The definition of luxury has evolved. For today’s discerning travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, it’s no longer about just impeccable service. It's about an experience that resonates with their values. And one of their core values? Sustainability. A striking 81% of global travellers (according to Booking.com) say sustainable travel is important to them, and many are willing to pay a premium for it.
Audubon International – the environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – announces that Ojai Valley Inn in Ojai, Calif., has achieved Green Hospitality Platinum-level Certification, reflecting its commitment to the highest standards of environmental best practices for lodging destinations, restaurants, and spas worldwide.
AHLA Foundation today convened survivors, experts and industry leaders at its annual No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Summit to advance best practices and reaffirm the industry's commitment to combating human trafficking through collaboration, education and resources to uplift survivors.
Essendi, a leading hotel owner and operator in Europe, announced a strategic partnership with Workplace Pride, a global nonprofit organization committed to greater LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace, during Pride Amsterdam 2025. The partnership will be officially formalized during the tenth annual INK goes PINK party at INK Hotel Amsterdam, one of Essendi's hotels. With this, Essendi underscores its continued commitment to inclusion and diversity within the hospitality sector in Western Europe.
UN Tourism, the United Nations agency promoting the development of responsable, sustainable and accessible tourism, and E1 Series, the world's first and only all-electric raceboat championship, have signed an agreement to promote sustainable mobility and tourism through global sport.
Palladium Cares, the identity that encompasses all of Palladium Hotel Group's Corporate Social Responsibility projects, is celebrating its second anniversary. The company is consolidating its commitment through four pillars of action: Our People, Our Community, Our Planet and Our Company. The final pillar has always been at the centre of everything, but now takes on its own identity, highlighting the integration of sustainability into the corporate structure.
In recent years, indoor plants have become more than just decorative items in hotel interiors. They have evolved into important elements that contribute to wellness, sustainability, and the overall guest experience. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the benefits plants bring to indoor environments and hospitality design.
As the longtime General Manager of TUI Magic Life Candia Maris Resort in Crete and the recently appointed General Manager of Santo Collection on Santorini – both under Metaxa Hospitality Group, I’ve seen firsthand that no matter a hotelier’s reason for embracing sustainability, the rewards – for the property, our guests, and the broader community and culture – are well worth the effort.
Climate-related risks pose a threat to ecosystems and human health. These risks are very real, affecting both businesses, economies, and individuals. At the beginning of this year, for example, Accor withdrew from two investments due to the risk of water shortages and wildfires [1a, 1b]. Whether these reasons were merely a pretext or genuinely drove the decision, we must acknowledge the evolving landscape of risks that hotels now face. However, at least there are tools available to help us map these risks.
To support those impacted by recent flooding in central Texas, Airbnb.org—a nonprofit founded by Airbnb to provide emergency housing in times of crisis—is working with nonprofit organization All Hands and Hearts, state and local officials, and local nonprofits to offer free, emergency housing to both displaced residents and first responders. Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of donors.
As Travel & Tourism enters the height of the summer season, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today launched a new report calling for a more balanced approach to managing tourism in popular destinations.
Airlines face a challenge: they struggle to make a profit and please diverse passenger groups at the same time. Traditional ticket sales work well for basic flights, but fail at upselling upgrades, meals, or eco-options, because legacy systems weren’t built for personalization or sustainability.
For a long time, luxury in hospitality was defined by an abundance of staff, grand lobbies, imported materials, and elaborate service. On the other hand, sustainability was often viewed as a limitation, implying a need to cut back. But today’s travellers are changing that view. Luxury and sustainability are no longer on opposite sides; they are deeply intertwined with each other.
We are glad to introduce our innovative and sustainable key cards, designed not only to enhance the guest experience but also to support your environmental goals in hospitality industry.
Whitbread, the UK’s largest hospitality company and owner of Premier Inn, has expanded its Thrive programme—a pioneering, employer-led initiative supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) into work—into the Liverpool City Region.
As part of its Proudly Committed sustainability strategy, RIU Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with TIRME, Mallorca Environmental Technology Park, to guarantee the supply of 100% renewable electricity generated locally in all of its hotels in the Balearic Islands.
We’re back with the second installment of our 2024–2025 Sustainability Series, where we dive into the real-world strategies that make greener hospitality both responsible and profitable.
The hospitality industry has continuously evolved in response to changing guest expectations. Over the last decade, the shift has been both visible and profound. Today, travellers increasingly look beyond the thread count of linens or gourmet menus. They want transparency, values, and accountability. They want to know how a hotel treats its waste, conserves water, supports the community, and manages its carbon footprint.
In an era where climate concerns and rising operational costs dominate the global conversation, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword — it is a core business strategy. For hotels across the globe, going green is both an ethical imperative and an economic one. While the hospitality industry has grappled with the perception that sustainability is expensive, smart resource management proves otherwise – allowing them to reduce waste, lower energy costs, and build long-term resilience. In this context, sustainability is profitability, and resource efficiency is its foundation.
Meliá Hotels International has been recognized as the most sustainable hotel company in Europe and the second worldwide in the newly released World's 500 Most Sustainable Companies 2025 ranking, published by the prestigious TIME magazine in collaboration with data analytics firm Statista. Meliá is also listed among the top 20 Spanish companies in this global index, which highlights organizations with the strongest commitment and progress in sustainability.