CSR and Sustainability

🏥 Carol Davies entered the hospitality business unexpectedly, taking a sales coordinator role during a college break and then transitioning to full-time, eventually moving up the career ladder. Mentored by Marie, who emphasized self-assessment and emotional control, Davies learned the importance of paying it forward, particularly in supporting other women in the industry. Despite progress in diversity over 30 years, Davies notes the hospitality industry still lacks diversity at the highest levels, with gender bias at all levels and a need for leadership development programs for underrepresented groups. More women are in leadership today, yet they are underrepresented in executive roles, with barriers such as unconscious bias and family obligations. Davies advocates for transparent promotion pathways and leadership training to foster better business performance and workplace culture.

🎓 Allison Handy's hospitality career was inspired 25 years ago by a role model at the Newport Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. She learned the importance of knowledge and leadership from mentors who emphasized preparedness, strategic thinking, and self-guided problem-solving. Today, Handy observes progress in diversity with more women in leadership positions and advocates for work environments offering equal opportunities for all to balance family and career. At Aimbridge, female general managers exceed the industry average, yet executive leadership still lacks sufficient female representation.

🏡 Robert De Niro, actor and hotel investor, plans to open Nobu Beach Inn in early 2026 on Barbuda’s southwest coast. The property, which De Niro will own with partners Daniel Shamoon and James Packer, spans 400 acres with over two miles of beachfront. Nobu Hospitality, co-founded by De Niro, has 19 hotels worldwide and 23 in development. The eco-friendly Barbuda project will consist of 17 bungalow cottages with 36 bedrooms, featuring multiple restaurants and real-estate opportunities. Pre-sales for 25 beachfront villa lots have begun, with more custom lots to follow.

🏆 Winners of the Equity in Tourism awards were announced at ITB Berlin. Community Homestay Network, Nepal for Accommodation and Responsible Travel, Ecuador for Travel and Destinations received awards for promoting gender equality in tourism. Amba Yaalu (Mango Friends) Kandalama, Sri Lanka, was highly commended. The award, in its third year, had a panel including Michelle Mason (World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance) and Dawn Briggs (Sojern). Eternal Landscapes Mongolia, Accor Brazil Embrace Program, and Travel Excellence are past winners.

🌏 IHG Hotels & Resorts launched voco Zeal Exeter Science Park as its first net zero carbon hotel, featuring 142 rooms, renewable and solar energy usage. The Exeter-based hotel includes a gym, landscaped gardens, meeting spaces, 12 EV charging stations, and emphasizes locally sourced ingredients at its restaurant, ISCA. It aligns with the UK Green Building Council's Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework, incorporates Solarlab vertical photovoltaic panels, follows the Passivhaus standard, and utilized Ecocrete to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 85%. Exeter Science Park will host 76,400 m² dedicated to STEMM businesses, and voco brand plans 20+ new properties in the coming years.

🏨 Monica Salter, part of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group, expressed her commitment to ESG initiatives—aiming to preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism for future generations. Mentored by Joan Bennet of Bennet Group PR, Salter learned the importance of preparation, confidence, and trust in one's abilities. Inspired by her mother, a successful photographer, she values hard work and perseverance. Salter is optimistic about increasing diversity in hospitality leadership, especially with more women and diverse individuals assuming key roles. She advocates for supporting working mothers with childcare to enhance women's leadership opportunities. With progress being made, Salter envisions a future of inclusive hospitality leadership mirroring the diversity of communities.

🎓 EHL Hospitality Business School partners with LVMH to launch an Executive Master in Sustainable Luxury, starting October 2025. A ten-month programme at EHL Lausanne campus, with an exclusive trip to LVMH companies, includes five modules, a six-month internship, and a final project. Aimed at EHL graduates and professionals with a Master's degree, the programme focuses on sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence in luxury retail and hospitality, offering career advancement within LVMH.

🏕 Trailborn opened its fifth hotel, Trailborn Grand Canyon, in Williams, Ariz. along Route 66 near Grand Canyon National Park. The redesigned hotel features 96 king and queen guest rooms with modern amenities, a saloon-style event space hosting up to 200 guests, and a restaurant. Outdoor amenities include a pool, hot tub, bocce court, and more. Miss Kitty's, a Southwest steakhouse and bar, will open later this spring. A portion of booking proceeds supports the Grand Canyon Conservancy's initiatives.