CSR and Sustainability

🏨 2026 Responsible Stay Summit in Washington, D.C. convened AHLA's Sustainability and Food & Beverage Committees. The event highlighted eco-friendly practices. Hotel Verdant in Racine, WI, won Public Space and Guest Room awards. Miraval Arizona in Tucson, AZ, and Inn at Celebration in Kissimmee, FL, were also honored. Renaissance Boston Seaport won Overall Winner. Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco received 2026 Green Key Global Property of the Year. Four Seasons Hotels awarded for sustainable food practices by WWF.

💸 New York, 2026: Procure Impact partners with Highgate to boost social procurement in its hotel portfolio, involving over 6,000 products from mission-driven suppliers. Highgate pledges 10,000 hours of employment annually through social procurement, supporting the Dignity of Work Pledge tracked via AHLA's Responsible Stay platform. Hotels will integrate Procure Impact’s programs into guest experiences by 2026.

🙌 Preferred Travel Group celebrated International Women’s Day from March 2–8, 2026, with a global initiative themed "Give to Gain." This effort supported women-focused charities worldwide through the GIFTTS program. Activities included a donation drive in Newport Beach, care kit assembly in New York, meal services in Milan, volunteering in Singapore, and funding essential items in Tokyo. These efforts aim to bolster community support for women and women's organizations globally.

🏨 Rockingham Partners and the Green House hotel in Bournemouth are collaborating to enhance the hotel's revenue strategy and performance, reinforcing its eco-friendly brand. The hotel, known for its commitment to sustainability, houses the award-winning Arbor Restaurant, recognized for its seasonal, sustainable menus. This partnership aims to align performance across the business, marking a significant step forward for both parties motivated by purpose and personality.

🧺 Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa, January 2026, Key West, Florida: Launched an oyster shell recycling initiative. 40 pounds of oyster shells were initially collected from its on-site restaurants. The program aims to reduce waste and support environmental restoration by repurposing shells into materials like concrete and bricks. The six-month curing process ensures bacterial elimination. Partners, including Krause Construction Company, aid in the recycling process, hoping to inspire similar initiatives in hospitality.

🌿 Horwood House Hotel in Buckinghamshire joined the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust to support conservation efforts on its 38-acre estate. The partnership builds on environmental initiatives like the 2025 butterfly resort launch and honeybee hives installation. BBOWT, managing over 80 reserves, will advise on rewilding and gardening projects. The hotel, aligned with its 2026 ESG strategy, previously collaborated with Urban Bee-lievers, introducing 20,000 bees, and engaged local schools in a butterfly project.

🏖️ In the 1980s, Ho Kwon Ping and Claire Chiang acquired 222 hectares of a toxic tin mine in Phuket, Thailand, rehabilitating it into Banyan Tree’s first resort. Over 30 years, they expanded to 100 properties in 22 countries. They’ve released 5,861 turtle hatchlings, planted 72,299 trees, and won 700+ spa awards. Their Marine Lab in the Maldives and Electric Reefs tech advance coral growth. Banyan Tree is a leader in regenerative hospitality with unique architectural designs.

🏨 Tokyu Hotels and Resorts joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) this week, becoming the first Japanese hotel chain to enroll all properties with this non-profit organization. This follows their 2019 sustainability policy and 2022 action plan. The Tokyo-based company aims to align with GSTC standards, focusing on human rights and community relations. President Takashi Takei emphasizes their commitment to international standards, while CEO Randy Durband supports their sustainability efforts.

🌳 Sopwell House, a country house hotel and spa, received the EarthCheck Silver Benchmark for its eco-friendly practices. The hotel has a strict 0% landfill policy, repurposing waste like coffee grounds as garden fertilizer. Managed by an ESG team and a Green Team taskforce, they prioritize local and Fairtrade products. Community initiatives include encouraging guests to bring their own spa footwear. Hotel director Rafi Bejerano praised the award, highlighting their commitment to sustainability in St Albans.