LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center have unveiled new data detailing the climate footprint of the Travel & Tourism sector in Africa. According to the new data, between 2010 and 2019, the African Travel & Tourism sector decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions. The data shows the total contribution to Africa’s GDP grew on average 2.6 percent annually, whilst greenhouse gas emissions increased by just 1.2 percent during the same period. The data also demonstrates how the sector’s emissions intensity continues to decrease. In 2010, for every $1 of the region’s...

BENTON HARBOR, MICH.—Whirlpool Corp. announced that it has been named to the 2022 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI) in recognition of the company’s ongoing focus on responsible and ethical business practices. Whirlpool was also included on the DJSI North America Index for the 16th year. “We are immensely proud to be acknowledged for our global efforts to drive environmental and social sustainability through our business operations, product innovation, and community engagement initiatives,” said Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corp. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our 69,000 employees around the globe who have worked...

RIVIERA PACIFICA, PANAMA—The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, a top luxury family-friendly resort in Riviera Pacifica’s beach community, has launched new sustainable initiatives to help eco-conscious travelers make the most of their trip while creating less of an impact on the environment. Home to nature trails, an animal conservation center, and a Nicklaus-designed 18-hole championship golf course, the outdoors are at the forefront of guest experience at The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort. Conscious of its operational impacts to its surroundings, The Buenaventura has launched the following sustainable initiatives: Carbon neutral flight partnerships. Partnering with Green Cloud, The Buenaventura now allows...

BANGKOK—Six Senses is coming to Grand Bahama as part of a project that will boost local tourism, development, and investment. With social and environmental responsibility at its heart, the new resort and residences will create employment opportunities for Grand Bahamians, encourage sustainability and regenerative activity on the island, and engage the surrounding community while protecting the land for future generations of locals and visitors to Grand Bahama. Resort Village Designed by architects 3XN, the resort village will comprise 45 waterfront and canal villas enjoying 2,400 feet (732 meters) of beach frontage and water on three sides. In addition to the guest...

RICHMOND, VA.—Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. published its inaugural Corporate Responsibility Report, which details the company’s environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) performance, strategy and initiatives and features its commitment to environmental sustainability, corporate employees, hotel associates and guests, communities, and other stakeholders. “Apple Hospitality has always worked to uphold high ESG standards and believes these key areas of focus are an integral part of driving long-term value for our shareholders,” said Justin Knight, CEO of Apple Hospitality. “We own one of the largest and most geographically diverse portfolios of rooms-focused hotels in the United States and are dedicated to making a...

The idea for the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system was hatched almost 30 years ago in 1993. Today, there are more than 100,000 buildings participating in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) certification program. Approximately 1,000 of those buildings are lodgings located around the world. According to USGBC, “LEED certified buildings are proven to save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and create healthier places for people. They are a critical part of addressing the climate crisis, meeting ESG goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting more equitable communities.” The most recent version of LEED is LEED...

LONDON, ENGLAND—Launched earlier this month at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal, the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) announced the formation of its Hospitality and Tourism Task Force. The Task Force shall comprise CEOs from across the hospitality and tourism industry, under the leadership of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and the Considerate Group. It will combine the expertise of hospitality associations, sustainability partners and inter-governmental development organizations. The Task Force is aligned with the Terra Carta which provides a roadmap for the private sector to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future; one that harnesses the power of nature...

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Soul Community Planet (SCP) announced its acquisition of the 189-acre Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, marking its first international expansion. The ocean-front property, which will be renamed SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, is the only lodge to border the renowned Corcovado National Park. The lodge was purchased in partnership with Madison, Wis.-based Hovde Properties from its original developer, naturalist Steven Lill. “Soul Community Planet is a growing holistic hospitality company founded on the values of healthy, kind, and green. We are working to thoughtfully build a collection of unique, sustainable accommodations in the world’s most...

Earlier this week, as I was scanning my news feed for updates of relevance, I came across a headline that quickly captured my attention: What Native Hawaiians want you to know before your visit. As someone who spent much of his childhood in Hawai’i, any mention of the island conjures an inevitable wave of nostalgia and appreciation. In this particular context, though, that nostalgia was mixed with resonance, as the author called upon an issue I was aware of but hadn’t found a way to articulate or champion. As global tourism rebounds (to our collective relief and rejoice), popular destinations...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congress passed the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, sending the measure to President Biden for his signature. Congress also sent a captive wildlife protection measure—the Big Cat Public Safety Act—to the President to be signed into law as well. “Congress has taken shark fins off the menu,” said Wayne Pacelle, President of Animal Wellness Action, and the Center for a Humane Economy, in celebrating Senate passage Thursday night of the shark protection measure. The Senate passed the defense bill 83 to 11, following a similarly lopsided vote in the House. The Shark Fin...