“Wellness-Washing.” Have you heard of it? A cousin of greenwashing, whose origin is in hospitality, wellness-washing suggests an attempt at dishonesty or exaggeration of the steps a hotel is taking to provide a healthy environment and wellness options for guests and employees. According to WITT (Wellness in Travel & Tourism) and the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA), wellness-washing is common. That is one reason why the two organizations have partnered to launch the Core Wellness Standards for Hotels. And yes, it is another certification for hotel owners/operators to consider. See wittcertified.com. The article posted on Green Lodging News this past week provides more details, but...

TAMPA, FLA.—WITT (Wellness in Travel & Tourism) and the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) have partnered to launch the Core Wellness Standards for Hotels, a first-of-its-kind global initiative designed to help hotels integrate authentic, holistic and high-quality wellness into every guest touchpoint. Developed with guidance from the WITT Standards Advisory Committee, a global assembly of experts in hospitality, fitness, nutrition, sustainability, and travel, the standards set clear, measurable benchmarks to help hotels elevate their wellness offerings and stand out in a competitive market. Drawn from WITT’s 100+ rigorous certification criteria under five essential pillars, the Core Wellness Standards represent the fundamental requirements for a property to...

With summer nearly behind us—my son has already been in school a week—it’s time to preview the next few months of the busy trade show/conference season. The season kicks off on August 23 with The Clean Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. (August 23 to 26). This event is a great opportunity to connect with companies ranging from laundry equipment suppliers to floor cleaning equipment suppliers. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can reduce energy and water consumption in your cleaning processes. Educational sessions will cover topics such as “Hygienically Clean, Clean Green and...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The hospitality industry contributes to 3 percent of global carbon emissions, with hotel operations responsible for 1 percent and construction of new hotels accounting for the remaining 2 percent (UNTWO, 2022). Additionally, the industry generates approximately 289,700 tons of waste annually, which include around 79,000 tons of food waste (Tostivint et al., 2016). As concerns over environmental impact and corporate responsibility grow, hotels globally are adopting multiple “green” initiatives aimed at reducing their carbon footprint, conserving resources, and improving community engagement. Numerous green certifications have emerged over the last decade, and this can be noted as a step in the...

SINGAPORE—A new era of luxury travel is taking shape across Asia Pacific, defined by purpose, personalization, and profound lifestyle shifts. According to a new study from the Luxury Group by Marriott International, high-net-worth (HNW) travelers in the region are recalibrating how, where, and why they travel—prioritizing wellbeing, immersive experiences, emotional value, and intentional design over volume and extravagance. The new report surveyed 1,750 of Asia Pacific’s most affluent travelers across Australia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand, revealing a luxury travel mindset marked by deeper cultural engagement, increased precision in itinerary planning, and rising expectations from brands and experiences. “Luxury travelers are now more intentional than ever before,” says Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China,...

BANGKOK—Six Senses has signed a hotel management agreement with Narai Hospitality Group to introduce Six Senses Bangkok as part of Hatai, a visionary mixed-use development on the site of the iconic Narai Hotel in the heart of Silom. Narai Hotel first opened its doors in 1968, becoming a trailblazer in Thailand’s hospitality story as a grand gathering place that shaped Silom’s skyline and set the scene for its thriving business and social district. For over five decades, its dedication to exceptional service and unique offerings made it a beloved establishment for travelers, celebrities, and royalty. Now, in partnership with Narai Hospitality Group,...

TOKYO, JAPAN—The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for advancing healthy buildings, organizations and communities, announced rapid uptake of the streamlined pathway for projects that pursue both LEED and WELL certification. In less than two years, total project space using the pathway has more than tripled—from 80 million to nearly 250 million square feet—while the number of projects has more than doubled, growing from 300 to over 750 across 47 countries. In addition, more than 100 projects, spanning 15 million square feet, have already achieved LEED and WELL certification using the pathway. The accelerated growth reflects a...

DALLAS—The Hilton Anatole recently announced the appointment of Josh Franklin as Director of Wellness and Recreation. A seasoned leader in luxury hospitality, Franklin’s background includes designing high-impact wellness programs and innovative recreation experiences. In his new role, Franklin will oversee all wellness, recreation and fitness operations, including the renowned JadeWaters Resort Pool Complex and Verandah Athletic Club & Spa. He will also lead the development of innovative wellness initiatives, guest experiences and revenue-generating programs tailored to business and leisure travelers alike. Franklin joins the Hilton Anatole following leadership roles at Reynolds Outfitters at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, and Hotel del...

NATIONAL REPORT—“A healthy mind in a healthy body”, “food as medicine”, “you are what you eat”—these insights into food and well-being have been around for millennia, but today they are gaining more traction as consumer trends shift towards an increased demand for healthy, ethically-sourced food. Post-pandemic attitudes coupled with easy access to nutritional information have contributed to this rise in health awareness and new expectations. Nowadays, food has become more than a source of sustenance or pleasure—there is a growing demand for practices (from recipes to food production) that support personal and planetary well-being. The hospitality industry is set to play...

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announces the official opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne. This nature-inspired property marks the brand’s long-anticipated debut in Australia, redefining the future of luxury hospitality in the heart of one of the world’s most forward-thinking cities. Developed in partnership with Melbourne-based Riverlee, the hotel is set along 220 meters of uninterrupted Yarra River frontage in the revitalized North Wharf precinct. The building is a celebration of Melbourne’s storied past and a blueprint for a more sustainable future, brought to life through biophilic design principles and a commitment to living in harmony with nature. The...