CSR and Sustainability

📝 Since 2011, GCSTIMES has led sustainable development from smart card R&D to material innovation, operating in 140 countries with 5 centers in China, the US, UAE, France, and Australia. Their eco pens crafted from bamboo and kraft paper symbolize their commitment to sustainability. Supporting over 100,000 hospitality groups, they aim for low-carbon goals, integrating sustainability into technology. This holiday season, their eco pens remind hoteliers to prioritize sustainability amidst the festive rush.

📖 Penn State's School of Hospitality Management (SHM) launched the Discover Hospitality in Senior Living Excellence Endowment with $25,000 gifts from Liberty Lutheran and Waverly Heights. This fund supports senior living management programming, including the HM 306 course, guest speakers, and student field trips. Since 2010, the initiative has engaged students with senior living careers. Waverly Heights, founded in 1986, and Liberty Lutheran, established in 1991, are key partners. SHM was established in 1937 and is a leading institution in hospitality education.

🌱 Grand Hotel Chicago and Mövenpick Hotel Waad Al Shamal received Green Globe certification, while The Hari Hong Kong earned EarthCheck Silver Status recently. Sunway Hotels & Resorts launched carbon offset programs for guests. BCD Travel and Advito introduced a Hotel Sustainability Index for corporate travel assessments. GCSTIMES, active since 2011, operates in China, US, UAE, France, and Australia, offering sustainable solutions in over 140 countries, serving 100,000+ international hospitality groups.

🏨 MGallery and CLR Hôtels plan to open Bel Hôtel Oléron - MGallery Collection in April 2026, on Oléron Island in Saint-Trojan-les-Bains. The hotel will transform the 1970s Novotel Thalassa into a 102-room luxury retreat, featuring 8 suites, directed by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire. Located in a Natura 2000 site, it offers a spa, thalassotherapy, and local culinary experiences, emphasizing environmental conservation and regional collaboration.

🎄 In 2025, hotels are reimagining Christmas with rented native trees and upcycled décor, reducing waste through root-to-shoot menus and digital gifts. Guests can opt for "Green Gift" donations instead of housekeeping. GCSTIMES, founded in 2011, offers sustainable solutions globally, with operations in China, the US, UAE, France, and Australia, and services in over 140 countries. Their brand portfolio includes GCS, AUROkeys, Xenyra, and Glint Spot, supporting sustainable goals for 100,000 hospitality groups.

📈 In 2025, HBX Group released its ESG Report, introducing a 1,486,482 tCO₂e carbon footprint baseline. The company has 3,478 employees, 56% are women. It reports a 1.1% global gender pay gap, below the 2.41% IBEX 35 average. HBX plans a 13% sustainable portfolio expansion by 2028. Their new Environmental Management System is ISO 14001-certified and headquartered in Mallorca. The report aligns with CSRD and ESRS standards, and HBX is part of the IBEX ESG Index.

🏛 DUBAI, UAE – On December 2025, the 11th Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards and GM Powerlist took place at Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai. Hosted by Hozpitality Group, key winners included Mark Kirby (One&Only Resorts), Fredrik Reinisch (Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek), and Taj Dubai (5-star Hotel of the Year). Gold sponsor was Nestlé Professional, with beverage partners like Heineken. The event celebrated leadership, innovation, and excellence in hospitality.

📈 UN Tourism and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) have partnered to enhance tourism education at the high school level. The initiative aims to improve global access, focusing on skill enhancement and professional development for students in the tourism sector. UN Tourism, with 166 member countries and over 500 private sector affiliates, leads this initiative. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and IB Director General Olli-Pekka Heinonen emphasize the importance of education in connecting cultures and fostering economic growth.

📈 Hotels are seeing a surge in sustainability roles, with 59% having dedicated teams by 2024, up from 2% in 2022 (ResponsibleStay survey). 87% of hotels offer annual sustainability training. Gallup reports 71% of workers prioritize the environmental record of employers in job decisions. This trend reshapes hospitality business models and staffing. GCSTIMES, operating since 2011, supports sustainable innovations globally with centers in China, US, UAE, France, and Australia, serving over 100,000 hospitality groups in 140+ countries.

🌍 Dec 12, 2025: Climate change poses a structural business risk for hotels, emphasized at Travel Weekly's Sustainability Summit. Rising temperatures and water scarcity are reshaping tourism demand, moving it to cooler regions. Insurance availability and workforce pressures threaten hotel viability. Delaying strategic responses risks higher costs and distribution exclusion. Early investment in climate resilience boosts competitive standing. Hotels must prioritize managing operational risks over guest demand or branding to remain viable.