BERLIN, GERMANY—Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper called for immediate and tangible climate action, financing and collaboration to protect tourism-dependent destinations during a high-profile panel discussion at ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows. Regis-Prosper was speaking during a panel titled, “From Promise to Progress: Steering Tourism in Challenging Times”, alongside global tourism executives from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the European Commission, and NECSTouR. Highlighting the Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate change, Regis-Prosper stressed the urgent need for practical tools and financing to help tourism-dependent regions navigate escalating climate impacts. “Sustainability is our...

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO—As destinations worldwide struggle with overtourism, the Caribbean Island of Curaçao is taking a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes high-value, low-impact tourism growth and long-term resilience over short-term gains. In partnership with Sustainable Travel International and the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies, Curaçao is implementing a Destination Carrying Capacity Study, a 360-degree framework evaluating the economic, environmental, and social impacts of increasing tourism. By shifting the focus from sheer volume to a more holistic measure of tourism’s value, this initiative aims to create a balanced, mutually beneficial industry that maximizes economic benefits while safeguarding the island’s ecosystems, preserving...

MILWAUKEE, WIS.—Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp. was named one of America’s Climate Leaders 2025 by USA TODAY and Statista. The ranking highlights the U.S.-based companies that have reduced their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity the most between 2021 and 2023, as measured by GHG emissions relative to revenue. According to Statista’s analysis, Zurn Elkay achieved a 33.0 percent reduction in greenhouse gas intensity over the three-year period. Among the 500 companies on the list, Zurn Elkay ranked No. 55 overall, No. 3 in the Capital Goods sector and No. 1 among 15 Wisconsin-based companies. “It’s an honor to earn recognition for our efforts,...

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND—This article is part of my ongoing project, Sustainability Transitions in the Swiss Foodservice Industry: Reimagining Foodservice for a World Never Imagined. In our increasingly complex global food system, narrow sustainability approaches tend to emphasize conventional value functions that focus on limiting waste or destruction and maximizing the share of value captured by a single organization. Such approaches serve a limited set of stakeholders and often overlook broader societal, environmental and economic benefits. In contrast, the regenerative paradigm calls for a comprehensive rethinking of business models: one that integrates long-term sustainable visions with transformative, circular innovation. At the strategic level, re-imagining...

MACAU—Melco Resorts & Entertainment has announced the publication of its sustainability report for the year 2024 (see here). The strategy continues to guide the company to go “Above & Beyond”—to strive to achieve its commitments to restoring the environment, inspiring its people and communities, sustaining its supply chain and empowering its business to impact positive change. As Melco’s strategy, pillar goals and targets evolve in response to shifting environments through wide-reaching efforts as highlighted in the report, the company aims to actively engage stakeholders on its journey towards a climate-fit and equitable future. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco...

NATIONAL REPORT—Arkema, AkzoNobel and Omya have collaborated to develop a range of low-carbon options for more sustainable decorative paints with a 30 percent or more reduced carbon footprint for mass market adoption while maintaining performance equivalent to existing products. This project aims to expand experiments and achieve up to 50 percent carbon reduction of decorative paints. “As the industry actively works on decarbonizing its value chain, we wanted to collectively accelerate the development of next generation paints, to meet increasing industry and consumer demand, Green Deal regulations and green building certifications. Our efforts have been driven by the common objective...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—According to a recent survey conducted by digital travel platform Agoda, sustainable travel is a major consideration for most Asian travelers. The survey “2025 Sustainable Travel Survey”, ranked travelers from the Philippines as the most conscious about sustainability, with 86 percent stating it was a key factor in their travel plans for 2025. Travelers from India (82 percent), Taiwan (80 percent), Malaysia (80 percent), and Vietnam (77 percent) also showed a strong commitment to sustainable travel. The survey drew upon responses from over 6,000 participants across 11 Asian markets. It highlighted that sustainable travel, characterized by authentic experiences and off-peak...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—In 2025, 93 percent of global travelers expressed a desire to make more sustainable travel choices, with 58 percent actively changing their travel habits to do so, as indicated in Booking.com’s Sustainability and Travel Report 2025. Traveling sustainably is no longer just a trend, but increasingly a priority for many. As awareness grows around the impact of travel on the environment, more destinations are stepping up to offer experiences that are both unforgettable and that can continue to be enjoyed by all for years to come. To mark its annual research, Booking.com is profiling a list of global destinations,...

AMSTERDAM—The latest research conducted by Booking.com in 2025 has revealed a significant shift in traveler perceptions regarding sustainability. A majority are now aware of their impact on local communities and the environment. This marks the first time that over half of the participants (53 percent) have shown an understanding of tourism’s influence on these areas. The study, which is the 10th edition of Booking.com’s annual research, delved into consumer attitudes and intentions concerning the social and ecological implications of travel. The findings reflect a growing discussion on the repercussions of tourism on destinations. Interestingly, more than half of the travelers (57 percent)...

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS.—Watts Water Technologies, Inc. has been selected as one of America’s Climate Leaders 2025 by USA Today for the third consecutive year. Watts was named among 500 companies selected for the list, which is comprised of U.S. organizations that achieved the greatest reduction in their core emissions intensity between 2021 and 2023, specifically Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions in relation to revenue. To compile the list, USA Today’s partner Statista scrutinized approximately 2,000 American companies across all industries with revenue greater than $50 million in 2023 and verifiable emissions data. “Watts is honored to receive this recognition as...