ARUBA—American Express has reiterated its unvarying support of the Caribbean hospitality industry through an ongoing calendar of programs and initiatives during 2007. “A strategic partnership is, by definition, mutually beneficial,” says Dianelys Rodríguez, vice president of destination business development, American Express Travel Related Services, at a press conference of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) during Caribbean Marketplace 2007. “We’re here to underscore that notion with action.” Caribbean Marketplace, presented by CHA with support from American Express, is the single most important tourism marketing event of the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry. It marks the start of the...

ARLINGTON, VA.—Pepco Energy Services, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings Inc. and a supplier of renewable electricity, announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply wind power to the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. The six-month contract calls for Pepco Energy Services to supply the 332-room Willard InterContinental with nearly 2 million kilowatt hours of electricity generated from renewable resources per year. Facilitated by The Loyalton Group, an energy risk management firm in Washington, D.C., the contract stipulates that 10 percent of the energy will come from wind farms. “We at the Willard InterContinental...

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—Pineapple Hospitality introduces its greenSPA amenities—a line of 100 percent biodegradable guest amenities proven to help hoteliers improve all three phases of their Triple Bottom Line—economic, social, environmental. The greenSPA line provides hotels with unique, competitively priced amenities proven to impress guests, preserve the environment and enrich recognition with today’s estimated more than 50 million environmentally conscious travelers. “Our line of all-natural greenSPA amenities—which include liquid hand soaps, lotions, body wash, shampoo and conditioner—along with our convenient dispensing systems—use less product and result in far less waste than all of those little plastic bottles,” says Ray...

MALVERN, PA.—USA Technologies announced that five vending machine models from Vendo and Dixie Narco, two major U.S. manufacturers, are the first rebuilt refrigerated beverage vending machines to qualify for Energy Star. The five models are the first to meet the Energy Star requirements after being refurbished with USA Technologies’ VM2iQ. This technology reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions. “The Energy Star qualification highlights how quickly and easily older machines can be refurbished and made more efficient to extend their life and deliver greater competitive advantage,” says Larry Eils, executive director, National Automatic Merchandising Assn. “This is important recognition...

LONDON—The tourism industry could do more to help protect the marine and coastal ecosystems on which it relies, according to the January edition of greenhotelier. Exploring the value of natural assets such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, whales, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, reef fish and other marine organisms, the magazine examines how tourism contributes to the degradation of marine and coastal environments and how its members can help redress the balance. The article, “Protecting Our Coastal and Marine Environments” looks at the vulnerability of our coastal and marine ecosystems to threats such as climate change and tourism-related development....

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Using less water and energy than other conveyor dishwashers with equal productivity on the market today, the Conveyor Dishwasher Line by Electrolux Professional North America is the highly efficient solution for medium to high output warewashing demands. The Electrolux Conveyor Dishwasher can be set to clean at either 130 or 200 racks per hour to accommodate varied requirements. At 200 racks per hour, the dishwasher uses only 79 gallons of water per hour. It is ideal for use in hotels, catering and full-service restaurants. The Electrolux Conveyor Dishwasher provides energy savings through the use of...

NEW YORK—What was unthinkable several years ago may now be just what Mother Nature ordered: national advertisers competing for space in consumers’ bedrooms. The goal, set forth by the Hanger Network (www.hangernetwork.com), is simple: replace more than 3.5 billion wire hangers with advertising-supported EcoHangers that are better for the environment and great for business. Major advertisers like L’Oreal, Dunkin Donuts and Revlon are lining up for a chance at reaching consumers in-home every morning—at a time and place where their messages are most relevant and motivating, while also investing significant amounts of their ad budgets in this...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc. recently introduced Simply Fragrance, an air freshener that delivers a precise dose of pure designer fragrance and odor neutralizer via a unique hydrogen fuel cell device. Its advanced design provides a consistent level of scent for 60 days without the use of batteries. “The convenience and long lasting air freshening power offered by Simply Fragrance helps hotel operators improve their guest experience by creating a pleasant environment with scent,” says Michael Johannsen, vice president and general manager of hospitality, healthcare and commercial facilities at Ecolab. “Simply Fragrance lasts longer to keep rooms smelling as...

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is partnering with OzoneSolutions Inc. to help Florida’s lodging industry protect the state’s environment. The partnership is the latest component of DEP’s Green Lodging initiative to encourage hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving ‘green’ practices that conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality and reduce waste. “Through the Green Lodging program, DEP is encouraging the lodging industry to become environmental leaders in their community,” says DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “Florida’s certified Green Lodges and program partners continue to save money and conserve resources while at the same time...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Milliken Hospitality as a Green Product Directory partner. Since 1990, Milliken has reduced its environmental footprint by more than 85 percent while setting new benchmarks in green manufacturing. All of the company’s manufacturing plants have recorded zero waste to landfill since 1999. Milliken Hospitality’s numerous product lines reflect the company’s environmental concern. All Milliken Hospitality modular carpet collections are PVC-free, chlorine free, 100 percent renewable, 100 percent recyclable, meet stringent green certifications and reduce packing waste. Bio-based TractionBack adhesive-free installation improves indoor air quality by...