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BWH HOTEL GROUP is working with sustainability certification organization Green Key Global to enhance its sustainability initiatives and implement a standardized program across the U.S. and Canada. The program aims to enhance the company's environmental performance, reduce carbon footprint and improve guest comfort and satisfaction, according to a joint statement by the companies. As part of the partnership, BWH Hotels in the U.S. and Canada gain access to Green Key Global's sustainability certification program, the joint statement said. That includes a list of green certified vendors, an "Eco-Rating" program and guidance on hosting sustainable meetings, according to the Green Key website. "We are delighted to partner with Green Key Global to enhance sustainability standards across our properties," said Michael Morton, vice president of brand management at BWH Hotels. "As a trusted organization, Green Key Global aligns with our commitment to sustainability, and this partnership will reinforce our dedication to providing guests with an environmentally responsible hotel experience."

HE WORLD TRAVEL & Tourism Council's Hotel Sustainability Basics, a global initiative assisting hoteliers in improving their sustainability ratings, recently surpassed 1,700 verified hotels across 70 countries worldwide. Hotel groups from destinations such as France, China, Mexico, India, Germany, South Africa, Philippines and Norway joined the initiative, WTTC said in a statement. During its first year, Hotel Sustainability Basics gained endorsements from destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, UAE, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Ecuador, the statement said. Hotel brands, including Jin Jiang, Louvre Hotel Group, Choice Hotels and Radisson Hotel Group, have adopted Basics. Other major brands joining the initiative include Intrepid, British Airways Holidays, HBX Group, WebBeds and Abercrombie & Kent. "Our goal is to have a globally recognised trademark that shows customers at a glance, that a hotel is supporting the planet by saving energy, cutting plastics, protecting nature, and supporting their local community," said Julia Simpson, WTTC's president and CEO. "It is a win win. We launched the scheme only a year ago and the uptake has been incredible. 70 countries have signed up with over 1700 properties verified with a long waiting list. It will bring lasting change."

GREEN KEY GLOBAL, a sustainability certification body, recently launched Green Key Ready, an entry-level program for hotels starting their sustainability efforts or operating with limited resources. The program includes a fundamentals-based questionnaire and supporting materials to help properties prepare for full Green Key Eco-Rating certification. Green Key Ready is a step toward full certification, helping hotels meet initial sustainability requirements, Green Key Global said in a statement. Green Key Global is owned by the Hotel Association of Canada and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. "Sustainability is no longer an option-it's an expectation," said Anick Levesque, Green Key Global's managing director. "A year ago, AHLA and HAC strengthened their commitment to Green Key Global, marking a new chapter for sustainability in the hospitality industry. Since then, we've expanded our programs to better serve hotels at every stage of their journey. The launch of Green Key Ready is a direct result of that momentum."

MARRIOTT INTERNATION RECENTLY released its 2024 Serve 360 Report, detailing the company's global environmental, social and governance efforts and progress towards its 2025 sustainability and social impact goals. The report outlines data on sustainable operations, diversity and inclusion, volunteerism, and other ESG activities led by Marriott associates and hotels worldwide. Based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Marriott's sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, guides the company's ESG efforts through four focus areas: Nurture Our World, Sustain Responsible Operations, Empower Through Opportunity and Welcome All and Advance Human Rights. The report reflects data for the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2023, Marriott said in a statement.

GREEN BUILDING INCENTIVE database IncentiFind is working with the American Hotel & Lodging Association to assist AHLA members identify sustainability-driven cost savings. IncentiFind provides more than half a million incentives, such as tax credits, grants, fee waivers, rebates, and bill credits. The collaboration empowers hoteliers to access $70 billion in incentives, AHLA said in a statement. AHLA said that these credits bolster the adoption of green initiatives, including energy efficiency, renewables, water conservation, and more. These efforts are aimed at diminishing operational costs for hoteliers, the association said. As part of this partnership, AHLA members will receive special pricing on IncentiFind's VERIFY Report, which identifies rebates and savings for asset upgrades, such as buying energy-efficient appliances or installing solar panels. AHLA's collaboration with IncentiFind represents the association's ongoing efforts to promote sustainability in the hotel industry through the Responsible Stay initiative. This initiative underscores AHLA members' dedication to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing, the statement said.

