CSR and Sustainability

🍴 Chef Jeroni Castell of Les Moles in Spain emphasizes the Terres de l’Ebre region's local ingredients and advocates for flexible work-life balance solutions instead of government-mandated reduced work weeks by 2026. Josiah Hernandez from Chef’s Garden in Puerto Rico seeks healthier work environments in hospitality, tied to awards. Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster in Washington, DC, calls for kitchen compost bins to reduce waste and inspire creativity. Environmental practices remain a priority for chefs in 2026.

📅 Who? A hospitality group. When? Recently. Where? Globally. What? Implemented a policy guaranteeing a minimum of 16 weeks of paid time off for expecting mothers and fathers. How? By establishing a new global standard for parental leave in the hospitality industry.

📈 In 2026, independent hotels must focus on their entire revenue ecosystem for sustainable growth. The RevOptimum Hotel Revenue Growth Audit identifies hidden profit potential by addressing market share stagnation, yield inefficiency, distribution decay, and strategic inertia. The audit includes a historical performance deep-dive, market potential analysis, segment diversification strategy, and future-proof pricing architecture. It's tailored for owners, operators, and investors aiming to optimize asset value and performance. Explore more at RevOptimum's website.

🏞 Design Workshop completed a multi-year landscape transformation at Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, finishing enhancements in November 2021. Led by Jeff Zimmermann and Tyson Murray, the initiative focused on aligning landscape strategy with the resort's brand. Key updates include the Grand Social space, Canyon Terrace venue, and expanded patios for 75 rooms. Sustainability was prioritized through water-efficient systems and stormwater management, enhancing guest experiences and reinforcing the resort's premier positioning.

🏨 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.