BASINGSTOKE, ENGLAND—New global research commissioned by communication technology company Communications Specialist Ltd reveals that 94 percent of senior executives at high-end, luxury hotels expect the sector to increase its focus on sustainability over the next three years—some 22 percent believe there will be a dramatic increase. As part of this, 46 percent expect there will be a dramatic increase in the sector’s focus on working with local suppliers, and a further 44 percent say there will be a slight increase. Some 84 percent are predicting growth in the luxury hotel sector’s use of renewable energy, and 86 percent an increased...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. announced the publication of its annual Corporate Responsibility Report for 2023, which presents the company’s ongoing commitment to creating long-term value for the business and industry by investing responsibly in safeguarding the environment and supporting its employees, communities, and other stakeholders. “We are pleased to publish an updated report detailing our significant progress regarding environmental, social, and governance initiatives. Over the past year, we have developed a climate action plan to achieve our emissions reduction target of 30 percent by year-end 2025. Our climate plan includes active data and energy management programs and systems to...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Travel + Leisure Co., the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, published its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report. The annual report provides an overview of the company’s progress and benchmarks, recognizing its ongoing commitment to integrate ESG practices into global business operations. The Travel + Leisure Co. mission to put the world on vacation is delivered through its commitment to responsible tourism and the broader impact it strives to make as an organization. Some key areas of focus in this year’s report include: Simultaneously reduced water usage by over 2.7 million gallons compared to 2021, despite a year-over-year...

LOS ANGELES—Kind Traveler, an internationally awarded responsible travel platform empowering travelers to positively impact local communities through a collection of 350+ hotel, charity, and destination partners, is evolving the travel industry with the launch of its highly anticipated Every Stay Gives Back (ESGB) community impact program. Launching following a successful six-month global pilot, where $73,000 in donations for seven local charities were mobilized by just 15 boutique hotels, ESGB marks a significant leap forward in responsible tourism. Since the pilot program, the ESGB collection has doubled to represent 32 hotels and 17 charities in 19 global destinations. The program empowers travel...

CAGLIARI, SARDINIA—Forte Village in Sardinia, Italy announced they have recently been awarded the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification. The honor certifies that the resort complies with the highest social and environmental standards available, including the areas of restaurant, management of wellness, pool, and tennis areas. The notable achievement is a demonstration of the sustainability efforts and initiatives Forte Village has put in place over the last few years. Forte Village prioritizes environmental preservation and sustainable practices, focusing on a philosophy that revolves around living in harmony with nature, supporting the local economy and culture, and maximizing economic and social benefits. To ensure sustainable development, they...

Name: Emma Jacobs Title: Social Purpose and Sustainability Manager Company: Legacy Vacation Resorts Years in Current Position: Two years Primary Responsibility: “Leading our Social Purpose initiatives, getting our teams involved, volunteering, doing cleanups, fostering a healthy ecosystem. We have a heavy focus on electrifying and transitioning to renewable energy.” Organization’s most significant accomplishment in social purpose and sustainability: “We are ever-focused on the future with ambitious goals including getting to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030, reducing water usage per check-in (UPC) 25 percent and energy UPC 10 percent by 2025, and achieving 100 percent renewable energy company-wide by 2030. We are well...

NATIONAL REPORT—It is no secret that the hospitality industry has undergone many changes over the last few years. Simultaneously, the global health crisis and economic challenges made consumers undergo certain behavior changes. These consumer changes, responsible travel organizations, conservation NGOs, and purpose-driven travel bloggers together contributed to incorporating sustainability and purpose into travel habits. Travelers today are thinking twice before they embark on an adventure. The conversation around travel and sustainability grew, working to minimize the negative effects of tourism and turn travel into a positive force around the world. According to Forbes, purposeful travel is expected to be one of the...

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA—The Grenada Tourism Authority has unveiled 31 new sculptures to be added to the underwater sculpture park—a thriving underwater oasis that has become a symbol of art, conservation, and cultural pride in Grenada. The unveiling of the new sculptures is part of a rehabilitation and upgrade initiative for the world’s first underwater sculpture park, which celebrates artistic expression and cultural richness by embracing the preservation of marine life. Renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor, who created the first sculptures for the underwater sculpture park in 2006, contributed 25 of the captivating sculptures in a collection titled “The Coral Carnival”....

PHILADELPHIA—Be Well. Do Well.—Aramark’s Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) platform—encompasses the company’s focus on and commitment to helping people and the planet. “I am proud of the progress we are making to reduce inequity, support and grow communities, promote diversity, and protect our planet while strengthening the long-term value proposition of our business,” said John Zillmer, CEO, Aramark. At the end of fiscal year 2022, Aramark summarized the progress made delivering on the company’s ESG commitments. View the 2022 Progress Report. Because work continues throughout the year, it is timely to share recent highlights and accomplishments that benefit people and the planet. Accelerating Environmental Sustainability From food purchases...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Nearly 80 percent of travelers will pay at least 10 percent more for sustainable travel features despite the cost-of-living crisis, a Euromonitor International report has revealed. Forty-one percent of travelers are also prepared to pay more than 30 percent extra for adventure and eco-tourism, according to the Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey, mentioned in Euromonitor’s newly released Sustainable Travel Index 2023. Europe dominates the Sustainable Travel Index 2023 taking the top 17 places. Sweden continues to top the chart, with Finland second and Austria in third. South American destination, Uruguay, has made the top 20 for the first time, moving up 15 places from...