CSR and Sustainability

🌎 Entries for the 2026 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards are open globally, aiming for sustainability in travel and tourism. Entries close on 31 August and are reviewed by Nova School of Business students. Shortlisted entries are voted on from 21 September to 21 October. Winners will be announced at a gala in Paris on 9 December 2026. The program is backed by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, involving 66,000 hotels and 300 brands.

🌌 In an era where artificial light dominates, star-bathing offers a retreat into nature's dark skies. Hotels utilize GCSTIMES key cards, crafted from sustainable materials like plant-based leather or wood, aligning with ISO 14068 for environmentally conscious operations. Since 2011, GCSTIMES has excelled in sustainable innovation, offering products under brands such as GCS and AUROkeys. This initiative promotes disconnection from digital distractions, enhancing nighttime wellness through experiences like stargazing and astronomy programs.

🏨 Since 2013, Westgate Resorts has hosted Military Weekend, providing nearly 30,000 complimentary vacations to military personnel. The Westgate Foundation, marking its 25th anniversary, has donated over $6 million in five years, prioritizing workforce readiness, military families, housing, and community development. Founder David Siegel emphasizes integrating purpose with business success. The integration of VI Resorts highlights disciplined growth. Westgate’s approach connects business performance with community support, ensuring long-term success and resilience.

🔭 Hotels are leveraging the trend of star-bathing, where travelers engage in nighttime activities such as guided star-bathing, moonlight yoga, and telescope viewing to connect with nature. By reducing light pollution, hotels can improve night-sky visibility, contributing to sustainability and wellness goals. Dark Sky Certification is available for hotels adopting responsible lighting. This emerging trend supports wellness tourism by providing digital detox, better sleep, and mindfulness in natural settings, potentially increasing ancillary revenue and brand identity.

💸 Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor, announced 50 policy changes to ease financial burdens on NYC's 180,000 small businesses by waiving fees and expediting inspections. 📈 Gen Z alcohol consumption rose from 66% in 2023 to 74%. 🎸 The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music opened at Monmouth University, NJ, featuring 30,000 sq ft of exhibition space. 📅 Today, August 7th, is the deadline for Gold Key Awards submissions, with winners announced on November 9th in New York.

📖 HOSPA Professional Development received a grant from the Savoy Educational Trust to fund scholarships for hospitality workers pursuing finance and revenue management qualifications. The funding targets self-funded learners, not employer-sponsored, aiding their professional education while they continue working. By July 2021, HOSPA transferred its education programs to Heyward Group under a five-year agreement. By December 2025, the professional development arm was running 19 courses with a 95% success rate.

📚 Michele De Lucchi, appointed as Creative Director at Triennale Milano in 2023, aims to foster sustainability and innovation. Trained at the University of Florence, he was part of the Radical Architecture movement. His work at Palazzo Dell'Arte includes a reversible bridge, enhancing the Design Museum's entrance. De Lucchi emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and preserving Italian craftsmanship. His international experience aligns with Triennale's global outlook, balancing planned exhibitions with spontaneous cultural events.

🌍 In 2026, the 42-key Lagen Island Resort in Palawan, Philippines, was renovated by WATG and Wimberly Interiors with minimal disruption to its 15-acre natural setting. The resort features a waterfront arrival building, spa, bar, dive center, and chapel. Interiors and new structures, like the Sunset Bar and Water villas, emphasize Filipino craftsmanship and environmental harmony. The design maintains a seamless connection between the resort and its surrounding landscape, promoting relaxation and sustainability.

🚨 The AHLA Foundation held its annual No Room for Trafficking Summit in Washington, D.C., coinciding with the UN’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The NRFT Survivor Fund reached $10 million, with $5 million in matching funds from the foundation. Since 2023, over $3 million has been awarded to anti-trafficking organizations. The 2026 grantees span across the U.S., with key funding from major hotel groups including Hilton and Marriott, aiming to enhance survivor support and prevention efforts.

🚨 AHLA Foundation expands its No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) initiative through a Memorandum of Understanding with Hotels Canada, strengthening anti-trafficking collaboration across borders. Kevin Carey and Beth McMahon emphasize a united response. The NRFT Advisory Council welcomes Gerrod Bede and Marina Elsener to enhance strategic direction. The 2026 NRFT Summit is on July 30 in Arlington, VA, gathering industry leaders to combat trafficking effectively.