CSR and Sustainability

🏨 David Tart, Managing Partner at Raines, discusses The Lantern Hotel, transforming an old fire station in Columbia, South Carolina, into a hotel. The project creates inclusive employment opportunities by empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities. Hospitality leaders can learn about the impact of intentional employment practices on communities and the industry.

🌴 From 19-22 September 2025 at Fari Islands, the inaugural Fari Islands Festival brings global visionaries and regional changemakers together at two resorts: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Patina Maldives. Focused on five pillars including Culinary Artistry and Nature Amplified, it features experts like Gibbs Kuguru and events like Rupi Kaur's performance. Supported by Fari Campus, the festival emphasizes cultural and ecological connections, aiming for transformative guest experiences and community impact.

🌎 87% of Gen Z travelers are willing to pay more for sustainable options, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Hotels can attract them by using renewable energy, eliminating single-use plastics, and supporting local economies. Transparency through certifications like Green Key or EarthCheck builds trust. By 2027, Gen Z will comprise nearly half of all travelers, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and ethical practices to engage this demographic effectively in the hospitality industry.

📍 Award-winning The Landmark London achieved the EarthCheck Silver Benchmark 2025 for its commitment to sustainability. The hotel reduced annual energy use by 615,000 kWh, switched to 100% renewable electricity, and cut room electricity consumption by 31% with smart thermostats. Zero waste is sent to landfill, and operations have gone paperless. Initiatives, guided by the EarthCheck Coordinator and Sustainability Taskforce, are part of annual assessments. Located at 222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ, more details can be found on www.landmarklondon.co.uk/sustainable-development/.

🎉 MHA's 20th anniversary ball will be held on 31st October at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, increasing capacity to 900 attendees. The event supports MIND Manchester, Wood Street Mission, Mustard Tree, and Hospitality Action, aiming to surpass last year's £36,000 raised. The 'Carnival of Horrors' themed night includes the MHA Awards with 10 trophies, such as Unsung Hero and Rising Star. Key sponsors include Expedia, Percipient, and Mint People. Tickets are available now.

🗺️ Travel Foundation and Skyscanner have launched 'Shared Horizons: Connecting aviation and tourism for climate action'. The initiative includes a survey targeting tour operators, destination managers, and aviation professionals to assess emissions, barriers, and innovation. Insights will guide a white paper for a coordinated climate leadership approach, addressing the siloed responses of airlines, airports, destinations, and tourism businesses. An Advisory Group will shape strategic recommendations over the next few months.

🚂 Trainline has partnered with Scope3 to focus on sustainable advertising, targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. With 27 million users across 40 countries, Trainline aims to offer low-carbon advertising options via Green Media Products and Scope3 Verified. This partnership will help brands make informed decisions to reduce emissions, aligning with Trainline’s environmental goals while enhancing campaign performance. Through GMP Direct, brands can select pre-filtered digital ads avoiding climate risk, supporting sustainable goals without compromising on impact.

📈 Covivio's recurring profit jumped 14% after acquiring a minority stake in the CB21 building. In H1 2025, European investment volumes rose 11%, office demand stabilized, and Berlin rents climbed 5%. RevPAR for hotels in Europe increased 2.5% by May 2025. Covivio’s portfolio value hit €23.6 billion, with 98.6% of assets certified environmentally. Revenues grew to €527 million, and the 2025 profit target increased to €515 million. A €500 million Green Bond was issued in June 2025.

📑 Sophie Donabedian and Emmanuelle Tulliez, over two years, evaluated an inclusive education project involving work-study students from priority neighborhoods in partnership with academic institutions and hotels. A tour of classes in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille gathered feedback from students and 70 hotels via focus groups and questionnaires. The findings highlighted a lack of awareness about the budget hotel sector, suggesting the need for better communication about career opportunities in this field.