorporate sustainability considerations into their core business decisions. The tracker was developed in collaboration with Greenview, a company specializing in sustainability and ESG data solutions for the hospitality and Travel and Tourism industries. The Global ESG Policy Tracker is an online interactive dashboard that offers thorough coverage of regional, national, and state-level ESG policies. In addition to policy coverage,...

In last week’s column I highlighted carbon positive Populus hotels in Denver and Seattle. Carbon positive means they sequester more carbon than they emit over their lifetime. This week I highlight the Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre (U.K.), now open, and the Radisson RED Oslo City Centre (Norway), which has a planned July opening. Radisson Hotel Group just announced that both hotels have achieved Verified Net Zero status, already meeting the 2040 requirements of the Net Zero Methodology for Hotels. The alignment with the Net Zero Methodology for Hotels is verified by a third party, TÜV Rheinland. The Verified Net Zero...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—Radisson Hotel Group announced its first two hotels to achieve Verified Net Zero status, achieving 2040 requirements of the Net Zero Methodology for Hotels today. The properties in Oslo and Manchester are taking steps to eliminate Scope 1 & 2 emissions, significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions, aligned with the GHG protocol, and remove the remaining footprint with Nature Based Solutions. The achievement is unique, as the alignment with the Net Zero Methodology for Hotels is verified by a third party, TÜV Rheinland. With the launch of two Verified Net Zero Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group is setting the gold standard for sustainable hospitality. The existing Park...

DULUTH, MINN.—As part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, the environment and fostering a communal appreciation for the outdoors, Loll Designs planted 1,000 trees, half white and half red pine, near Lester Creek Golf Course in Duluth on May 22. This 40-acre area has a rocky soil which is better suited for native pine trees for strong long-term growth versus its current species makeup. Restoring these native trees will help prevent erosion along the creek while adding much-needed biodiversity to the area. The tree planting initiative was done in partnership with the City of Duluth and Rajala Woods, an...

In a recent Publisher’s Point of View column, I reported that Hawaii’s governor intended to sign SB1396, creating the climate impact fee, or “green fee,” that will help the islands to mitigate the impacts of climate change and the roughly 10 million annual visitors it welcomes to its shores. According to AP, that legislation was signed by Hawaii Governor Josh Green yesterday. The legislation boosts a tax imposed on hotel room and vacation rental stays in order to raise money to address eroding shorelines, wildfires and other consequences of climate change. The measure adds an additional 0.75 percent to the daily room rate...

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA.—andCo Hospitality, the Certified B Corporation shaking up responsible travel, announces the official launch of The Fold, its newest and flagship brand. Crafted for travelers who crave style, comfort and a genuine sense of place without compromising on sustainability, The Fold delivers a fresh, locally infused hospitality experience at three vibrant destinations across the United States. Blending upcycled design, energy-efficient amenities and community-driven experiences, The Fold properties are less “cookie-cutter hotel” and more “your new favorite hangout.” This launch is a major milestone in andCo Hospitality’s evolution, following its April 1 reveal of a new multi-brand lineup...

CINCINNATI, OHIO—Standard Textile Co., Inc., a global leader in healthcare and hospitality textiles, announced the release of its 2024 Sustainability Impact Report and its commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global organization enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets grounded in the latest climate science. This dual milestone underscores Standard Textile’s commitment to sustainable innovation, operations and transparency in environmental impact reporting. In March 2025, Standard Textile took a significant step by officially registering its commitment with the SBTi. Over the next 24 months, the company will develop science-based emission reduction goals and submit them for validation, striving to...

SEATTLE—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announces the opening of 1 Hotel Seattle, a new sanctuary of sustainability and sophisticated design in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Set in the South Lake Union neighborhood—home to some of Seattle’s most innovative tech companies—this nature-inspired retreat combines sustainable luxury, hyper-local culinary experiences, and the rugged elegance of the region’s landscapes. “Seattle is a city where nature and innovation coexist beautifully—and that’s exactly what we aimed to capture with this property,” says Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. “This city...

Populus Hotels is distinguishing itself from other hotel groups in the U.S. with its collection of carbon positive hotels in Denver and Seattle. Carbon positive means the two hotels, through various efforts, are going beyond carbon neutrality by removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than is emitted. Kudos to Urban Villages, a leading developer and environmental steward, for creating the brand. It has done so in collaboration with Aparium Hotel Group, an operator of independent, luxury lifestyle hotels. Each property is a great story of green design, innovation and respect for the local and global environment. “Urban Villages’ mission is to...

PARIS—Ahead of World Ocean Day (June 8), Novotel marks the first anniversary of its transformative three-year partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), reaffirming its commitment to protecting the wellbeing and longevity of the ocean with the launch of two new food policies: Novotel’s Sustainable Seafood Principles in partnership with WWF France and the launch of a pioneering global Plant-Forward food ambition across 600 hotels. “At Novotel, we are taking decisive action to protect our oceans, and the partnership with WWF is a driving force of this commitment,” said Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President. “Through their guidance and expertise, we can drive change at...