CSR and Sustainability

📈 Astypalea, one of seven Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, declared a drought emergency due to water scarcity, a longstanding issue exacerbated by climate change. Maria Mavroudi's family traditionally collected rainwater in cisterns, a practice shaped by the island's dry climate. Tourism, which constitutes 3.5% of the local economy, is experiencing tension as the need for water grows, impacting both local communities and tourist facilities.

🌍 Mandarin Oriental launches MO.RE, a sustainability platform targeting luxury hospitality transformation. Over 15 years, a 33% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions was achieved. The plan aims for net zero by 2050, with pillars of Resilience, Reconnection, and Regeneration. Initiatives include climate-risk profiling, biodiversity programs, and vocational education. The Group, with 41 hotels and 12 residences in 26 countries, emphasizes sustainability through systemic change, fostering connections, and enhancing destination resilience.

🏨 In 2024, social entrepreneurship in hospitality is challenging traditional models by integrating economic and social value, illustrated by Albergo Etico and Label Gamelle. Albergo Etico operates 10 hotels across Italy, Australia, Albania, and Argentina, and focuses on inclusion for people with impairments. Label Gamelle, in Paris, combines high-quality catering with employment for marginalized groups. These ventures prioritize stakeholder relationships and innovative business models, highlighting that social and economic objectives can be mutually reinforcing.

🌆 Balinese brand Potato Head opens the Good Times General Store in Bali, in partnership with the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA). This retail space challenges traditional consumption, offering products by independent makers and workshops using recycled materials. The store features five bays, including a natural-dye studio and recycled plastic workshop. By 2027, Potato Head plans to open a design center and a bamboo dome for performing arts. The initiative underscores a commitment to sustainability, design, and culture.

🍳 The UN highlights food waste as up to 10% of global greenhouse emissions. In England, new waste separation rules target this, as food waste costs the hospitality sector £3.2 billion annually. FuturePlus found 77% of food waste goals unmet on time, though 70% of sustainability goals overall were achieved. Effective strategies include waste prevention, clear processes, and connecting with external infrastructure. Addressing food waste depends on informed actions, proper facilities, and local support systems.

📈 Several hospitality companies, including Whitbread, Marriott, Parkdean Resorts, Haven, Fuller’s, and De Vere, are partnering with the government to offer 100,000 paid jobs over three years. They aim to support 18 to 24-year-olds not in education, work, or training. This initiative will provide young people with opportunities for skill development, confidence building, and practical experience.

📚 Since 2011, GCSTIMES has led sustainable development in space identity infrastructure. With FSC® Chain of Custody (CoC) certification and an EcoVadis Silver Medal, GCSTIMES ensures eco-friendly production of hotel key cards and hospitality supplies. Certified under ISO 14067, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001, the company emphasizes quality, environmental management, and information security. Through diverse material options, including recycled content, GCSTIMES advances responsible sourcing and sustainability. Explore their sustainability details at www.gcstimes.com/sustainability.

🏖 Matt and Morag, chefs and Dave’s trusted colleagues, moved to Forge Mountain Club 1.5 years ago. Dave plans modest homes on the mountain, preserving ~60% of its land. They've built relationships with locals for construction. They're buying 1,200 acres nearby and a marina. Inspired by Serenbe's 2,000-acre model, where 70% is green space, Dave envisions sustainable, family-friendly developments. His approach contrasts traditional profit-driven models, focusing on long-term benefits for humans and nature.

🏨 The Psychological Well-being in Hospitality Report 2026 highlights five industry developments based on 48 expert interviews. It emphasizes holistic wellbeing, linking employee psychological health to guest experience quality. A transformation economy now sees guests seeking meaning over comfort. Dr. Aradhana Khowala notes the importance of emotional design, while Dr. Alyson Meister highlights workplace challenges. The Breakers Palm Beach shows positive results with a 93% retention rate. ROX measures guest psychological wellbeing's impact on loyalty.

🌍 In 2021, Small Luxury Hotels of the World launched the Considerate Collection, featuring GSTC-recognized sustainable hotels. This eco-conscious group began with 25 members and has expanded to over 80 hotels in five years. Guests can engage in conservation activities, such as coral reef protection and wildlife rewilding, especially near protected or high-biodiversity zones. This shift reflects the growing demand for participatory eco-tourism, where travelers actively contribute to environmental efforts.