THE HOSPITALITY SHOW 2024 will feature sustainability programming, including the co-location of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance's Autumn Summit. The Show, produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, will take place in San Antonio, Texas, from Oct. 28-30. It will discuss net positive hospitality, share best practices, explore innovation opportunities and forge new collaborations. "We're honoured to be holding our Autumn Summit at The Hospitality Show in collaboration with the AHLA and Questex," said Glenn Mandziuk, WSHA's CEO. "It is significant to be holding our summit in the United States - a first for the alliance since its recent rebrand with a global reach - as we look to continue growing our US-based membership. We look forward to mapping out our ambitions and actions for 2025 with our members, partners and senior leaders, charting the future of the industry."

THE G20 NEW Delhi Leaders' Declaration underscores tourism's role in promoting sustainable social and economic development, the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations said in a statement. The G20 economies' meeting on Sept. 9 to 10 acknowledged the potential for constructing a future through development models that implement sustainable, inclusive, and equitable transitions globally, ensuring no one is left behind. The high-level discussions concluded with the launch of the Leaders' Declaration, a set of agreed-upon aims for advancing development and prosperity, the statement added. The statement recognizes tourism for its "pivotal" role in driving the achievement of the sustainable development goals and the wider 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association convened hotel and sustainability leaders in Washington for the second annual "Responsible Stay Summit" on Feb. 28, reaffirming the industry's dedication to environmental sustainability. The summit was part of AHLA's 2022 Responsible Stay initiative and focused on energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and responsible sourcing, AHLA said in a statement. The summit addressed environmental, social, and governance strategies, federal energy policy, and green financing, while offering crucial support to hoteliers in their sustainability efforts, the statement added. This year's summit featured two announcements: AHLA and the Hotel Association of Canada unveiled a partnership to oversee the Green Key Global sustainability certification program in the U.S. and Canada starting April 1. Additionally, AHLA and Procure Impact launched a Dignity of Work Pledge, aiming to generate 100,000 hours of paid employment for underserved populations, thereby promoting responsible sourcing practices.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association has launched Responsible Stay, an industry initiative to make meetings, events and guest experiences in U.S. hotels more environmentally and socially responsible. AHLA contends that the initiative is meant to unite major hotel companies, including at least two Asian American-owned companies, around sustainability priorities. Responsible Stay is focused on four areas: Energy efficiency: Optimizing energy efficiency through operational improvements and adoption of clean energy technologies Waste reduction: Investing in waste reduction programs and new, innovative alternatives to reduce, reuse and recycle waste across properties Water conservation: Ensuring the reduction of water usage by implementing water-efficient practices in core areas like laundry, food and beverage, and landscaping Responsible sourcing practices: Sourcing responsibly and prioritizing sustainability in supply chains to prevent harmful environmental and social impacts Under the initiative, AHLA and its members will strengthen environmental programs, education and resources to provide a "responsible stay" for guests, protect the future of the planet and support communities across the country, the statement added.

THE U.S. HOSPITALITY industry faces an environmental wake-up call as guests seek accommodations that align with their values beyond amenities alone. This trend has fundamentally changed how hotels approach sustainability, with many adopting practices such as reduced water consumption and energy conservation. Large hotel chains like Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International have openly declared their efforts to minimize environmental impact. However, achieving meaningful sustainability requires franchise owners and operators to be on the same page. "As a global hospitality leader, Hilton is dedicated to providing exceptional guest experiences," said Jean Garris Hand, Hilton's vice president of global ESG. "However, we also recognize our profound responsibility to safeguard the destinations where we operate for future generations of travelers. Our efforts to reduce energy, carbon emissions, water usage, and waste are integral to Travel with Purpose, Hilton's comprehensive environmental, social, and governance strategy aimed at promoting responsible travel worldwide."

