Hotel sustainability, all in one place. This hub brings together the latest news, initiatives and technology around responsible and sustainable hospitality, curated by 10 Minutes News. Follow how hotels are going greener.
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Auroville in South-East India: A Unique Architectural Experiment with 3,500 Residents and Innovative Designs
18 September 2026🗺️ Auroville, a unique township in south-east India, spans the Villupuram district across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, with a vision by Sri Aurobindo and a master plan by Roger Anger, it houses around 3,500 residents. The Matrimandir, completed in 2008, is a significant landmark. Auroville’s architecture includes the 1998 Visitor Centre and 1996 Water Tower. The Solar Kitchen, serving 1,000 meals daily, demonstrates solar technology, and debates continue over the Crown’s development.
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Artotel Group Supports Development of Four Sports Complexes in West Java as Sport Tourism Destinations
17 September 2026🏆 On September 11, 2026, at the Jakarta International Convention Center, Erastus Radjimin, CEO of Artotel Group, endorsed the transformation of four sports complexes in West Java into sport tourism and wellness hubs. The Business Infrastructure Forum, part of the Indonesia Sports Summit 2026, featured presentations by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi and Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan. Emphasizing public-private collaboration, the initiative aims to integrate sports with hospitality and wellness to spur economic growth and year-round activity.
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Banyan Group Acquires Majority Stake in Newmark Hotels, Expanding African Portfolio to 28 Countries
17 September 2026🌍 In 2023, Banyan Group acquired a majority stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves, with plans for full ownership. Newmark, founded in 2007, manages 26 properties across seven African countries. This partnership expands Banyan’s reach to 130 properties in 28 countries. Africa’s tourism grew by 8% in 2025, with further growth expected in 2026. Newmark retains its brand and management, while joining Banyan’s global booking network for enhanced reach.
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Radisson Hotel Group and GDS-Movement Launch Guide to Enhance Sustainability in Meetings and Events Planning
17 September 2026📚 Radisson Hotel Group and GDS-Movement released a guide for sustainable event planning, highlighting that 66% of associations value sustainability, but only 34% have integrated it and 3% have advanced programs. Barriers include costs and data access. The guide suggests collaboration and outlines five actions, such as early planning and certified suppliers. Inge Huijbrechts and Guy Bigwood emphasize the need for practical tools and destination collaboration to enhance sustainability.
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Hotel Operators Boost Guest Experience with Hyper-Local Sourcing and Zero-Proof Beverages to Drive Revenue Growth
17 September 2026🍴 Hotel food and beverage (F&B) trends highlight hyper-local sourcing, chef collaborations, and sophisticated zero-proof cocktails, as explained by Dean Wendel, VP of F&B at Concord Hospitality. Operators should evaluate market needs and profitability before investing in elevated concepts. Success requires a commitment to service, social media, and community involvement. Zero-proof beverages must be creatively developed and priced appropriately, as 4 options are required per menu. Strategic collaborations enhance exposure and build repeat clientele.
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Google’s Search Changes in Europe Reduce Direct Hotel Booking Clicks by Up to 30% Amidst DMA Compliance
17 September 2026🌏 Google’s changes to search results in Europe, driven by the Digital Markets Act, have reduced free direct booking clicks for European hotels by up to 30%, impacting guest acquisition costs in 2024. The regulation promotes competition by elevating platforms like Expedia and Booking.com. Hotels must reassess their strategies, focusing on website usability, first-party data, and understanding true acquisition costs to maintain control over guest relationships and optimize channel mix. Monitoring these metrics is crucial amid evolving distribution dynamics.
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TOURISE 2027 Summit in Riyadh to Unite Global Leaders from March 23-25, Focusing on Tourism Alliances
17 September 2026🌍 TOURISE 2027 Summit will occur in Riyadh, March 23-25, 2027, under the theme “Alliances That Move the World.” Expected speakers include leaders from Booking Holdings, Marriott, Hilton, and more. Hosted under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the event aims to foster partnerships in tourism, technology, and investment for the next 50 years. The inaugural summit in 2025 announced USD 113 billion in investments, highlighting public-private collaboration.
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Global Hotel Industry Faces Competitive Era as AI, Sustainability, and Selective Consumer Demand Shape 2026 Market Dynamics
17 September 2026🏨 By 2026, the travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute $12 trillion to the global economy, accounting for 9.9% of GDP and supporting 376 million jobs. This industry is expected to grow by 3.2%, outpacing global economic growth of 2.4%. Central and South America’s tourism sector is projected to grow by 4.1%. AI and sustainability will reshape operations, while guest preferences will drive luxury hotel competition. Domestic travel in India has surged to over 4 billion visits.
