CSR and Sustainability

🌞 The Falls Hotel and Spa in County Clare has generated over 5 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity through its hydro-electric turbine. 🌍 The hotel, carbon neutral since 2021, now has 90 solar panels, aiming for self-sufficiency. 🏨 Located by the River Inagh, it's part of the Burren Eco-tourism Network and has won multiple environmental awards. 🏆 Clare is the first Irish county with Global Sustainable Tourism Council Destination Certification, promoting sustainable tourism in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

📈 UK hotels, operating at 80–120 kWh/m²·yr, still emit carbon, notably through hot water (30-40% of use), kitchens, and grid timing. UK grid emissions decreased from ~419 to ~124 gCO₂/kWh over a decade. All-electric hotels with 100 EUI have reduced emissions from ~42 to ~12 kgCO₂/m² without building changes. The key: Benchmark, model, invest. Owners, boards, and banks trust reliable data for decision-making. #HotelInvestment #NetZeroHotels #Sustainability

💰 AHLA Foundation distributed over $710,000 in scholarships to 246 students across 64 U.S. schools for the 2025–2026 academic year. Almost 90% of recipients are from underrepresented communities. Scholarships support students in hospitality management and related programs, based on academic performance, extracurriculars, recommendations, and financial need. Kevin Carey, CEO of AHLA Foundation, emphasized their commitment to fostering future hospitality leaders.

☕ Macdonald Hotels and Resorts saw a 10% rise in coffee sales across 32 UK sites over the past year, preparing over 737,000 cups by September. Founded in 1990, the group operates in the UK and Spain, investing in food and beverage services. Partnering with Suffolk-based Paddy and Scott’s, they funded 8,100 meals in Meru, Kenya, with a goal of 12,160 by year-end. The initiative supports coffee-growing communities through direct trade.

🏨 White Lodging, a well-respected hospitality company, now operates The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson, S.C., near Clemson University. Open for three years, the hotel employs individuals with intellectual disabilities, with about 30% of its staff participating in ClemsonLIFE. The hotel has gained national attention and plans expansion. It features two food-and-beverage concepts, a rotating art collection, and a rooftop with views of Death Valley Stadium and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

🌍 Sustainable tourism, defined by the UNWTO, considers the economic, social, and environmental impacts for both current and future scenarios. It addresses the needs of visitors, industries, environments, and host communities. Despite the various types of tourists like business, student, cultural, and holiday tourists, misconceptions persist. The essence of tourism involves co-creation with locals and conscious travel, yet one remains a tourist regardless. The real distinction lies in contributing to more sustainable and meaningful travel.

🏖 Finca Curubanda's shift in strategy focused on transparency, human connection, and education, emphasizing sustainable tourism at La Leona Waterfall. By showcasing trail safety, reforestation efforts, and personal guest experiences, they moved beyond visual appeal to create meaningful content. This approach increased engagement, driven by inquiries, direct messages, and bookings. The key learning: behind-the-scenes stories hold more power than highlight reels, with travelers valuing deeper insights and authentic connections over mere visuals.

🏨 McKeever Hotels, a family-owned group in Northern Ireland, partnered with Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) as their charity for 2025. Fundraising began on October 1 across six hotels, including Armagh City Hotel. Notably, their 2024 drive for NI Children’s Hospice raised over £20,000. Initiatives include the “Green Rooms” scheme and donating 5p per cup sold. NICHS supports 400,000 people with heart conditions, relying on public donations for nearly 90% of its income.

🏨 Family-run Hotel Sheraton in Blackpool celebrated its 10th anniversary with a ROSE Award from VisitEngland, placing it among the top 100 UK hospitality providers. In September, the award was given in Berkshire. The three-star hotel, employing 90 staff, ranks third among 92 Blackpool hotels on TripAdvisor and was recognized at the Lancashire Tourism Awards. Over 80% of guests return. It has raised over £50k for local causes and renovated 90% of its 109 rooms.

📚 Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple, speaks with Danica Smith about her leadership philosophy centered on "caring deeply." This conversation highlights how aligning personal values with guest experience, culture, and sustainability is key to creating meaningful memories and leading with conviction. Dina emphasizes that leaders must embody their beliefs to inspire their teams effectively. Hospitality leaders can gain practical insights from her value-driven approach to leadership.