CSR and Sustainability

📑 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.

📍 Novaxia NEO acquired a hotel in Zaragoza, Spain's fifth-largest city, covering 2,700 square meters with a 10-year lease and 7.57% yield. The acquisition raises Spain's portfolio share to 8%. A €200,000 sustainability upgrade aims to cut 550 tons of CO₂ over 10 years. The hotel, run by Grupo VTZ Alojamientos from January 2024, offers 45 rooms and amenities near key tourist sites. This aligns with Novaxia's long-term, ESG-focused investment strategy.

🚀 Suraj Hinduja, Managing Director of RTRX, shares insights on transforming events into experiences focusing on curiosity, connection, and impact. Initially aimed at supporting cancer research, RTRX has grown into a multi-day, cross-industry event. The principle of hospitality is utilized to inspire attendees and foster meaningful interactions. Rockbridge's approach emphasizes the importance of serendipitous opportunities to encourage deeper connections. Music for the show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound.

🏡 In Paris, the Élysée Collection offers nine luxury apartments blending classic Haussmann-style with modern comforts, targeting mid-term rentals. A partnership between onefinestay and Herrmann Immeubles Group, these eco-friendly apartments include smart technology and 24/7 concierge services. Driven by the demand for flexible stays, this collaboration also focuses on sustainability. onefinestay expands globally, enhancing luxury accommodation options through a strategic partnership with Le Club AccorHotels, providing exclusive access to its residences.

📖 Egypt aims to boost hospitality standards through a partnership involving Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches, providing partial scholarships and training to eligible EHA employees. Signed in front of Egypt's Minister of Tourism, the initiative supports the goal to attract 30 million tourists by 2031. It includes online training, certificates, and eight networking events. Sommet Education also collaborates with HSMAI and Mandarin Oriental, emphasizing global talent development.

💼 Employers can reduce attrition by up to 28% and boost long-term retention by 22% with a strong employer brand, according to Consuelo Corridori. This involves reputation, proposition, and employee experience. A robust brand fosters a positive culture, enhancing engagement and reducing costs related to recruitment and training. The employer value proposition promises a rewarding experience, reflecting authenticity and alignment between the company's actions and promises.

📚 Ecole de Savignac, located 12 km from Périgueux, France, is a top hospitality and management school hosting 400 students in a village of 800. Cyril Lanrezac highlights their collaboration with Johanna Wagner, an expert in CSR, to launch a digital apprenticeship course on CSR. This 21-hour course, involving Solène Devys, targets a diverse hospitality sector, emphasizing eco-responsibility. The school fosters sustainable practices adaptable to businesses ranging from small SMEs to larger hotel portfolios.

🍴 Since opening in 2014 at HMP Brixton, The Clink Restaurant and Bakery has trained over 400 prisoners, awarding 235 City & Guilds NVQ qualifications, and significantly reducing reoffending rates. Housed in a historic 1819 building, it offers seasonal British cuisine and high-quality baked goods. The venue received a "Highly Commended" rating from the AA Rosette for two years. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, it continues to transform lives through hospitality education. Bookings are essential.

🤷‍♀️ Women in travel tech are underrepresented, with only 26% in the workforce and 11% in executive roles. RateGain, at a recent Barcelona panel, highlighted systemic barriers and launched initiatives like “SheLeads,” certifying 15 women. They propose removing bias from applications, challenging unconscious bias, and fostering allyship, noting that ally-friendly workplaces see a 50% reduction in employee turnover. Leadership diversity is seen as beneficial for innovation and business success.