CSR and Sustainability

💰 €19,000 allocated for disaster relief in 2023 by Mews' Disaster Relief Fund. Initiatives funded include €5,000 each to the Community Foundation for the Texas Hill Country and Médecins Sans Frontières for Texas floods and Myanmar earthquake relief, respectively. Additionally, €1,000 supported Direct Relief for California wildfires, and €8,000 assisted World Central Kitchen in Gaza famine efforts. The fund aims for long-term, equitable crisis response, reflecting community priorities in hospitality.

🏨 Premier Inn plans to open a 152-room hotel in Bath by 2028. Located within a 10-minute walk from Bath Spa station and the Roman Baths, the hotel will increase Bath's budget room supply to over 250. Construction starts in 2026. Whitbread, owner of Premier Inn, aims for a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. This expansion is part of Whitbread's strategy to reach 125,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland.

💸 Founded in 1996, Rusticae manages 210 properties in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Andorra, and Italy, focusing on upscale rural tourism. Barceló's acquisition marks a strategic expansion into this niche. CEO Sara Sánchez retains 20% ownership, continuing leadership as founders Carlota Mateos and Isabel Llorens step down. Barceló reported a €7.5 billion turnover in 2024, a 56% net profit increase, and debt elimination. Rusticae emphasizes sustainability and cultural tourism, offering over 100 local experiences.

🌎 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.

🏆 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.

🌊 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.