CSR and Sustainability

💸 Vueling, part of IAG, published its 2023 environmental, social, and governance report, achieving a 9.5% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger/km from 2019 levels. The airline used 1,285 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel, a fourfold increase over 2022. Vueling's operations contributed to 167,736 jobs and €10,741 million to GDP in key markets like Spain, France, Italy, and the UK. The management committee was 57% female, with 44% in top management roles, achieving gender parity throughout the workforce. Onboard waste was cut by 59% since 2019. The carrier transported 156 organs in 2023, leading organ transport in Spain, and supports humanitarian causes, including aid for natural disasters like the Turkey and Syria earthquakes.

🍴 IHG Hotels & Resorts partners with Action Against Hunger to combat global food insecurity, announced in London. Their pledge aims to impact 30 million people through their Journey to Tomorrow plan, covering over 100 countries. IHG will focus on malnutrition screening and treatment, especially in children, and raise awareness among guests, offering donations via IHG One Rewards points. This partnership complements IHG's efforts with local food banks, No Kid Hungry, OzHarvest, and Too Good To Go.

🏨 Post-pandemic hotels and resorts face increased costs in labor, energy, food, and supplies, with service levels challenged by worker shortages. Prior stability from 2011's economic recovery has been disrupted, leading to cuts in services like daily room cleaning and customer desk services. Key profitability strategies for 2024 include competitive vendor bidding, joining purchasing groups, and focusing on energy use. Energy costs have spiked in the last 36 months, urging hotels to implement preventative maintenance and energy management systems. Operational efficiency and guest services can be restored by incentivizing staff, investing in training, and applying industry best practices. Jeff Brainard, VP at Southern Management Companies, emphasizes cost containment through efficiency for long-term success.

🍷 Peter and Bridget Gladwin, after moving to West Sussex in the early 1990s, established Nutbourne Vineyard and a five-restaurant London business, Local & Wild, including The Shed, Rabbit, The Sussex, Black Lamb and The Pig’s Ear. Their debut cookbook, "An English Vineyard Cookbook," features 256 pages of recipes arranged by seasons with contributions from their family, especially their sons Richard, Oliver, and Gregory. Royalties from the £25 cookbook, published by GMC Publications, will benefit City Harvest.

📈 Restaurant365's midyear industry survey, covering nearly 3,700 QSR and dining locations, reveals 80% experienced labor cost increases, primarily between 1-5% in 2024. Food costs also increased for 80%, with 51% seeing a 1-5% rise and 40% observing a 6-14% hike. Sales remain top concerns for 38% of leaders, though 49% reported sales growth. Investment focus for 2024 includes sales and marketing technology for 39% of leaders, while 37% aim to enhance staff training and benefits. Over half (55%) train staff 1-2 hours weekly, with 40% using shoulder-to-shoulder training methods. Revenue boosting strategies involve 37% expanding catering and 24% prioritizing takeout/delivery. Sustainability practices are adopted by 68%, with 39% tracking food waste.

📈 Restaurant365's midyear industry survey, representing nearly 3,700 dining locations, reveals key 2024 challenges: 80% report increased labor costs (1%-5% for 64%), and 80% note higher food costs (1%-5% for 51%, 6%-14% for 40%). Sales top the concern for 38%, with 49% seeing a rise and 34% a decline. To counter issues, 39% will invest in sales and marketing tech, while 37% focus on staff benefits and training. Over half (55%) train employees 1-2 hours weekly, predominantly via shoulder-to-shoulder methods (40%). Sustainability efforts are noted by 68%, with 39% implementing food waste tracking.

🏕 Hyatt collaborates with Maya Rio Development for Belize's first Hyatt-branded hotel: The Placencia Resort to join Destination by Hyatt and World of Hyatt in late 2025 after a $10 million renovation, featuring 90 rooms, suites, beachfront villas, and new dining spaces. Princess Hotels & Resorts to open two resorts in Jamaica's Green Island in September, Princess Senses The Mangrove with 401 suites and 14 over-water villas, and the family-friendly Princess Grand Jamaica with 590 suites. Hotel Balzac, owned by Olivier Bertrand, opens in Paris featuring 58 rooms, a three-Michelin star restaurant, and will later add a Japanese-inspired spa. HEI Hotels & Resorts adds The Westin Dallas Downtown to Texas portfolio, now managing 15 properties in the state.

📍 Restaurant365's survey of 3,700 QSR and dining locations in 2024 found 80% experiencing increased labor costs, with 64% seeing a 1-5% rise. Food costs increased for 80%, with 51% noting 1-5% and 40% at 6-14%. Sales top the list of concerns for 38%, while 49% reported sales growth and 34% a drop. Investment priorities include sales and marketing technologies (39%), staff enhancements (37%), and expansion of catering operations (37%). Additionally, 68% are implementing sustainability practices, such as food waste tracking (39%).

🍴 Restaurant365's industry survey, representing nearly 3,700 dining locations, reveals 2024's top challenges: labor (80% reported cost increases, 64% at 1-5%) and food costs (80% saw increases, 51% at 1-5%, 40% at 6-14%). Sales are a major concern (38%), yet 49% of leaders reported increased sales. Investments focus on back-of-house tech, sales/marketing tech (39%), and staff enhancements (37%). Sustainability practices are adopted by 68%, with 39% on food waste tracking.