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Independent Hotel Show 2026 to Feature Innovative Hospitality Designs by Merav Bustan, Obradov Studio, and Others
16 September 2026🏨 The Independent Hotel Show takes place at Olympia London on October 5-6, 2026. Key spaces reflect the theme “Shaping Tomorrow” with designs by Merav Bustan, Obradov Studio, Design Command, and TUNTU. Designs focus on sustainability, incorporating recycled materials and adaptable elements. The innovation stage is like a “jewelry box” with deep green tones, while the Members Suite uses Nordic-inspired elements. This event showcases how design can influence hospitality with a focus on sustainability and sensory experiences. Register at independenthotelshow.co.uk.
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Barry Sternlicht to Receive 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement and Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Awards in Los Angeles
16 September 2026🏨 Barry Sternlicht will receive the 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award and the Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award on January 25, 2027, in Los Angeles. Founder and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, Sternlicht has structured investments worth over $280 billion and manages assets of around $130 billion. He founded Starwood Hotels, creating brands like W Hotels and expanding St. Regis Hotels globally. Shatterproof, founded by Gary Mendell, has raised over $12 million since 2016 to tackle substance use disorder.
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Barry Sternlicht to Receive 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement and Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Awards at ALIS Conference
16 September 2026🏨 Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, will receive the 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2027 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award on January 25, 2027, at ALIS in Los Angeles. Sternlicht’s contributions have reshaped hospitality and real estate, overseeing investments worth over $280 billion and managing assets of approximately $130 billion. Shatterproof, a nonprofit addressing addiction, has raised over $12 million since 2016 via Hospitality Heroes events.
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Barry Sternlicht to Receive 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award and Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award
16 September 2026📈 Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, will be honored with the 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2027 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award. The awards ceremony will take place on January 25, 2027, in Los Angeles during ALIS. Sternlicht’s firm manages approximately $130 billion in assets, with past investments surpassing $280 billion. Known for founding Starwood Hotels & Resorts and creating brands like W Hotels, Sternlicht’s influence on the hospitality industry is profound and celebrated.
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US Properties Urged to Adopt Bulk Procurement for Linens and Amenities to Enhance Efficiency and Cut Costs
16 September 2026🛌 United States, 18 minutes ago: Hotel linens and amenities are critical for guest satisfaction. Bulk procurement is key, using a 3x par stock formula for linens and towels to prevent shortages during peak times. Thread count affects linen choice; T-180 for budget, T-300 for luxury. Pre-packaged amenity kits save labor time. Eco-certification and EcoBox packaging are increasingly standard. US-based suppliers offer quicker lead times. Hotel Items (A & S Suppliers, Inc.) specializes in comprehensive hospitality solutions near Miami, Florida.
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Sale and Leaseback Model in Hospitality Gains Traction, Offering Investment Opportunities and Operational Challenges
16 September 2026🏨 Developers, brands, and investors are exploring a sale and leaseback model in hospitality, which separates ownership from operations. This model requires developers to sell units and lease them back for hotel use, reducing capital needs and boosting cash flow but sacrificing future income. Challenges include ensuring aligned incentives among stakeholders and managing daily operations. Success hinges on clear governance, legal frameworks, and yield structures, while mitigating risks through realistic assumptions and disciplined execution.
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Radisson Hotel Group and GDS-Movement Launch Guide to Enhance Sustainability in Meetings and Events Industry
16 September 2026📚 Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) and GDS-Movement released a guide to enhance sustainability in events, unveiled in Brussels. Despite 66% of associations valuing sustainability, only 34% implement it, with 3% having advanced programs. The guide offers 5 strategies: early collaboration, certified suppliers, social initiatives, low-carbon mobility, and linked frameworks. Through the GDS-Index, destinations are evaluated using 74 indicators aligned with UN SDGs and GSTC criteria to improve event sustainability. Radisson has over 1,575 hotels in 100+ countries.
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Outdoor Accommodation Report 2026: 66% of Campers Plan to Camp More as Online Search Surpasses Word of Mouth
16 September 2026🏕 Melbourne, Australia – 16 September 2026: RMS released its 2026 State of the Outdoor Accommodation Report. 66% of 1,500 surveyed campers plan to camp more next year, with online searches surpassing word-of-mouth at 64% for discovering sites. 85% prefer booking exact sites online, while AI aids 14% in trip planning. 88% prioritize sustainability. 67% notice campground tech upgrades, and 40% expect system updates. The report highlights the growing digital shift in camping experiences.
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Outdoor travel stays strong in 2026 as AI enters trip planning
16 September 2026Melbourne, Australia – 16 September 2026 – RMS, the leading hospitality growth platform for hotels, serviced apartments, short-term rentals and campgrounds, today released its 2026 State of the Outdoor Accommodation Report, revealing continued strength in outdoor travel alongside significant shifts in how campers discover, book, and experience their stays. Based on responses from 1,500 campers across the U.S., U.K., Australia and New Zealand, the report found that 66% plan to camp more in the coming year, up eight percentage points from…
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Robert A. Rauch Releases Book Offering Hotel Industry Insights and Strategies After 50+ Years in Hospitality
16 September 2026📖 Robert A. Rauch, known as “The Hotel Guru,” released a book titled “The Hotel Guru’s Journey: A Guide to Excellence in the Hotel Industry.” With over 50 years in hospitality, Rauch shares insights on leadership and success strategies in 20 chapters. Key topics include revenue management, AI, cybersecurity, and eco-friendly development. Rauch has managed hotel assets over $1 billion and has published Hospitality Innsights since 1984. The book is available on Amazon.
