As heatwaves intensify year after year, the tourism sector is facing profound changes in booking behaviour and increased exposure to natural risks. This is a hot topic today, as discussed by Vanguélis Panayotis, CEO of MKG Consulting and Hospitality ON, during an interview with BFM.
We are seeing a clear and growing commitment from major hotel groups, such as Ascott, Mandarin Oriental, Best Western Hotels, Barcelo, and others, that are continuing to advance their sustainability agendas, regardless of regulatory pressure. These companies understand that sustainability is no longer a trend or a nice-to-have; it's a business imperative.
Hotel outdoor spaces are no longer an afterthought; they are now central to the guest experience. These sophisticated extensions of the hotel brand must deliver on aesthetics, efficiency, and sustainability. The key is fusing landscape architecture with smart technology to create memorable, resilient environments. This involves creating living systems that adapt to seasons, guest flows, and environmental conditions. To delve deeper, Shiji Insights spoke with landscape architect Victoria Cobeña. Her forward-thinking work blends natural beauty with hidden tech, revealing how hotels can transform outdoor assets into powerful drivers of value.
By JoAnna Abrams, CEO and Andrea Foster, EVP Development-Hospitality for MindClick
The delay to the CSRD may offer temporary regulatory breathing space, but it also exposes a deeper truth: sustainability in hospitality and tourism cannot and must not be contingent on government stipulations. If our industry's environmental strategy remains reactive, led only by legal obligation, we risk falling behind both planetary urgency, public expectation and YES, opportunities for regenerative profitability that impact not only our businesses but the local society and environment.
In the world of hospitality, sustainability is frequently discussed in terms of technology and operations such as LED lighting, water-saving systems, and local produce. These are meaningful steps, and many hotels across the Emirates have successfully adopted them. However, sustainability isn’t just a feature or a checklist; It is a mindset, and one that should be experienced by guests, not just practiced behind the scenes.
“Facing sustainability deprioritization?” I think the concern is justified since a large section of the hospitality sector has traditionally operated on a ‘compliance-first’ approach when it comes down to sustainability commitments.
The delay to the CSRD may offer temporary regulatory breathing space, but it highlights a deeper truth: sustainability in hospitality and tourism must not depend solely on government mandates. If our industry remains reactive, driven only by compliance, we risk falling environmentally, socially, and economically behind.
Indeed, there is a real risk that goals driven by political ambition, political agenda in the best sense of the word, may be deprioritised. I recently wrote a piece titled "Where Do We Stand Now?" to better understand the current state of play.
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) and Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) today announced the 2025 Nevada Youth Homelessness Summit will take place Friday, Nov. 14, at the Historic Fifth Street School in Downtown Las Vegas. Registration for the state's premier youth homelessness advocacy event opens Aug. 11 at nphy.org/Summit25.
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.