CSR and Sustainability

💯 COYA luxury lifestyle group launches inaugural global party, Mama Quilla, in April to celebrate women, community, and positive change. Partnering with Rights of Women charity, the event includes a female-led experience with dining, music, performance, and Kate Mayer’s moon-inspired art exhibition. Celebrations on Saturday 26 April with a free-flowing brunch and immersive evening entertainment. COYA donates £1 from each Mama Quilla cocktail to Rights of Women and a percentage of Mayer’s art sales, emphasizing their philanthropic commitment during their 50th anniversary.

???? HBX Group published its ESG 2024 Report, highlighting environmental, social, and governance progress and its commitment to sustainable tourism. Over the past year, it expanded the Sustainable Hotels Programme to over 40,000 certified establishments, with 6,000+ eschewing single-use plastic. The company has over 300 subscribers in its knowledge exchange hub and received the Climate Change Award at A World for Travel event, as well as the CSR Best Practice Award at the 15th Sustainability Week in Spain. HBX Group is developing a decarbonisation plan, seeking ISO 14001 certification, and plans to grow its Think Big programme internationally.

???? 🌳 A shift in hospitality: 81% of travelers, including millennials and Gen Z, prefer eco-friendly hotels. Green initiatives like LED lighting, smart thermostats, and low-flow fixtures cut costs and increase profits. Sustainable practices including renewable energy, water conservation, and reducing single-use plastics enhance brand loyalty. Marketing strategies such as highlighting sustainability on websites and offering incentives for eco-friendly guest behavior are crucial. Hotels that commit to sustainability are positioning themselves for future success and long-term industry competitiveness.

👨‍💼 Elizabeth Harlow, with 4 years at Sonesta Hotels as chief brand officer, saw double-digit brand awareness growth post-acquisition of Red Lion Hotels Corporation in 2021. Sonesta's TravelPass, following the Hello Rewards integration, boasts over 7 million members. Amina Gilyard James bought a 70-room Quality Inn in Memphis for $3.85 million in 2023 and opened a 120-room Wyndham Lake Charles, leveraging Wyndham's diversity programs. Kimberly Rowell, with 30+ years in the industry, aims to make Five Star Hospitality a premier hotel owner-operator, emphasizing the need for more women and diverse leaders in high positions.

📢 The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) expanded its executive team with Ralph Posner as Chief Communications Officer and Khristyn Brimmeier as Chief of Staff, under President and CEO Rosanna Maietta. Posner has decades of experience and was formerly with Seven Letter. Brimmeier's 25-year career includes work with Lot Sixteen and political campaigns. Additionally, Neal Daftary joined AHLA as VP, Market Development, Green Key Global, bringing over a decade of experience from OYO Hotels and other roles.

👨 Stacy Silver entered the hospitality business unexpectedly, with a full-time role launching a hotel industry publication. Mentored by Jerry Merkin, Jerry Daly, and Pat Ford, she learned industry fundamentals, the importance of relationships, and hotel financing. Silver acknowledges the progress in diversity and inclusion, with increasing women's participation from a mere handful to significant presence in leadership, yet anticipates further advancements. She envisions diversity as a future norm in hospitality.

👥 Sarah Dinger, influenced by her community of 20,000 where Super 8 originated, cites hard work and "Midwest nice" as her inspiration in hospitality. She joined My Place in 2012, mentored by founders Ron Rivett and Ryan. Advocacy and supportive leadership were crucial lessons from Rachel Humphrey. Dinger sees progressive diversity and inclusion within hospitality and is optimistic about women's increasing leadership roles, acknowledging organizations like Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance and AHLA ForWard Network for their efforts in advancing women.

📢 Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart began her career at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts as a finance intern, transitioning to a sales coordinator role which sparked her hospitality passion. With mentors from Hyatt, she learned adaptability and the value of nurturing talent. Arizmendi-Stewart emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion for innovation and stronger teams in hospitality. Despite progress, she notes a gender gap at the executive level, advocating for more female leadership through mentorship and organizational commitment.