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KSL Capital Partners Acquires Majority Stake in Soneva, Appoints Neil Gallagher as CEO to Guide Evolution
16 September 2026🌴 In 1995, Sonu and Eva Shivdasani launched Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, pioneering “barefoot luxury.” As of 2025, Neil Gallagher leads Soneva, which includes three resorts with 130 keys and over 20 dining spots, supported by KSL Capital Partners. Soneva’s philosophy emphasizes emotional intelligence and sustainability, from coral restoration to zero-kilometer menus. The “Soneva Stars” program features athletes and specialists, while complimentary 24-hour chocolate and ice cream rooms enhance guest experiences. The brand plans expansion beyond the Maldives.
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OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Launches Integrated Wellness Stays with Personalized Multi-Day Packages and Sensory Experiences
16 September 2026🌴 OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, led by General Manager John Allanson, offers integrated wellness stays focusing on holistic fitness and healing retreats. These personalized programs span 3, 5, or 7 nights and include aerial yoga, bungee fit, sound healing, and full moon meditation. The Alchemy Bar enhances the experience with workshops on coconut oil cooking and herbal poultice making. The resort’s unique offerings are designed to foster health and wellbeing amidst the Maldives’ exceptional hospitality landscape.
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Novotel Launches “Longevity Everyday” Philosophy with First “Longevity Week” in September 2026 Across Hotels
16 September 2026🏨 Novotel will integrate “Longevity Everyday” into its brand starting January 2026. The inaugural “Longevity Week,” held from September 7–13, 2026, during the year’s 37th week, featured activities focused on nutrition, sleep, movement, and connection. Novotel leverages this approach to promote consistent, daily improvements. The strategy involves expert-led sessions to ensure practical, actionable wellness insights. This serves as a model for wellness resorts aiming to embed longevity and wellness into guest experiences and long-term lifestyle changes.
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Hilton Expands Spark by Hilton Brand with 10 New UK Hotels, Adding 672 Rooms by 2028
15 September 2026📍 Hilton’s Spark brand is expanding with 10 new hotels across the UK, adding 672 rooms in Cardiff, Coventry, Derby, Doncaster, Hull, Peterborough, Runcorn, Sunderland, Wakefield, and Washington. These will open between 2026 and 2028. Additionally, a 53-room hotel in Dunfermline, Scotland, is planned for late 2026. Spark by Hilton, launched in 2023, has over 275 hotels worldwide, with 200 more in development. The brand focuses on accessible, value-driven hospitality.
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Strong Hotel Performance Requires Sustainable Alignment of Revenue Strategy, Demand Profile, and Operational Capacity
15 September 2026🏨 In a study of over 1,900 U.S. hotels, O’Neill and Mattila found that occupancy has a notable relationship with net operating income as a percentage of revenue. Nonetheless, Liu, Wu, and Li discovered that high occupancy might sometimes weaken guest experiences. Revenue metrics like occupancy and ADR remain vital, but assessing operational signals—like overtime trends and service disruptions—completes the performance picture. Success requires aligning market positioning, demand, cost structure, and operational capability for sustained profitability.
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The Leela Palace Bangalore Pioneers Regenerative Hospitality with Personal, Ecological, and Spiritual Guest Experiences
15 September 2026“`html 🏨 “` Who? Taran Patel and Chirag Patel experienced The Leela Palace Bangalore, part of India’s Leela hospitality group. When? On India’s 80th Independence Day. Where? Bangalore, India. What? The Leela Palace offers experiential and regenerative hospitality through personal touches, ecological initiatives, and spiritual experiences. How? Home-cooked meals, recycled flower incense sticks by marginalized women, spiritual aarti ceremonies, and extended service at departure. Les Roches, founded in 1954, provides hospitality education in Switzerland and Spain to over 100 nationalities.
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Hotels Urged to Maintain Control Over Guest Identity Credentials Amid Evolving Access Technology Ecosystems
15 September 2026🚪 One hour ago, GCSTIMES highlighted the evolving landscape of hotel access technology. With a focus on identity sovereignty, hotels must navigate technologies like MIFARE, LEGIC, Seos, and emerging standards such as Aliro. Physical key cards, based on widely supported standards, offer flexibility and reduce dependency on single ecosystems. Digital credentials should embrace interoperable standards to avoid vendor lock-in. Since 2011, GCSTIMES has spearheaded sustainable development, offering brands like GCS and AUROkeys.
