CSR and Sustainability

🏨 TAMPA, Florida—In 2025, WITT and the Wellness Tourism Association launched the Core Wellness Standards for Hotels globally. The standards, developed by a committee of experts, include 100+ criteria across five pillars: Healthy Eating, Holistic Healing, Nature, Movement, and Local Impact. Key aspects involve nutritious meals, biophilic design, and local cultural celebration. The initiative aims to redefine wellness in hospitality, fostering guest well-being and trust in wellness tourism.

🌎 The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) launched its digital series, "Travel Redefined: Tourism for People and Planet," in August 2025. In Q1 2025, international tourist arrivals grew by 5% compared to 2024, signaling recovery. This initiative highlights sustainable tourism to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and overtourism. It features GSTC Members' stories and promotes best practices in biodiversity conservation, carbon reductions, and equitable economic development, with films available online.

🍱 Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken is enhancing guest engagement with GiftAMeal, enabling meal donations via QR codes at their 130 locations or the Lee's mobile app. Since joining in July 2022, Lee's guests have contributed to over 75,000 meal donations annually. GiftAMeal has facilitated 2.5 million donations overall. The initiative notably benefits local communities, like Bardstown, Kentucky. Their new packaging, featuring QR codes, targets the 70-80% of customers using the drive-thru.

🏨 Radisson RED Oslo City Centre, launched in central Oslo, Norway, is one of the first two hotels in the world to achieve verified net zero status, certified by TÜV Rheinland. The 118-room hotel, dating back to 1939, is powered by renewable energy and features eco-friendly practices like low-carbon menus and plastic-free amenities. Part of Radisson's goal to reach net zero by 2050, it partners with Klimato and Too Good To Go for sustainability efforts.

🏆 On September 22, 2025, the AA Hospitality Awards will take place at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London, showcasing 18 categories. New for 2025 is the 'Rising Star' award, with finalists from Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Grantley Hall, and Boys Hall. The Sustainable Award finalists include The Gleneagles Hotel and Mandarin Oriental. Attendees will enjoy a menu by Chef Adam Smith of Coworth Park Hotel, Berkshire. Key awards also include AA Inn, B&B, and Restaurant with Rooms of the Year.

🏆 On 22 September, the AA Hospitality Awards will occur at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London. Shortlists for eight categories have been revealed. Key categories include the AA Sustainable Award with nominees like The Gleneagles Hotel and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. The AA Rising Star Award debuts, recognizing exceptional hospitality talent. Notable shortlisted individuals include Amit Pal (Prestonfield, Edinburgh) and Nataliia Maiseionok (Fischer's Baslow Hall). The awards celebrate excellence and hospitality spirit.

🌳 August 2025, South Africa: City Lodge Hotels celebrated its 40th anniversary during Women's Month with initiatives supporting female leaders and women-owned businesses. A 40% discount on accommodations was offered until 31 August. On 1 August, in Sandton, 20 women planted 40 trees in an urban food garden. Their workforce is 61% female, with strong female representation across management levels. City Lodge Hotels operates 58 hotels with 7,374 rooms across Southern Africa, under four brands: Courtyard Hotel, City Lodge Hotel, Town Lodge, and Road Lodge.

🏨 Horwood House Hotel, a four-star venue near Milton Keynes, is a finalist for the Buckinghamshire Business Awards in the "growth business of the year" category. Judges praised its innovation and sustainable growth following a £6.5m refurbishment. The hotel expanded its senior team, created roles, and launched community initiatives like the Crisis Lounge and Urban Bee-lievers partnership. The winners will be announced on 15 October 2025 at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.