LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND—A recently formed group of tourism and hospitality consultants, educators and researchers have joined forces to develop and distribute content that will be designed to “help move the agenda forward” in the areas of tourism and hospitality sustainability. Located in Lausanne, Switzerland, this organization is in the process of recruiting new members who support their mission and vision. A preliminary website, which will soon be updated, provides some background information and can be found at www.thisd.org. Anyone interested in participating in this new organization and who is willing to contribute to its formulation process are encouraged...

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYO.—Taking a green vacation just became easier with Grand Teton Lodge Company’s (GTLC) announcement that it will offset 100 percent of its energy use by purchasing clean, renewable wind-generated energy. By purchasing energy credits equal to the company’s entire electricity use, GTLC becomes one of the largest purchasers of wind power in Wyoming. In 2003, GTLC led the way in promoting alternative energy sources in the state by becoming one of the first Wyoming businesses to purchase wind-generated electricity, securing the equivalent power to run Jenny Lake Lodge annually. The company will work with...

SAN JUAN, P.R.—As part of their commitment to the sustainable development of Caribbean tourism, the Caribbean Hotel Assn. (CHA) and Skyauction.com have agreed to extend their successful room exchange program to Caribbean hotel members who wish to participate in the upcoming Green Globe International & Caribbean Green Tourism Conference. The event will be held November 1 to 3 at the Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica. “This is great news, especially for the small properties, given the interest many of them have showed, and the potential benefits for them,” says Deirdre Shurland, director of the Caribbean Alliance...

BOULDER, COLO.—Sustainable Travel International (STI) announced that it has expanded is services related to greenhouse gas (GHG)/carbon offsetting in response to growing consumer and industry demand for market-based systems and related programs that help to curb global warming. STI has developed a user-friendly guide called, “Choosing a Greenhouse Gas Offset Program.” Designed for both businesses and consumers who are unsure about carbon offsetting and want to more easily determine the best services available in the marketplace, the guide is available from STI. This informative document includes a synopsis of factors to consider in choosing an offset program, a...

EXCELSIOR, MINN.—Sustainable Lifestyles introduces its line of natural fiber rugs and carpet. The flooring products do not off-gas like those made from synthetic materials. The raw product for the company’s flooring is sustainably harvested. Sustainable Lifestyles offers a large variety of Sisal, Seagrass, Mountain Grass and Sisal Wool styles. The rugs come in standard and custom sizes, shapes and borders. Wall to wall carpet is available. The company will be exhibiting at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show in New York, November 11 to 14, at booth No. 4011. Go to Sustainable Lifestyles.

ARLINGTON, VA—Pepco Energy Services, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings Inc. and a supplier of renewable electricity in the Mid-Atlantic region, announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply wind power to The Fairmont Washington, D.C. The three-year contract calls for Pepco Energy Services to supply the 415- room Fairmont Hotel with more than 3 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity generated from renewable resources. Beginning in March 2007, 10 percent of the energy will come from wind farms located in the Mid-Atlantic region. “Pepco Energy Services is pleased to be supplying environmentally friendly wind energy...

AMERICAN CANYON, CALIF.—Imagine a hotel with the sound of birds chirping on a green roof, swans gliding across a half-acre lagoon and koi swimming in a pond. Designed to appeal to eco-tourists who want luxury and comfort, Napa Valley’s first environmentally sustainable hotel, Gaia Napa Valley, will open next month. Cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technology was used in its construction and will be applied in the daily operations. Gaia Napa Valley will offer the ultimate experience of harmony with nature. The hotel is pursuing gold LEED certification. The lagoon has its own eco-system, is surrounded by a lush...

CAPE ELIZABETH, MAINE—The Inn By The Sea, here in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is not a bad place to stay, especially if you happen to be a bird or a bug—the good kind, that is. The luxury property, which includes 43 suites and cottages, is two-thirds surrounded by a state park and is adjacent to a bird sanctuary. Management at the Inn By The Sea takes its responsibility to maintain its surroundings seriously. Over the years, the need for chemicals has been reduced by replacing exotic plants with indigenous species that not only create a pleasing landscape for guests, but also...

DENVER—National park and resort concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts has received the National Park Service (NPS) 2006 Environmental Achievement Award for its performance at the Zion Lodge in Zion National Park. The NPS Environmental Achievement Award recognizes superior accomplishments in environmental stewardship. Zion Lodge also received the award in 2004. Xanterra also has received National Park Service Environmental Achievement Awards for environmental stewardship at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The 2006 award was presented by Fran Mainella, director of the National Park Service. “Xanterra at Zion...

SAN JUAN, P.R.—“Enhancing the Business of Tourism—The Path to Sustainability” is the general theme of the Green Globe International Conference and the Green Tourism Conference to be held November 1 to 3 at the Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The conference is a joint staging of the second biennial International Green Globe Conference (the inaugural edition was held March 2004 in New Zeeland) and the third biennial Caribbean Green Tourism Conference. The 2006 edition is being organized by the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) with the assistance of its parent organization, the Caribbean Hotel Assn.,...