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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Exploring Hotel Opportunities in Star-Bathing Tourism
10 August 2026As artificial light continues to reshape our nights, truly dark skies have become increasingly rare. Ironically, the darker the destination, the greater its appeal. Similar to the rise of forest bathing and other nature-based wellness experiences, star-bathing encourages travelers to slow down, disconnect, and experience the natural world from a different perspective. For hotels located in destinations with limited light pollution, this emerging trend raises an interesting question: How can star-bathing be translated into meaningful guest experiences while supporting broader…
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Diving deeper: Hidden insights from Travel Dreams 2026
7 August 2026Travel Dreams 2026: From data to delight has been one of the most ambitious hospitality research projects we’ve taken on at Amadeus. Together with our partners, we spoke to 6,000 travelers across key markets, connected with 500 senior hoteliers, and heard directly from select destination management organizations around the world. What stood out to me is just how rich the insights are. The full report brings many of them to life, offering a 360-degree view of where hospitality is today,…
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PM Hotel Group Begins Management of The Quoin Hotel & Restaurant, Expanding Presence in Wilmington, Delaware
7 August 2026🏨 PM Hotel Group, a Top-15 hospitality management company, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026. It now manages The Quoin Hotel & Restaurant, a 24-room luxury boutique hotel in Wilmington, Delaware’s historic downtown. This addition enhances PM Hotel Group’s regional presence alongside four other hotels. With nearly 85 hotels across the U.S., the group emphasizes independent, lifestyle-driven hotels, having developed over $3 billion in property acquisitions.
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Michele De Lucchi Appointed Creative Director at Triennale Milano, Emphasizes Sustainability and Craftsmanship in New Role
7 August 2026📚 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.
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Renovated 42-Key Lagen Island Resort in Philippines Focuses on Preservation and Sustainable Design, Retaining Natural Beauty
6 August 2026🌍 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.
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GBTA Convention 2026 in Chicago Attracts Over 5,500 Attendees, Projects $1.71 Trillion Global Business Travel Spending by 2026
6 August 2026📚 GBTA Convention 2026, held August 3-5 at McCormick Place in Chicago, attracted over 5,500 attendees from 47 countries. The event featured 400 exhibitors, 1,300 first-time attendees, and 1,200 buyers from 681 companies managing $46 billion in travel spend. The convention generated an estimated $18.5 million economic impact in Chicago. The 2026 GBTA Business Travel Index projects global business travel spending to reach $1.71 trillion by 2026, with 1.84 billion trips.
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Zambia Luxury Lodge Collection Unites Four Premier Safari Destinations with Direct Management Starting January 2027
6 August 2026🌳 In Lusaka, Zambia, the Zambia Luxury Lodge Collection (ZLLC) is redefining luxury safari travel by uniting four key safari destinations: Chichele Presidential, Puku Ridge, Lolebezi, and Lolelunga Private Reserve. From 2027, ZLLC will handle sales, marketing, and operations directly, enhancing its conservation mission and guest experience. Lolelunga, a 30,000-hectare reserve, recently reintroduced lions and plans to introduce black rhinos, setting a conservation benchmark. Strategic expansions in the US and UK bolster ZLLC’s global presence.
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Global Travel & Tourism Investment Surpasses $1 Trillion in 2025, Contributing $11.6 Trillion to World GDP
6 August 2026🌎 Global Travel & Tourism investment surpassed $1 trillion in 2025, growing 8.5% year-on-year, contributing $11.6 trillion to global GDP. The US, China, India, and Saudi Arabia invested nearly $500 billion, fueling growth in infrastructure and tourism. Spain’s tourism sector contributed 15.3% to its GDP, backed by €3.4 billion in EU funds. WTTC predicts Travel & Tourism will contribute $17.1 trillion to the global economy by 2036, supporting 89 million jobs.
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eLong Hotel Group Commits to 100% Cage-Free Poultry and Expands Plant-Based Options by 2030 Across 4,500 Hotels in China
6 August 2026🏨 eLong Hotel Group, with nearly 4,500 hotels across 300+ Chinese cities, commits to using 100% cage-free poultry and increasing plant-based menu options by 2030. This policy, aimed at enhancing food safety and animal welfare, showcases the industry’s shift towards sustainability. Ranking 7th in China and 19th globally, eLong’s strategy emphasizes hospitality’s role in societal responsibility, setting a model for food system sustainability in the tourism sector.
