In this, my first column of 2021, which appears in my 750th newsletter since launching Green Lodging News, I would like to wish all of you a much better year than 2020. There is no doubt our industry has a lot of recovering to do this year. In so many ways our industry’s recovery is beyond its control—the pace of vaccinations, the acceptance of vaccinations, what local, state, and federal governments here and around the world says is permissible or not regarding travel, etc. Of course, each individual hotel’s fate is also tied to its location, ability to creatively market rooms, implementation of cleaning and sanitizing practices, and so much more.
While travel certainly picked up over the holidays according to media reports, for the week ending December 26, STR reports that U.S. occupancy was just 32.5 percent, average daily rate $92.08, and revenue per available room $29.94—far below comparable numbers in 2019.
I was encouraged by passage of the recent H.R. 133 Relief Bill and talk of more relief in the next administration. Our industry is going to need it. We have lost so many jobs and businesses. We cannot afford to lose more. Take advantage of all the government relief you can. Join in efforts to assist those in need in your own businesses and communities. A big thank you to all of you who have reached out to tell me about the good things you are doing.
Innovation, Operational Changes
Two important impacts of COVID-19 have been the innovation it has sparked among suppliers and the changes it has prompted operationally. I will continue to report on these innovations and changes in 2021.
I expect no shortage of green stories in the New Year—new hotels, design innovation, new products and services, the pursuit of zero energy and waste, and the rollout of new targets for reductions in energy, waste, and water. Watch for those stories on Green Lodging News and be sure to share your progress with me.
Green Lodging News would not survive without the support of its advertisers. I cannot thank them enough for their ongoing support. Likewise, your readership is just as important. Thank you for being such loyal readers these last almost 15 years.
I am realistic about 2021 but also hopeful. Let us all work together to make it a much better year. Contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Green Lodging News Adds Donastar Enterprises as Founding Sponsor
Green Lodging News has added Donastar Enterprises LLC as a Founding Sponsor. Donastar is a North American leader of hot and cold beverage service and installations. Donastar is working with Enozo (see video). The Enozo is a way for any business to stop using plastic bottles and aerosol cans. The EnozoPRO is a portable spray bottle that replaces six cleaning products and kills 99.9 percent of all viruses and bacteria including the virus that causes COVID-19.* One need only fill it up with tap water and then recharge it. Call for more information at (833) 366-2782 or e-mail enozo@donastar.com.
*DISCLAIMER: The Enozo Aqueous Ozone Spray Bottle (also branded O3waterworks™) is classified as a pesticidal device under the EPA regulations. It has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) on hard non-porous surfaces employing test methods recognized as scientifically valid in the field. However, it is important to note that unlike chemical pesticides, EPA does not routinely review the safety or efficacy of pesticidal devices, and therefore cannot confirm whether, or under what circumstances, such products might be effective against the spread of COVID-19.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Get in the Green Suppliers Spotlight!
Green Lodging News, lodging’s leading environmental news source, publishes Green Suppliers Spotlight, an e-blast to 24,762 subscribers that features the lodging industry’s leading green products and services. The e-blast features multiple vendors—unlike the current Green Supplier Spotlight that allows one supplier to “own” the Green Lodging News subscriber list for one e-blast. (Click here for a Green Suppliers Spotlight sample.)
Green Suppliers Spotlight is published weekly on Thursdays to general managers, owners, management companies, directors of sustainability, directors of engineering, facilities managers and many others who are either in purchasing positions or who influence purchasing decisions. Suppliers of green products and services throughout North America and beyond are invited to participate in the e-blast. (Minimum two suppliers per e-blast.) Green Suppliers Spotlight was created to give vendors an opportunity to reach a high number of industry purchasers at a very low cost—as low as $200 per e-mail. (Click here for rate sheet.)
Those advertising in Green Suppliers Spotlight can include up to 100 words, one image, contact information and multiple links to their website in their ad. At the end of each month, a report will be sent to each supplier with information on delivered e-mails, opens and click-throughs.
Planning Advertising for 2021?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2021. Many excellent spots are available on our website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2021 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com. Media kits can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Newsletter & Green Supplier Spotlight Circulation
The circulation of our weekly e-newsletter and Green Supplier Spotlight currently stands at 24,762. Thank you to our new subscribers for signing up. Be sure to encourage your colleagues to do the same. There are “subscribe” links on the Green Lodging News home page. You may also e-mail greenlodgingnews@gmail.com to be added to our list.
Green Lodging News & Social Media
Green Lodging News now has 1,787 Twitter followers. Thank you to all of those who follow our tweets. In addition to following us on Twitter, be sure to bookmark the Green Lodging News Blog in your browser. More importantly, participate with your comments. Green Lodging News is also on Facebook. Be sure to “Like” us there. Green Lodging News now has 981 Facebook likes.
As always, I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