PREFERRED TRAVEL GROUP, a global independent hotel operator, and the UK-based sustainable tourism organization Travel Foundation will launch a comprehensive climate action plan in December. This initiative builds on the organization's commitment to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and aims to outline objectives and key actions to halve carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero before 2050. The CAP is supported by an internal cross-departmental implementation strategy with planned activities for 2025 and beyond, Preferred Travel said in a statement. "At Preferred Travel, we are dedicated to harnessing the power of travel as a force for positive change," said Lindsey Ueberroth, Preferred Travel's CEO. "Building on our core 'Believe in Travel' ideology, we are reinforcing our commitment by investing in climate action leadership. By prioritizing climate action, Preferred Travel supports efforts to create a more sustainable and resilient industry. Our commitment helps protect our planet's natural and cultural heritage for future generations while empowering local communities to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world."

BWH HOTELS HAS partnered with Tesla to introduce electric vehicle charging stations at its North American properties, with plans for international expansion. The installation of Tesla's Universal Wall Connectors at selected hotels will begin in 2024. The charging stations are designed to charge a variety of North American EV models, BWH Hotels said in a statement. "This collaboration with Tesla underscores BWH Hotels' unwavering commitment to sustainability and dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences," said Michael Morton, vice president for brand management and member services, BWH Hotels. "As the hospitality industry evolves, we will continue to blend eco-conscious initiatives with the service, value and comfort that guests expect from BWH Hotels." EV charging stations are an attractive amenity for travelers with electric vehicles, the statement said. In line with its Earth, People, and Community initiative, BWH Hotels collaborates with hoteliers to broaden sustainability efforts by installing EV charging stations across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS recently launched the "Low Carbon Pioneers" program to unite energy-efficient hotels that do not use on-site fossil fuel combustion and supported by renewable energy. This first-of-its-kind community will help IHG test, learn and share sustainability findings, aiming to inspire other properties and promote carbon reduction practices across IHG's portfolio. The company seeks government support for renewable energy access, owner incentives and reduced technology costs to speed the industry's transition to a greener future, IHG said in a statement. "We are excited to launch our Low Carbon Pioneers program as another innovative way in which we're meeting evolving guest expectations, helping our hotel owners future-proof their businesses and reducing carbon across our [portfolio]," said Elie Maalouf, IHG Hotels & Resorts' CEO.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and World Wildlife Fund have revamped the "Hotel Kitchen" platform to help U.S. hoteliers reduce food waste, divert food from landfills and lower operating costs. The initiative supports the goal of halving U.S. food waste by 2030, AHLA and WWF said in a joint statement. Hotel Kitchen is part of AHLA's Responsible Stay initiative, which promotes energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation and responsible sourcing, the statement said. Since its 2017 launch, more than 36,000 hotel staff have completed the training, with pilot properties reducing food waste by 17 to 38 percent. "Reducing food waste provides a number of important benefits: it's good for the environment, reduces hoteliers' operating costs and conserves resources at a time when too many Americans are food insecure," said Lauren Pravlik, AHLA's vice president for committees and member engagement. "The Hotel Kitchen platform is dedicated to helping hoteliers achieve these goals, and we are pleased to continue sharing this resource with the industry through our partnership with WWF."

THE 12TH EDITION of Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry is now launched. Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals published the revised edition, overseen by the Global Finance Committee and jointly sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and HFTP. The publication added financial and operating changes, a sustainability section, and a section specific to all-inclusive hotels, with an adoption date of Jan. 1, 2026. The GFC comprises global financial leaders from AHLA's financial management committee and HFTP members representing the most prominent global hotel brands, operators, owners, and other industry authorities, AHLA said in a statement. "The USALI has long been the compass guiding financial and operational reporting in hospitality," said Gina Tallarico, GFC co-chair and Hyatt's global head of acquisition integration. "This update signifies GFC's commitment to globalization, sustainability, and informed decision-making. With this 12th Revised Edition, we're excited to introduce a new all-inclusive reporting section - an initial step toward standardization and benchmarking capability in this rapidly -growing segment."

