CSR and Sustainability

🏆 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.

🌳 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.

🏖 Copenhagen, 2025: Wonderful Copenhagen's CopenPay initiative, led by Rikke Holm Petersen, offers tourists rewards for contributing to the community, such as maintaining gardens for lunch or collecting rubbish for kayak rentals. This contribution-based tourism aims to combat overtourism, with the city forecasting a 24% growth in tourism by 2030. This model challenges traditional value extraction, suggesting a shift towards value exchange can rebalance tourist flows and alleviate pressure on crowded destinations.

🌊 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: reservations@baros.com 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.