CSR and Sustainability

🌍 In 2026, the 42-key Lagen Island Resort in Palawan, Philippines, was renovated by WATG and Wimberly Interiors with minimal disruption to its 15-acre natural setting. The resort features a waterfront arrival building, spa, bar, dive center, and chapel. Interiors and new structures, like the Sunset Bar and Water villas, emphasize Filipino craftsmanship and environmental harmony. The design maintains a seamless connection between the resort and its surrounding landscape, promoting relaxation and sustainability.

🏨 eLong Hotel Group, with nearly 4,500 hotels across 300+ Chinese cities, commits to using 100% cage-free poultry and increasing plant-based menu options by 2030. This policy, aimed at enhancing food safety and animal welfare, showcases the industry's shift towards sustainability. Ranking 7th in China and 19th globally, eLong's strategy emphasizes hospitality's role in societal responsibility, setting a model for food system sustainability in the tourism sector.

🌍 Sands China became the first integrated tourism enterprise to receive ISO 14001:2026 EMS certification from BSI Group, covering all its resort properties. This achievement highlights their commitment to sustainability, including a 61% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2018, surpassing targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. Sands China also reduced potable water use by 9% in 2025 and achieved a 21% waste diversion rate. They’ve been recognized in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for four consecutive years.

💰 Las Vegas Sands has contributed $450,000 to The WASH Foundation, reaching over $6.5 million since 2014 to improve global water, sanitation, and hygiene. In 2026, Sands Cares will support hygiene kit builds, water initiatives, and capacity-building in Macao, Singapore, and Las Vegas. Since 2014, over 1.1 million kits and 4.6 million soap bars have been distributed. Sands' projects also include water conservation through The Drop By Drop Project in Macao and Singapore.

💰 On the UN's World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the AHLA Foundation's No Room for Trafficking Summit in Washington announced a $10 million milestone for the NRFT Survivor Fund, including $5 million in AHLA Foundation matching funds. Since 2023, over $3 million has supported national anti-trafficking organizations. In 2026, 16 grantees, including 9 survivor-founded organizations, will receive grants. Contributors include Accor and Marriott International. Total grant-making increased by nearly 30% this year.

📚 Held on the eve of GBTA Convention 2026 at Chicago's Field Museum, the GBTA Foundation Gala celebrated industry leaders with over 250 attendees. The event raised $83,250 for the NextGen Program. Award winners included Sarah Martin, Shirley Stroud, Anna Rose Feinberg, and a partnership between Meta and United Airlines. The Luminary Award went to Dave Hilfman. GBTA aims to reach 50,000 students worldwide through its NextGen Program, supported by a $50,000 donation and scholarships totaling $500,000.

🌱 Lever China partners with Artyzen Hotel Group to implement a plant-based dining policy across its hotels, aiming for 30% of menus to be plant-based by the end of 2027. Locations already involved include Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, Grand Coloane Resort, and Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai. Plant-based proteins produce 90% less greenhouse gas emissions than animal protein. Artyzen upholds its '3Cs' philosophy—Connect, Care, and Celebrate—demonstrating environmental commitment.

🚨 The AHLA Foundation held its annual No Room for Trafficking Summit in Washington, D.C., coinciding with the UN’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The NRFT Survivor Fund reached $10 million, with $5 million in matching funds from the foundation. Since 2023, over $3 million has been awarded to anti-trafficking organizations. The 2026 grantees span across the U.S., with key funding from major hotel groups including Hilton and Marriott, aiming to enhance survivor support and prevention efforts.

💡 AI-driven food waste management in hospitality reduces carbon emissions and food costs by optimizing portion sizes. Renewable energy microgrids, like solar panels and wind turbines, generate surplus electricity. Circular furnishing utilizes reclaimed materials, while IoT sensors enhance energy efficiency. Water recovery systems recycle greywater, and hyper-local sourcing reduces food miles. Eliminating single-use plastics and adopting plant-forward menus cuts carbon footprints by 30–50%. Venues aim for carbon footprint transparency by 2026, including comprehensive composting solutions.

🌏 *Beckons* launched "Tomorrow Beckons," a regenerative travel program, on July 29, aiming to protect landscapes and communities across Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Canada. The initiative includes partnerships with local organizations, like the Australian Sea Lion Recovery Foundation, and is funded by a 1% guest contribution and biannual auctions. At Southern Ocean Lodge, the program supports the Pup Shelters Project for sea lions. Beckons lodges invite guests to engage in habitat restoration and conservation education.