From luxury spots to family friendly destinations, there is surge of sustainable-focused careers in hotels. With the World Travel & Tourism Council sharing that the travel industry is projected to grow by an average of four percent annually throughout the next 10 years (equating to 10 percent of global GDP or $10 trillion US dollars by 2022)1, there have certainly been concerns about waste management, habitat degradation, over-consumption and pollution. In addition to the clear environmental benefits, there are several reasons why hotels pursue sustainability, such as gaining market share and generating positive PR, along with the potential to increase profits by cutting costs and increasing operational efficiencies. READ MORE

Year after year, locally sourced and locally grown products have consistently been among the top food trends in the hospitality industry. Yet, without adequate information about why and how to go local you may view it as daunting and beyond your reach. From the distinction in freshness and quality that local products offer to the positive economic impact on your business and your community, there are valuable reasons for local purchasing. Once you're committed to going local, it's necessary to understand what it takes to successfully integrate local buying into your procurement strategy. Defining what local means for your business and learning how to effectively work with suppliers are among the key goals you should set. READ MORE

One of the world's most desirable destinations, Riviera Maya has become a hub of ecotourism thanks to its biodiversity and varied landscapes along the Caribbean coastline. As the Mexican Caribbean has become one of the. fastest growing tourism destinations globally over the past 20 years, organizations and hospitality partners have implemented programs and practices encouraging sustainability and environmental responsibility. El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma is a leader in this sector, integrating employee and guest education as well as property-wide initiatives and the installation of the region's largest greenhouse, which spans 100,000 square feet. READ MORE

The hospitality industry has seen significant change as green initiatives and sustainability have taken a more prominent role in today's world and in the consciousness of our guests and our staff. Hotel operators across the globe are held increasingly accountable to a “worldwide global citizenship” standard. This is a term that our team fully embraces here at The Westin Verasa Napa. We understand how significant this responsibility is and the importance of sustainability on a long-term basis. As a community leader, we are committed to positively contributing to our environmental well-being now and in our future endeavors. READ MORE

In response to the nation's Honeybee shortage and as part of the hotel's environmental stewardship program, Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown welcomed 105,000 Italian honeybees to their new home in May of 2009. The rooftop of Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is abuzz with four large honey beehives and their ecologically important residents. The bees enhance the hotel's culinary program, as does its interior courtyard garden which provides fresh herbs, edible blossoms, plants, trees and flowers to the surrounding Georgetown neighborhood. READ MORE

Sustainable Development is a fairly new concept in the hotel industry and though many hoteliers have included it in their strategy, it does not yet have the recognition it deserves in view of the better revenues and margins it can develop. The challenge comes from lack of concerted engagement of industry stakeholders, from owners to suppliers, from employees to customers. The Sustainable business model is still in its infancy and there is a long journey ahead, so let's be positive and Let's Get Engaged! READ MORE

As the international tourism industry grapples with increasingly complex matter of sustainability reporting, a series of roundtables and studies developed by the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research focus on the "material items," that is, the practices and products that count the most in a hotel or restaurant's carbon footprint. These material items are the key issues for stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and regulators, and these items have the greatest impact on a company's sustainability profile. While there is some variation in the material items for various businesses, the most important issues are remarkable similar across different industries. READ MORE

As hotel owners invest in sustainable systems and obtain LEED certification they look for the benefits that derive from their investments. Savings in energy costs and water bills may be evident on the hotel's financial books but the hotel's contribution to the health of the planet may not always be evident to the guests. Many hotels feel it is important to wear their LEED badge on their sleeve by having visible attributes such as solar panels, retention ponds, solar shading and wind generators as physical evidence of their good deeds. These hotels are striving to be conspicuously sustainable. READ MORE

It was only natural that the son of legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau would carry on his father's legacy of conservation through education. Thrown overboard into the ocean by his father when he was seven years old, Jean-Michel Cousteau has since dedicated his life to preserving the seas. As the founder of the Ocean Futures Society, Cousteau has produced dozens of films, written hundreds of articles and developed school curricula that strengthen the critical bond between people and the sea. In 1989, seeking to demonstrate the economic benefits of sound environmental practices, Cousteau first associated himself with the Jean-Michel Cousteau resort in Fiji. READ MORE

