CSR and Sustainability

📈 Kristin Oliver to become Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Hyatt Hotels Corporation on May 12, 2025, succeeding Malaika Myers after her 7-year tenure. Oliver boasts 15 years in HR leadership with experience at HanesBrands, Walgreens, Chico's, and Walmart. Myers, credited with transformative leadership and fostering Hyatt's culture, notably advanced the RiseHY program towards its goal of 10,000 hires. Hyatt reorganizes its management team to support global growth and innovation.

🌏 On Earth Day, Kerzner International joined the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, which has over 100 organizations and represents 66,000 hotels, 300 brands, and 8 million rooms globally. Their collaboration aims for Net Positive Hospitality, contributing more to the planet than taking. The Alliance and Kerzner, with its brands Atlantis, One&Only, SIRO, and Rare Finds, will drive sustainable practices to protect natural treasures and support communities.

🌍 Kerzner International joined the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance on Earth Day to advance sustainability in hospitality. The Alliance, with over 100 organizations, represents 66,000 hotels, 300 brands, and over 8 million rooms globally. The goal is Net Positive Hospitality, where the industry contributes more than it consumes. CEO Philippe Zuber emphasized Kerzner's role in preserving natural treasures through their brands Atlantis, One&Only, SIRO, and Rare Finds.

📈 Covivio released its Q1 2025 results with a 5.4% revenue increase to €162 million. Residential rents in Germany rose by 24%, with occupancy at 95.7%. The company plans to renovate 10 hotels in France and Belgium for €52 million, expecting a 20% return by 2026. A 28% reduction in carbon footprint was achieved, targeting 40% by 2030. Covivio aims for an EPRA Earnings of €495 million for 2025 and proposes a dividend of €3.50 per share, up 6%. Micaela Le Divelec is a potential new board member.

🌅 Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond – Kumarakom focuses on sustainable cooling using traditional Kerala architecture, natural microclimates, and high-efficiency systems. Key features include sloped clay-tiled roofs, high ceilings, and natural materials like terracotta, which aid in passive cooling. The resort encourages activities aligned with the day's natural rhythms and employs sustainable practices like solar energy, waste reduction, and offering Ayurvedic spa treatments. Niraamaya advocates for a philosophy of sustainability that supports the environment and offers a regenerative travel experience.

💿 Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express and Group Chief Strategy Officer at Accor, discusses luxury brand management in the April 16, 2025 episode. She talks about the strategic partnership between Orient Express and LVMH, emphasizing the importance of history, authenticity, and craftsmanship in maintaining legacy brands amidst change.

🏨 Signo Hospitality GmbH held the topping-out ceremony for the Hampton by Hilton in Potsdam-Babelsberg, set to open Q2 2025. Managed by Sascha Konter, the hotel will offer 168 rooms, a restaurant, bar, lounge, conference room, fitness area, and parking on a 7,000 m² site. Located near Babelsberg Film Park and Metropolit Hall, the hotel targets leisure and business travelers. It emphasizes sustainability with geothermal and photovoltaic energy and an anti-waste strategy in its restaurant.

🌍 On 14 April 2025, ahead of trilogue negotiations on 24 April, the travel and tourism industry set priorities for the Directive on Green Claims, focusing on consumer protection against greenwashing. They emphasize a balance to not discourage greener performance, calling for a simplified system. Key points include: exemptions for micro-enterprises, support for SMEs, proportionate penalties, and allowance for new schemes. Full details can be found in their joint position.

????🚌 In a survey of 1,000 UK participants, 67% prioritize cost savings in business travel over the next 12 months; 39% rank it as their top priority, shifting from the previous five years' focus on sustainability. Only 28% experienced increased focus on sustainability since 2020, compared to 25% on cost reduction. Currently, 46% consider sustainability a top priority, with 56% actively trying to reduce carbon emissions. Despite the cost focus, just 28% plan to cut business travel spending, while 21% will increase it. "Ease of use for employees" is the third key priority at 34%. Another survey of 250 business travelers found preferences for premium travel options and short wait times, indicating a possible underestimation of such employee preferences by policy makers. Uber for Business UK's Director, Jenna Brown, emphasizes the importance of ground transportation costs and the benefits of shorter wait times and easier expensing for employee satisfaction.

🏥 Hospitality ON invites ideas for reinventing hospitality by May 12; winners will present at the Hospitality Operator Forum in Paris on June 12. Targeting students and young enthusiasts, the challenge focuses on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. CEO Solenne Ojea-Devys and entrepreneur Johanna Wagner support participants to impact industry practices.