CSR and Sustainability

🌳 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.

🌊 Baros Maldives launches the Baros Treasure Hunt, a weekly snorkeling adventure from 6 June 2025 to 26 June 2026. Participants search for hidden green orbs in the house reef for 45 minutes each Friday, vying for weekly prizes and a grand prize of a seven-night stay for two, including flights. The event showcases the resort’s dedication to unforgettable experiences and sustainability. A seven-night stay starts from £2,384 per person. Contact: [email protected] or +960 664 26 72.

🏨 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.