Nakul Anand, former executive director of ITC Hotels, has been named chairman of the advisory board for Tricone Luxury Hotels, a subsidiary of U.S.-based Tricone Engineers. Anand brings four decades of hospitality experience. He will oversee the company's continued growth in India, Tricone said in a statement. "We are thrilled to welcome Nakul Anand to our team," Alok Aggarwal, Tricon Luxury Hotels' CEO, said in an article on ANI. "His unparalleled expertise in the hospitality industry will be instrumental in shaping our company's vision and integrating sophisticated hospitality services and sustainability initiatives into our hotels and real estate projects." Tricone Luxury Hotels recently executed memorandums of understanding with Indian hotel brands and acquired land for a real estate project in Alibaug near Mumbai, which will be marketed soon. The company is set to launch luxury hotels and hospitality-oriented real estate projects in Alibaug.

PEACHTREE GROUP, A commercial real estate investment firm with a $6.4 billion portfolio, has secured approximately $660 million in credit investments since Dec. 1, with an additional $350 million expected to close within the next 30 to 45 days. These investments focus on hotels, multifamily, industrial, and student housing, Peachtree said in a statement. "We are witnessing heightened activity in response to the anticipation of sustained elevated interest rates and continued reductions in bank exposure," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree Group's managing principal/CEO. "The pressing need to refinance maturing debt, estimated at $2.8 trillion in U.S. commercial real estate debt by the end of 2028, is a growing concern. Commercial real estate stakeholders are grappling with the challenges of increased capital costs and constrained liquidity, particularly in securing capital for acquisitions, recapitalizations and development initiatives." Peachtree recently closed one of its largest individual credit transactions to date, securing a $102.9 million, three-year loan to recapitalize a 350-room Marriott dual-brand AC Hotel Sunnyvale Moffett Park and TETRA Hotel, Autograph Collection in Sunnyvale, California, the statement added.

The September 2023 issue of Asian Hospitality magazine offers in-depth coverage of the latest trends and developments in the hospitality industry. This edition highlights crucial topics such as the surge in hotel development, innovative technologies transforming the guest experience, and key insights from industry leaders. Readers can explore detailed articles on sustainability, financial performance, and the evolving landscape of extended-stay hotels. Additionally, the issue delves into diversity initiatives and workforce challenges, providing a comprehensive view of the hospitality sector's future. Stay informed with expert analysis and forward-thinking strategies shaping the industry in 2023 and beyond.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and Procure Impact, a B2B marketplace supporting marginalized communities, have introduced the "Dignity of Work Pledge" aiming to provide 100,000 paid employment hours for overlooked populations. Hospitality firms such as Davidson Hospitality Group, Pyramid Global Hospitality, Sage Hospitality Group, CoralTree Hospitality, Atrium Hospitality, Pacific Hospitality Group, Modus Hotels, and 21c Museum Hotels have committed to this initiative. Together, these hotels manage over 110,000 rooms nationwide, AHLA said in a statement. Procure Impact's B2B marketplace offers companies the chance to source responsibly and fulfill social impact objectives. "We believe the hospitality sector is uniquely positioned to harness its purchasing power to create unique and meaningful guest experiences and change millions of lives in the process," said Lauren McCann, Procure Impact's founder and CEO. "We are excited to partner with so many pioneers in hospitality who are building spaces and places grounded in belonging and purpose through the products that they feature and purchase."

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL announced the 2024 recipients of its "Your Community, Your Choice" grant, donating $75,000 to help hotel owners fund local nonprofits. This year marks the initiative's fifth anniversary, with $275,000 donated through more than 70 hotels across the U.S. since 2019. The grants have supported food security, veteran aid, assistance for abuse and trafficking victims, youth education and animal shelters, Choice said in a statement. "At Choice Hotels, we believe in the power of our hotels to be catalysts for positive change within their communities," said Megan Brumagim, Choice's vice president for upscale brands and chief sustainability officer. "We're honored to celebrate the fifth year of the 'Your Community, Your Choice' program by supporting the impactful work of these nonprofits, whose efforts align with our commitment to build a better tomorrow, today."