One of the most fascinating topics I have covered over the years has been the LEED certification of U.S. convention centers. According to Shepard Event Services, in 2026, nearly 30 U.S. convention centers enjoyed LEED certification across Platinum, Gold, and Silver levels. To see Shephard Event Services’ rundown of LEED certified convention centers and what makes each uniquely green, click here. You may just find some best practices to replicate. I will be interviewing some of the folks behind the design and construction of the new Austin (Texas) Convention Center soon. Set to open in 2029, the Center will run...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new study released in Conservation Biology and co-authored by scientists at Ocean Conservancy, Arizona State University and Shaw Institute is the first to rank marine mammals based on their vulnerability to macroplastic pollution (any plastic piece larger than 5mm, roughly the width of a pencil eraser). The study, A global ranking of the relative vulnerability of marine mammals to macroplastic pollution, found that Hawaiian monk seals, African manatees, Australian sea lions, vaquita porpoises, and Mediterranean monk seals are the five marine mammals most at risk of population declines from plastics ingestion or entanglement. When the results are assessed at the level...

KENYA—Reservations are now open for JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, a luxury safari retreat owned and operated by Lazizi Solio Limited set to welcome guests in July 2026. Located within Solio Game Reserve, the camp will bring the brand’s signature blend of sophisticated design, exceptional service, and holistic wellbeing to one of Kenya’s oldest private rhino sanctuaries. Nestled between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Ranges, the camp will offer 19 serene, tented sanctuaries with sweeping mountain views, including an expansive two-bedroom suite ideal for families or small groups seeking meaningful moments together....

NATIONAL REPORT—According to a survey of 7,000 travelers, Gen Z and Millennials make sustainability and overtourism prevention central to trip planning and 94 percent say they are willing to travel off-peak to reduce crowding. They back demand-management measures at popular sites, with 83 percent supporting restrictions that protect natural and cultural assets even if it limits their access. Gen Z and Millennial travelers are rewriting the rules on when and where they go and what they’ll give up to protect the places at the top of their bucket lists. Expedia Group’s new study, Travel with Purpose: How Gen Z &...

Essendi recently published its 2025 Sustainability Report, marking the completion of its first five-year sustainability roadmap and highlighting measurable progress delivered through hotel-level execution, operational discipline and team engagement. Last year also marked a defining year for the Group, with the adoption of its new identity and the positioning of Positive Hospitality at the heart of the way Essendi creates long-term value for its business, assets, teams and the communities around them. A Five-Year Roadmap Translated into Measurable Progress Between 2021 and 2025, Essendi embedded sustainability more deeply into the way it operates, invests and manages its portfolio. The Group completed...

NEW YORK—Nassimi, a leading manufacturer of artfully and sustainably designed coated and woven upholstery materials, announces the release of its third annual Sustainability Report, building on more than 20 years of environmental stewardship and innovation. The report highlights Nassimi’s ongoing progress in reducing environmental impact, advancing responsible production across its product portfolio, and environmental and social philanthropic initiatives. Serving as both a performance benchmark and a roadmap for future efforts, the annual report reinforces accountability within the company and across the industry. “Environmental stewardship is central to how we operate as a company, and this report reflects both our progress and the work ahead that we...

LAS VEGAS—Wynn Resorts, a global leader in luxury hospitality, announced the release of its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report and Executive Overview, detailing the company’s environmental sustainability, workforce development and community impact initiatives across its North American operations. The Wynn Resorts ESG Report 2025 highlights continued investment in employee development, measurable improvements in environmental performance and record-setting philanthropic contributions. “Our progress as a company is grounded in the values our employees bring to life every day,” said Craig S. Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts. “We believe that doing good and doing well are one and the same, and that commitment...

RODNEY BAY, ST. LUCIA—TheLifeCo, the internationally recognized medical wellness and detox brand founded over two decades ago with flagship destinations in Turkey (Bodrum, Antalya, Uludağ), Egypt and Thailand, embarks on its next chapter: its foray into the Caribbean with TheLifeCo St. Lucia, a 100-key purpose-built physician-led longevity destination designed from the ground up around detox and transformation programs. Setting a new standard for wellness tourism, TheLifeCo St. Lucia reimagines the traditional Caribbean escape as a structured wellness retreat, where guests come not just to unwind, but to actively transform their health. TheLifeCo St. Lucia brings advanced diagnostics and cutting-edge technology and therapies, many of...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—The European Travel Commission (ETC), the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) and NECSTouR launched Proof, Not Promises: A Practical Guide to the EU Empowering Consumers Directive for Destinations, a new report designed to help destinations, tourism businesses, and event organizers respond to one of the most significant regulatory shifts in sustainability communication. The report provides practical guidance on the EU’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EU) 2024/825, which will apply from September 27, 2026, and fundamentally changes how environmental claims to consumers can be made across Europe. Claims will need to be clear, specific, evidence-based, and not...

THAILAND—Anurak Lodge, a 19-key nature-based ecolodge located on the edge of Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand, has published its 2025 Impact Report. The report outlines Anurak’s progress towards regenerative tourism principles guided by the ‘4Cs’ of conservation, community, culture and commerce, a framework developed by sustainable tourism advocacy body, The Long Run. The impact statement demonstrates how the lodge is embedding sustainability in all aspects of its operations. A key milestone in 2025 was the completion of a full year of consistent measurement of electricity, water and waste. The ecolodge also maintained its Travelife Gold Certification, reflecting adherence to...