Hilton’s Vice President of ESG and Global Head of Sustainability Represents AHLA, Highlights ‘Responsible Stay’ in Senate
Yesterday, Hilton’s Vice President of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Global Head of Sustainability, Jean Garris Hand, testified on behalf of Hilton and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade and Export Promotion. The hearing, titled “Sustainable Tourism for a Thriving Economy,” explored how to build a sustainable travel and tourism sector while balancing the needs of...
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Hilton’s Vice President of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Global Head of Sustainability, Jean Garris Hand, testified on behalf of Hilton and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade and Export Promotion. The hearing, titled “Sustainable Tourism for a Thriving Economy,” explored how to build a sustainable travel and tourism sector while balancing the needs of businesses, visitors, and local communities.
Ms. Garris Hand’s written and spoken testimony highlighted how AHLA’s Responsible Stay initiative is rallying the hospitality industry behind efforts that are promoting energy efficiency, reducing waste, conserving water, and sourcing responsibly at hotel properties across the nation.
By focusing on these core principles, AHLA and its members are united in a commitment to strengthen environmental programs, education and resources to provide a ‘responsible stay’ for guests, protect the future of the planet and support communities across the country,
she said in her written testimony. AHLA members, including Hilton, have embraced these principles, leading the charge to reduce environmental footprints, increase the positive impact we have on our communities all while enhancing the guest experience.
To learn more and view a recorded livestream of the hearing, see here.
AHLA’s Responsible Stay effort is one of several steps AHLA and its members have recently taken to promote environmental sustainability. In October, AHLA partnered with IncentiFind to help its more than 30,000 members identify sustainability-related cost savings.
And in September, AHLA and the Hotel Association of Canada signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture company that will own and operate the Green Key Global certification system in the U.S. and Canada. That effort will help promote the use of a system that gives hotels an eco-rating based on key metrics like energy and water conservation, land use, waste management, and others.
About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80 percent of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 7,600 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 190 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.