Any contemporary hotel design project comes with its own set of unique challenges, as the architect must aim to please not only the hotel owner but also the investor, hotel operator, guests and most often brand standards or guidelines. Those challenges become even greater when trying to incorporate contemporary design elements into a historic building. READ MORE

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

We are a transient society. Whether for business or leisure, Americans spend a great deal of time on the road, in spite of the promises of the digital revolution. And we are not alone: while the U.S. Travel Association projects that total domestic travel will grow by 3% this year over 2012, international inbound travel is projected to grow 4.3%, with 7.1% growth in spending by these international travelers. With so many of us spending an increasing number of nights away from home, it's only natural that we would want our hotels to feel like a home away from home, and more and more hotel patrons are factoring indoor air quality (IAQ) into their choices. READ MORE