Throughout the year, the best managed hotels in the world give back to the communities that support them, and, thankfully, they do much more.
It is the heart of hospitality. Giving of time and money is an essential part of sustainability and you see it at all levels of our industry—from the association level with organizations such as the AHLA Foundation and AAHOA Charitable Foundation to the individual property level efforts of B&Bs to the largest hotels and resorts on the planet. Over the years I have posted thousands of examples of giving. A big thank you to those of you who have shared your spirit of giving.
Here are some examples that have recently crossed my desk:
Ocean Casino Resort is once again embracing the spirit of generosity through Ocean Cares’ “Season of Giving,” an annual initiative dedicated to uplifting and supporting those most in need throughout Atlantic City and the greater South Jersey community during the months of November and December. Now in its fifth year, Season of Giving unites Ocean team members, guests, and community partners in a shared mission to make the holiday season brighter for those facing hardship, through charitable giving, volunteer efforts, and festive events for those in need. One of the resort’s efforts: contributing $12,000 to Sister Jean’s Kitchen and Pantry to purchase proteins for the month of November, which were distributed to 1,000 families visiting the pantry weekly and used to prepare meals in the kitchen to serve 200 daily meals.
Executive Travel announced the launch of its “Three-Napkin Thank-You” initiative, encouraging Thanksgiving travelers across the country to show simple, heartfelt appreciation to the thousands of travel industry professionals who work through the holiday so families can be together. As part of the initiative, Executive Travel invites travelers to grab three napkins before they head to the airport or from an airport café. On each napkin, travelers are encouraged to write a short message such as: “Thank you for working today so I can enjoy the holiday with my family. I appreciate you.” Travelers can then hand each napkin to a TSA officer, a gate agent or flight crew member, or a hotel or car rental employee.
Dollar for Dollar Match
In conjunction with their Island Impact corporate social responsibility program, the Prairie Island Indian Community and Treasure Island Resort & Casino are “doubling down” on charitable giving in 2026. For the first time, Treasure Island will showcase the power of collective giving by matching every dollar donated by its guests through the 2026 Charity of the Month program, which will raise an anticipated $1 million for local nonprofits. Since the casino’s inception in 1984, Prairie Island has contributed nearly $30 million to charitable causes.
Kind Traveler and Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) have joined forces to empower travelers to raise funds for wildfire relief through Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back (ESGB) program. In just a few short months, and with the support of nine leading Los Angeles hotel partners, the program has already generated more than $173,000 in direct relief for wildfire survivors through The Change Reaction’s Wildfire Direct Giving Fund. With momentum building, the initiative is on track to raise half a million dollars by the end of January 2026, offering a lifeline to families still grappling with the devastating financial impacts of the January 2025 wildfires—including displacement, job loss, and the ongoing struggle to rebuild their lives.
This festive season, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts continues its partnership with Make-A-Wish, unveiling a collection of Make-A-Wish Festive Experiences that blend celebration with purpose. From family portraits at Fairmont Banff Springs to a “Holiday Frost” cocktail at Fairmont Copley Plaza or bûche de Noël at Fairmont Le Montreux Palace—each limited-time experience spreads holiday cheer, with proceeds helping to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
“At Fairmont, our greatest privilege is being part of moments that matter,” said Omer Acar, CEO of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “Through our ongoing partnership with Make-A-Wish, we’re turning the season of giving into a season of hope. We are helping grant life-changing wishes for children around the world. It’s a powerful reminder that hospitality can go far beyond our walls, touching lives and inspiring joy where it’s needed most.”
Disney & Holiday Magic
This holiday season, Disney is inspiring fans and families everywhere to “Make Someone’s Holiday Magic,” celebrating the joy of giving and the powerful connection that countless people share with Disney during this special time of year. The celebration begins with the all-new, A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever, from Academy Award winner Taika Waititi, available on Disney+ and online. This month, Disney will embark on a Holiday Magic Tour to more than 20 cities around the world, spreading cheer through donations, community activations, special surprises, and moments of joy for kids and families.
For over 75 years, Disney has worked with the Marine Toys for Tots program to deliver toys, hope, and joy to children in need during the holiday season, a collaboration started by Walt Disney himself. You can make someone’s holiday magic by joining this year’s Disney Ultimate Toy Drive and donating a toy to Toys for Tots through December 24, 2025, or in person at Disney Stores, the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort from now through December 14, 2025.
Continue to share your company’s examples of giving throughout the year. Your actions may inspire others to do the same. I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
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