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Booking.com Survey Reveals 62% of Travelers Considering Dark-Sky Destinations; Star-Bathing Tops Activity List at 72%
6 August 2026🌌 62% of global travelers consider visiting dark-sky destinations, with 72% planning star-bathing, according to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions. Other activities include guided star tours (59%) and constellation tracking (57%). Premier star-bathing locations include New Zealand’s Aoraki Mackenzie Reserve, Namibia’s NamibRand Reserve, Chile’s Atacama Desert, and Arizona’s Sedona. These destinations offer unique experiences combining wellness, mindfulness, and astronomy, appealing to travelers seeking relaxation and connection with nature.
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Kim Wootteon of Kampgrounds of America Discusses AI and Technology’s Role in Outdoor Hospitality at TMG Trailblazers.
5 August 2026🏕️ Kampgrounds of America (KOA), founded in 1962 in Billings, Montana, leads the outdoor hospitality sector with over 500 locations in the US and Canada. In 2022, KOA launched a commercial strategy team focusing on AI and tech to enhance guest experiences. In 2025, adult camping participation, especially among boomers, reached an eight-year high, with 25% of new campers being boomers. Wi-Fi is essential for 47% of campers, illustrating the balance between nature and technology.
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Atlas Copco Launches ECO Controller™ to Enhance Energy Efficiency and Flexibility in Battery-Based Power Systems
5 August 2026🔌 Atlas Copco introduces the ECO Controller™ for energy management, enhancing efficiency and productivity on worksites. Built into battery-based energy storage systems, it optimizes energy via advanced data management. Improvements include better user experience, modular compatibility with brands like CAT and Cummins, and automatic calibration. The system supports multiple energy inputs, allows remote operation, and integrates with Fleetlink for fleet management. This scalable solution aims to decarbonize operations and significantly reduce costs.
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Aspire Pre Flight Hospitality Implements Multi-Sensory Design in Airport Lounges to Enhance Guest Experience and Brand Loyalty
5 August 2026🏨 Aspire Pre Flight Hospitality is transforming airport lounges by incorporating a full sensory design approach. Approximately 63% of hospitality environments report increased dwell time using ambient scents, while 46% of luxury brands use signature scents for brand identity. Aspire’s lounges feature signature scents, curated soundscapes, ergonomic seating, and locally inspired menus. Their approach was developed with guest feedback and is designed to address the high-pressure airport environment, focusing on reducing stress and enhancing traveler experience.
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Sands China Becomes First Global Hospitality Company to Achieve ISO 14001:2026 EMS Certification, Surpassing Environmental Targets
5 August 2026🌍 Sands China became the first integrated tourism enterprise to receive ISO 14001:2026 EMS certification from BSI Group, covering all its resort properties. This achievement highlights their commitment to sustainability, including a 61% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2018, surpassing targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. Sands China also reduced potable water use by 9% in 2025 and achieved a 21% waste diversion rate. They’ve been recognized in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for four consecutive years.
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Select Registry Announces 2026 Craft Lodging Awards Finalists, Winners to Be Revealed November 10 in Florida
5 August 2026🏨 Finalists for the 2026 Craft Lodging Awards were announced by Select Registry, recognizing exceptional independent lodgings. The awards cover categories like Sustainability Champion, Best Restaurant, Best Breakfast, Social Media & Content Creation, Community Engagement, and Best Craft Lodging by region including Northeast, Southeast, Central, Mid-Atlantic, and West. Winners will be honored on November 10, 2026, at the Select Registry National Meeting & Conference in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
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Las Vegas Sands Contributes $450,000 to The WASH Foundation, Totaling $6.5 Million Since 2014 for Global Water and Hygiene Efforts
5 August 2026💰 Las Vegas Sands has contributed $450,000 to The WASH Foundation, reaching over $6.5 million since 2014 to improve global water, sanitation, and hygiene. In 2026, Sands Cares will support hygiene kit builds, water initiatives, and capacity-building in Macao, Singapore, and Las Vegas. Since 2014, over 1.1 million kits and 4.6 million soap bars have been distributed. Sands’ projects also include water conservation through The Drop By Drop Project in Macao and Singapore.
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South Palms Resort Panglao Celebrates First Year with 20,000 Connected Devices and No Guest-Facing Tech Issues
5 August 2026💻 In August 2025, South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao launched with 20,000 connected devices. After a year, including a monsoon season, its system maintained seamless operation. Recognized at AHEAD Asia Awards 2026, it was shortlisted in four categories. The resort boasts a 4.9/5 Tripadvisor rating and Travelers’ Choice recognition. Terence Ronson, of Pertlink Limited, ensured its technology remains unnoticed, focusing instead on hospitality and guest experience. The resort’s success is attributed to extensive planning and reliable infrastructure.