As kids we probably all heard our parents tell us not to waste our food. Ever since our opening in the restored historic Miller & Rhoads department store building, our Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown takes that sentiment to heart. Our hotel established a baseline environmental program in 2010 and made commitments to continuously improve our environmental performance over time. In March 2011, we made the decision to begin composting our food wastes. Since then, the hotel has diverted nearly 30 tons of food waste from piling up in landfills. We are the first and only hotel in the region to compost its food wastes. READ MORE

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) or sustainability? When comparing them, the one difference that is primarily pointed out is that sustainability includes a commitment to protecting the environment, in addition to community and economic success, whereas traditionally, CSR does not include an element about sustainability. Today that seems to have changed because there are several lodging companies practicing CSR that do include sustainability as one aspect of CSR. This blurs the line even further for making a clear distinction between the two. Which one is best for you? READ MORE

Vail Resorts Hospitality is made up of six flagship RockResorts properties including The Arrabelle at Vail Square, The Lodge at Vail, The Osprey at Beaver Creek, The Pines Lodge in Beaver Creek and One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge in Colorado and Half Moon, Jamaica, as well as hotels and condominiums located in proximity to Vail Resorts' mountain resorts in Colorado and Lake Tahoe, and four destination resorts at the Grand Teton Lodge Company near Jackson, Wyo. Throughout our hospitality division, we provide a variety of green elements couples can incorporate into their wedding plans, from requesting organic and local cuisine, to creating beautiful and sustainable decorative arrangements. Moreover, sustainability practices such as recycling, waste reduction and energy/water conservation are automatically part of all resort events. We believe couples can say "I do," without saying "I don't" to Mother Nature. READ MORE

Sustainability is not just the most responsible approach to hotel operations, but can be an efficient and powerful tool for generating revenue. Hoteliers generally agree sustainable operations are financially beneficial and most have realized savings from reductions around waste, water, energy and chemicals. But many still hesitate to market their properties' green initiatives. Inn by the Sea, on the coast of Maine, has had green design features coupled with guest-centric programs around sustainability in place for over a decade, and has had great success marketing the property as both a luxury and a green hotel. READ MORE

Sustainability has become an important part of the lodging industry. In addition to our responsibility to the guest, the staff, and the ownership, we have a responsibility to the environment. Many articles have been written about the programs that can be incorporated into properties operations to promote sustainability. However, managing a historic property's environmental footprint may increase the challenge. READ MORE

The topic of environmental stewardship is a hot one, especially at the historic Glenwood Hot Springs. Located in the mountains of central Colorado, the world-famous resort is known for its prolific natural hot springs that have been attracting people for healing and relaxation for well over a century. The 125-year-old attraction is steadily gaining a reputation for its innovative green practices. In addition to providing an unparalleled hot springs visitor experience, by tapping into the readily available geothermal power of Mother Nature, Glenwood Hot Springs has successfully implemented eco-friendly programs that embrace a unique model for sustainability. READ MORE

Fairmont chefs boast a myriad of innovative projects that have brought farm and fork closer than ever. The dedicated brigades are driving local (enviro) educational and community partnerships and spear-heading positive environmental impact in the industry. Their authentic initiatives, which include rooftop farming, beekeeping, artisan cheese and condiments crafting and leadership in numerous like-minded associations support the brand's social responsibility and responsiveness to environmental concerns while building green credentials. As one acclaimed Fairmont Chef shares, "Local artisans... play a vital role in local, healthy food systems, and our support ensures they stick around." READ MORE

As worldwide efforts mount to protect the environment and conserve dwindling natural resources, the hospitality industry is being challenged to increase its sustainability. By balancing travelers' expectations with good green sense, hotel companies can not only meet this challenge but create loyal, engaged guests in the process. Starwood's eco-wise trailblazing brand, Element Hotels was founded on the concept of balanced living on the road. Its success serves as a case study for the green hotelier who seeks to provide a great guest experience in an environmentally responsible manner. READ MORE

Earning LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in February 2011 was a huge milestone for the InterContinental San Francisco. We spent more than three years working towards this goal by making changes to how we operated our 550-room property while maintaining a luxury experience for our staff and guests. Throughout the process, we learned a lot about how to make our environment sustainable and energy efficient - from purchasing green power to connecting directly with local farmers to source product for our Michelin star Luce restaurant. READ MORE