CSR and Sustainability

📰 In 2025, Los Angeles faced devastating wildfires, prompting Marriott International to take action. Partnering with American Express and the Hospitality Training Academy, Marriott launched a 10-week Emergency Meals Program, distributing nearly 12,000 meals to Pasadena and Altadena residents. They provided over $245,000 in relief and $1M in donations to LAUSD. In May, JW Marriott L.A. LIVE hosted events for 400 unhoused students and 150 foster youth, supported by partners like JPMorganChase.

🏨 Accor and Kylian Mbappé's charity, Inspired By KM, launched "Ibis Unlocked," an employment program for youth not in education or work. This initiative targets Brazil, France, Morocco, and Thailand, offering training and professional opportunities at ibis hotels. By 2030, Accor aims to support 20,000 individuals. Starting autumn 2026, the program expands with an educational week in Brazil. Accor operates 2,500+ ibis hotels in 82 countries.

📈 Accor and footballer Kylian Mbappé's charity Inspired By KM launched the "Ibis Unlocked" employment program targeting young people not in education, employment, or training. Planned for Brazil, France, Morocco, and Thailand, the initiative offers training pathways using practical work experience and 15 digital modules. Accor's sustainability roadmap aims to support 20,000 people by 2030. The program expands post-autumn 2026, with an educational networking week in Brazil. Accor operates over 2,500 Ibis venues globally.

🍇 In Africa, Minor Hotels partners with Saving the Wild to serve three 'Saving the Wild' wines at their properties, supporting wildlife conservation. These wines, produced by Hoopenburg Wine Estate in South Africa, include a Cabernet/Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé, each with labels featuring endangered species. Proceeds aid Saving the Wild's advocacy for stronger wildlife protection laws. The initiative's impact has inspired a feature film by Margot Robbie's LuckyChap Entertainment, with production starting in South Africa once casting is finalized.

💰 Accor and Inspired By KM launched "ibis unlocked" to help NEET youth in Brazil, France, Morocco, and Thailand regain confidence and skills through digital modules on WhatsApp and vocational training. Nearly one in five young people worldwide are NEET. By 2030, Accor aims to support and certify 20,000 people for employment. An educational week in Brazil is planned for autumn 2026. The initiative is part of Accor's broader social mobility commitment and sustainable development roadmap.

🌍 On 8 June, The Long Run (TLR) and the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA) signed an MOU to enhance sustainable outdoor lodging in Asia Pacific. APOLA represents a sector growing at 15% annually in the region, compared to 11% globally. The partnership focuses on events, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development. A regional meeting will occur from 15-17 June at Cardamom Tented Camp, Cambodia. The collaboration seeks to improve sustainability practices for outdoor lodgings.

🌴 Marriott International has partnered with the Leali family to integrate Lefay, a luxury wellness brand, into its portfolio. Founded in Italy in 2006 by Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali, Lefay is acclaimed for its resorts in Lago di Garda and the Dolomites. The venture includes long-term management agreements and Marriott’s support in global development. Lefay's offerings focus on holistic wellness, with expansion plans in Tuscany, Southern Italy, and the Swiss Alps. Full integration with Marriott Bonvoy is expected by late 2026.

🌊 Caribbean tourism faces challenges as cruise ships, benefiting from low port passenger fees, overshadow resorts burdened by high taxes. In 2026, the Caribbean Tourism Organization's awards, partly sponsored by cruise giants, highlight concerns over priorities. The Caribbean Hotel Association's 2008 expansion diluted resort interests. High costs hinder eco-friendly resort development on smaller islands. A proposed Caribbean Resort Association aims to advocate for equitable tax policies, increased air travel, and environmental conservation, ensuring sustainable growth for local economies.

📈 In Kenya, strategic collaboration within the circular economy ecosystem shows disparities in access and benefits. Research involving 15 interviews with Kenyan circular SMEs reveals that well-positioned firms gain from collaboration through funding, legitimacy, and scaling opportunities. In contrast, peripheral firms face barriers, highlighting that collaboration acts as both an engine and filter. Key practices include material exchanges and shared logistics, integral to achieving a sustainable circular economy, as emphasized by frameworks like the African Circular Economy Alliance.