Nine in 10 consumers say they are looking for sustainable options when traveling, according to Expedia’s Spotlight on Sustainable Travel. And the 2022 Booking.com Sustainable Travel Report reveals that 63 percent of travelers want to make more effort in the next year to travel more sustainably, up 10 percent from 2021. These decisions are setting the pace for hoteliers’ sustainability efforts for 2022 and beyond. Green initiatives can result in tax breaks, government subsidies and more for properties willing to reduce their carbon footprint. One way to step up a hotel’s sustainability game is to work with their property-management system provider to identify new ways...

COLUMBUS, OHIO—arbOUR announces the debut of its eco-effective cleaning and laundry collection. The launch introduces consumers to arbOUR’s commercial-grade cleaning products, which are formulated with plant-based, non-toxic ingredients strong enough to cleanse and disinfect, and safe for people, pets, and the planet. Already used by pro-sports teams, hospitals, restaurants, schools, and other corporate, civic, and commercial institutions, the affordably priced collection is now available directly to consumers. arbOUR’s launch products include eight essential cleaning and laundry solutions that elevate “clean” hygiene for everyone and every environment. “No one should have to choose between strong cleaning products and safety,” said Carol Mehas,...

MADRID, SPAIN—Palladium Hotel Group continues to reinforce its firm commitment to sustainability with a structured approach to three fundamental areas: the environment, the circular economy and the social sphere. The hotel group, which is present in six countries around the world, has announced new advances in all its hotels globally, including: advocating renewable energies, the reduction of plastics, and a focus on working and supporting local producers. Responsible Use of Energy Regarding energy management, Palladium Hotel Group has been committed to the responsible use of resources and the reduction of its environmental impact. In Spain, 100 percent of the energy consumed in all...

KINGSTON, JAMAICA—The Tourism Enhancement (TEF) has invested approximately $6.9 million in this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day initiative, which is spearheaded locally by the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET). Speaking at the launch of the event on August 19, in Port Royal, Jamaica, TEF’s Executive Director, Dr. Carey Wallace, stated that the partnership with JET not only improves the island's tourism product but also encourages a behavioral change in the people that is required to combat pollution in the long run. “The assets of Jamaica, from a tourism perspective, its natural beauty and, obviously, it makes sense for us to invest...

MCLEAN, VA.—Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts announced a partnership with skin care brand Aesop. Select formulations, available in signature Aesop aromas, will now be the in-room toiletries for Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts worldwide. This collaboration marks the first and only global hospitality brand with which Aesop has partnered to provide its product at this scale. “This new partnership is an exciting moment for our luxury portfolio and represents Waldorf Astoria’s and Hilton’s ongoing commitment to offering exceptional amenities to loyal guests. As we reinvigorate our amenities around the world, aligning with Aesop’s global recognition and reputation as an industry...

CHICAGO—As inflation, supply chain challenges, labor issues, and increased food costs bedevil operators, many are seeking ways to control expenses. Reducing back-of-the-house food waste is one of them. From using technology to track the amount of waste they produce to monitoring how much food they purchase to using up the ingredients stored in their pantries and walk-ins, restaurateurs are getting more creative about operating more efficiently. Swapping Supplies Chad Langston, District Manager for a Zaxby’s franchise in Clarkesville, Ga., says his group of 12 stores controls costs by communicating regularly and swapping supplies. Each store purchases what they need, and then trades and shares...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Vinyl Sustainability Council (VSC), a self-funded business council advancing sustainability in the vinyl industry, has welcomed CFL Flooring as the newest member of the council. VSC membership is reserved for organizations taking a leadership role to advance sustainability throughout the vinyl industry. “We’re pleased to add CFL Flooring to our list of more than 55 members demonstrating a commitment to sustainability efforts in their business practices,” said Jay Thomas, VSC Executive Director. “Collaborating with CFL Flooring in these efforts helps advance the impact of sustainable flooring products and continue to add value for consumers.” CFL Flooring is the largest manufacturer of...

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has earned two major awards from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for major and impactful initiatives aimed at reducing the facility’s environmental footprint. The Environmental Leadership Program Awards, given to the Center in the Community Environmental Outreach category, as well as the Energy and Water Pollution Reduction category, recognize outstanding activities and projects that demonstrate environmental leadership and the pursuit of a cleaner, safer environment. New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center representatives were recognized for their efforts at the Environmental Leadership Program Awards earlier this year in Baton Rouge. To be considered for...

If you have an f&b operation in your hotel, even if it is just serving breakfast, you will benefit from a new guide from an organization called Beyond Plastics. The guide is titled, “Hold the Plastic, Please: A Restaurant’s Guide to Reducing Plastic.” The 47-page guide, which is free and available online for anyone to access, states that a shocking 44 percent of plastic litter in the ocean consists of takeout food and drink containers. (The second biggest source is fishing gear.) The Guide not only states the problem with plastics; it offers plastics reduction suggestions as well. The Guide begins...

SAN FRANCISCO—The Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa, which debuted in February of this year, announced its collaboration with MindClick, a Product Intelligence company that rates the environmental and social impact of manufacturers and their products. In support of carbon reduction, the heath of people and the planet, Highgate—which manages the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa—worked closely with MindClick to carefully select products for the hotel. During the hotel’s $70-million-dollar reimagination, this partnership dramatically improved the project’s environmental impact while also supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the supply chain. “From the very beginning of this milestone renovation located in the heart of San Francisco, we...