CHICAGO—AirAnswers has announced a new partnership with Superstratum. Both companies have joined forces to identify and alleviate indoor mycotoxins and molds that can contribute to symptoms associated with sick building syndrome. Sick building syndrome and other health issues could potentially be caused by molds, mycotoxins, allergens, and viruses in indoor spaces. AirAnswers is the only commercially available air sampling system that detects, identifies, and measures all biological particles including molds, mycotoxins, viruses, and allergens, down to 0.1 microns in size. AirAnswers’ technology provides users with the capability to assess and to monitor indoor spaces for the presence of biological...

BERLIN—JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 hotel brands, unveils its second property in Germany with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Berlin. Owned by one of the leading hospitality investment companies Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC), JW Marriott Hotel Berlin brings guests together through thoughtfully crafted spaces, warm service, and a commitment to well-being. Converting from Hotel Berlin Central District, this announcement marks the completion of the first stage in the property’s transformation to join the JW Marriott brand, set to offer a different perspective to the capital city’s hospitality scene. “JW Marriott blends a...

TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK—Nightfood, Inc., the company pioneering the sleep-friendly nighttime snacking category, believes the hotel industry has an immediate opportunity to support wellness and better sleep by making sleep-friendly snacks available in lobby marketplaces to satisfy guests’ nighttime cravings. “Hotels have been letting their snack business undermine their sleep business, interfering with their commitment to the well-being of their guests,” said Nightfood CEO Sean Folkson. “What you eat before bed matters. Hotel companies have spent billions in their quest to give guests the best sleep possible—making significant capital investments upgrading beds, pillows, and mattresses and outfitting rooms with black-out curtains...

NEWPORT, R.I.—Medical Tourism Training has launched the first of its kind Healthy Hospitality training program to protect hotel and hospitality staff and guests. Incorporating simple, easy to learn skills, Healthy Hospitality training reduces staff sick-days, improves morale, and demonstrates “concerned competence” to customers. The program is an essential addition to hospitality providers’ training and development portfolios. Created by hospitality, public health and e-Learning experts, Healthy Hospitality training equips service providers with the knowledge and skills to deliver workplaces where the transmission of germs can be substantially reduced. This on demand, self-guided online course fulfills the recommendation of the World Travel...

ATLANTA—Acuity Brands, Inc. announced that its subsidiary Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. has entered into an agreement with Biological Innovations and Optimization Systems, LLC to participate in the BIOS ILLUMINATED partnership program. In connection with this agreement, BIOS will sell to Acuity Brands certain human-centric LED lighting components for use in its architectural lighting fixtures for wellness. Acuity Brands will also have the worldwide right to use the BIOS trademark for marketing and promoting these lighting fixtures that include BIOS SkyBlue technology. “We continue to see a growing demand and business case for design strategies and technologies to promote wellness. Wellness lighting, and specifically in this...

NATIONAL REPORT—Eleven states have enacted laws that ban PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in food packaging in response to concerns about potential health risks. Another seven states have proposed similar bans—and more states are expected to follow. A recent Restaurant Law Center webinar explores what restaurant operators need to know about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging. The webinar, “Outlook on PFAS in 2023,” is available to watch on demand. It features a panel of experts from the international law firm Steptoe. Laura Abshire, Director of Food and Sustainability Policy for the National Restaurant Association, moderates. PFAS is a large, diverse group of human-made...

Euronews just released its 2023 Travel Trend Report. Almost all the trends touch on sustainability or wellness in one way or another. First on the list is regenerative travel—nature positive and carbon positive travel. “Tour operators, destination bodies and hotels are tasked with the job of actively repairing, restoring and investing in nature, in order to keep pace with consumer sentiment,” the report says. Third on the list is Rail Revival. Driving the return to this form of travel is the convenience, cost and lower carbon footprint. “A handful of private companies are reviving night trains across Europe,” the report says....

FRANKLIN, TENN.—Southall Franklin, a farm-based resort, has officially opened its doors. Set on a working farm dedicated to education and exploration, Southall encompasses over 325 acres of Middle Tennessee hillside, creating a unique escape dedicated to saluting the agricultural heritage of the region, while advancing innovative practices for a sustainable future. Southall features 62 guestrooms and suites, along with 16 stand-alone cottages; a spa; a wealth of farm, wellness, and adventure activities, and a signature restaurant and culinary program led by Executive Chef Andrew Klamar and Senior Vice President of Culinary and Agriculture Tyler Brown. “The first seeds for Southall...

SOLNA, SWEDEN—The use of air cleaners has become more frequent during the pandemic, but how effective are they at fighting viruses? A joint study by the Virus Research Centre at Sendai Medical Center and QleanAir Japan center has succeeded in measuring this. The result shows that the QleanAir FS 30 air cleaner can remove over 95 percent of airborne virus particles in only 10 minutes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the question of whether airborne viruses can be eliminated from indoor air was raised. A joint study conducted by Sendai Medical Center and QleanAir Japan has succeeded in measuring the impact...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Charlie’s Soap to the “Cleaning Products/Laundry/Other Areas” section of its Green Product & Service Directory. Charlie’s Soap offers a premium line of naturally derived cleaning and laundry products that deliver an all-natural clean. They have 40 years of experience built on family, good science, and smart chemistry, resulting in an effective clean for the most delicate laundry and toughest outdoor stains. The products are always safe to use and easy on your skin. Ideal for eco-friendly hotels and resorts, Charlie’s Soap’s professional line features all-purpose cleaners and laundry detergents that are safe, effective, fragrance free, and...