CSR and Sustainability

🍳 Robert Pearce, executive chef at Down Hall Hotel, won Innovative Chef of the Year at the 2025 MIA Awards on 6 November. His initiatives in innovation and sustainability included the Woodland Table and interactive workshops, leading to a 3% food cost reduction and eliminating 25 tonnes of waste. His efforts maintained a 94% staff retention rate. Down Hall also boasts awards like AA Hotel of the Year 2024/25 and four AA Red Stars.

🍽 Executive Chef Robert Pearce of Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate in Essex was named Innovative Chef of the Year at the 2025 MIA Awards on November 6. His innovations over the past year include concepts like Woodland Table and Street Food menus, reducing food costs by 3% and eliminating 25 tonnes of waste. The hotel boasts a 94% staff retention rate and accolades such as four AA Red Stars and AA Hotel of the Year 2024/25.

📈 In 2026, European business travel spending is projected to hit €389.9 billion, an 8.2% increase from 2025, positioning Europe as a key driver in global recovery. By 2027, it is expected to reach €414.5 billion. Western Europe will account for 88% of spending in 2025, led by Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, totaling €241.5 billion. The average trip cost is €850.7, with the UK being the highest at €1,305.

🎁 The InnSeason Toy Drive, organized by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and Mews, runs from November 15 to December 15, 2025, in Cape Cod. The event launches during the InnSanity event at the Cape Cod Maritime Museum on November 19, at 5 p.m. Participants can donate toys or gift cards, host a toy box, or join the Stay & Play It Forward promotion. The initiative aims to support local families by partnering with nonprofits, promoting community involvement.

🍫 Amsterdam, a few weeks ago: Damian and Kerrie Finch hosted the first Amsterdam event for *Not a Playbook* at NIO House. Discussing branding, they highlighted experiential strategies, like Apple's "Today at Apple," launched in 2017 by Angela Ahrendts, blending education with retail. Tony's Chocolonely's recent event at De Hallen spotlighted ethical cocoa sourcing and brand storytelling. An 8-day event featured interactive exhibits on cocoa trade advocacy, underlining Tony’s commitment to slave-free chocolate while engaging with families.

🏠 Airbnb, Women’s Aid, and MOPAC launched an emergency accommodation programme in London for domestic abuse survivors, building on a 2024 Manchester pilot. Since 2022, Airbnb donated over £250k to Women’s Aid. With MOPAC's matched funding, £100k supports this initiative. Survivors access free stays via Women’s Aid, with anonymity protection, and receive legal and practical support. The programme highlights collaborative efforts between public, private, and non-profit sectors to address refuge shortages and improve survivor outcomes.

📅 All Saints' Day holidays reveal a two-speed hotel industry. Who? Insights from Emmanuelle Pochat, co-founder of Ginto Hotels. When? During the All Saints' Day holidays. Where? France, specifically the Atlantic coast and Brittany. What? The Atlantic coast shows growth, while the southeast declines. How? Last-minute bookings, weather impact, and return of international customers influence results. Atlantic coast regions consolidate their lead as the southeast faces a sharp decline, highlighting a shift in regional balance.

🏆 Center Parcs Europe received the “SDG Ambassador” certification from UNITAR, enhancing its ESG strategy across Europe. This recognition highlights the company's commitment to sustainable development goals and responsible business practices. The certification represents a milestone in their efforts to integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into operations.

📅 Nov 7, 2025: Amadeus introduces CO₂ emission estimates for hotel listings through a partnership with Greenview. Available across booking flows and reports, this helps travel agencies and corporates manage environmental impacts. Greenview ensures standardized data for credible estimates. CO₂ estimates appear on hotel detail pages, booking screens, confirmations, and systems. Accuracy hinges on hotel data, urging hotels to update details. This integration supports corporate reporting and sustainability goals.

🌏 Luxury in hospitality is evolving. Regenerative luxury emphasizes revitalization, not just sustainability, aiming to actively restore ecosystems and cultures. It integrates biomimicry and frameworks like the UN SDGs. Key pillars include nature as co-designer, community partnership, and cultural heritage. Impact is measured through living metrics, focusing on natural, social, human, and cultural capitals. By 2024, the impact investment market topped USD 1.5 trillion, with regenerative tourism growing rapidly. This approach redefines luxury through inclusive impact.