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GCSTIMES Introduces Bracelet Key Card Combining Identity and Access for Enhanced Hotel Guest Experience
5 August 2026📰 In 2011, GCSTIMES began its journey in sustainable development, evolving from smart card research to sustainable material innovation. Today, they offer a bracelet key card combining identity and access, enhancing guest experiences in hotels. This wearable simplifies operations and guest movement between events, like conferences and weddings, without interrupting the flow. Plant-based leather adds comfort and style, aligning with their commitment to sustainability across brands like GCS, AUROkeys, and Xenyra.
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Expedia Acquires AI Travel Platform Layla to Enhance Conversational Trip Planning and Booking Capabilities
4 August 2026💻 Expedia acquired Layla, an AI-native travel planning platform founded in 2023, enhancing AI trip planning and booking. Radisson and IHG had integrated AI interfaces just a week earlier. Global business travel spending is projected to hit $1.71 trillion by 2026, with only a 1.3% trip volume increase. Meanwhile, 69% of travelers trust AI for booking, and the AHLA Foundation’s anti-trafficking fund reached $10 million. Hilton’s Canopy Bangkok Sukhumvit opened in Southeast Asia.
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UK Hotel Sector Faces Cost Challenges with £1.4 Billion Wage Increase and £28,900 Average Business Rates Hike
4 August 2026💸 During Q2 2026, the UK hotel sector faced operating cost challenges, with a £1.4 billion statutory wage increase and an average business rates rise of £28,900 per hotel. London saw hotel performance decline, with occupancy falling from 78.9% to 77.4% and RevPAR decreasing from £157.68 to £156.60. In contrast, regional markets like Glasgow and Cardiff experienced RevPAR growth of 14% and 10%, respectively, driven by major events and domestic tourism.
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Azimut Yachts Unveils Seadeck 9, Its Largest Eco-Friendly Hybrid Yacht with Innovative Design Features
4 August 2026🌊 Azimut Yachts unveiled its largest yacht, Seadeck 9, at the Avigliana shipyard. Designed by Milan-based architects Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez, its innovative features include a 180-degree pool deck and cascading terraces. The eco-friendly design uses recycled materials and a hybrid carbon-fiber hull, enhancing fuel efficiency. Seadeck 9 aligns with SEA Index and YETI ratings. With a €50 million investment, Azimut is expanding its shipyard for future growth. Giovanna Vitelli emphasizes the luxury of silence and sustainable technology.
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How to Build a Culture That’s Good for People, Profit and Purpose
4 August 2026Executive and team coach Ceri Gott shares her 10 best tips for how hospitality leaders can build a strong and successful company culture. The post How to Build a Culture That’s Good for People, Profit and Purpose appeared first on Saladplate.
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GCSTIMES Introduces Engraved Wooden Key Cards to Enhance Hotel Guest Experience with Sustainability and Emotional Connection
4 August 2026📖 Since 2011, GCSTIMES has championed sustainable development with innovations in smart cards and sustainable materials. They create meaningful guest experiences, like wooden key cards crafted from responsibly sourced timber, engraved with sentiments such as “I love you to the moon and back.” These cards blend sustainability with emotional resonance in hospitality. GCSTIMES’ brands include GCS, AUROkeys, Xenyra, and Glint Spot, offering sustainable smart cards and related services.
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GBTA Foundation Gala Raises $83,250 for NextGen Program, Honors Business Travel Industry Leaders with Impact Awards
3 August 2026📚 Held on the eve of GBTA Convention 2026 at Chicago’s Field Museum, the GBTA Foundation Gala celebrated industry leaders with over 250 attendees. The event raised $83,250 for the NextGen Program. Award winners included Sarah Martin, Shirley Stroud, Anna Rose Feinberg, and a partnership between Meta and United Airlines. The Luminary Award went to Dave Hilfman. GBTA aims to reach 50,000 students worldwide through its NextGen Program, supported by a $50,000 donation and scholarships totaling $500,000.
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Hotels should allocate 4-8% of total revenue to marketing, excluding payroll and franchise fees, for effective demand generation.
1 August 2026💵 Hotels should allocate 4-8% of total revenue to marketing, excluding payroll and franchise fees. Established hotels in stable markets spend less, while competitive urban properties spend more. Marketing budgets should allocate 50-60% to paid channels, 25-35% to owned channels, and 10-15% to earned channels. Effective budget justification includes identifying revenue gaps and using data-driven strategies to optimize return on ad spend (ROAS) and conversion rates. Optimal marketing can reduce reliance on costly OTA commissions.
