Sustainable Tourism News


URBN to create China’s next green hotel
URBN Hotels & Resorts is collaborating with Vanke, China’s largest residential real estate developer, to construct and operate what will be the most forward-thinking, sustainably-built and green-operated hotel in Asia. The 20,000 square metre boutique hotel is part of a larger project which will become a 200,000 square metre commercial, retail and residential development in the Sanlin district of Pudong in Shanghai, China.

ABTA calls for focus on sustainability at WTM
ABTA is calling on its members to seize the business opportunity presented by sustainability as delegates gather for the annual World Travel Market in London. Following its latest Consumer Trends survey, the trade body argues half of customers believe their travel company should ensure that they are helping the local people and economy.

TUI raises green credentials
Thomson and First Choice are upping their green credentials with the launch of an umbrella sustainable tourism brand. Holidays Forever encourages holidaymakers to take simple steps to help the environment as well as the local community in the destinations they visit.

New website to advance sustainability within Travel & Tourism launched by WTTC
The home of the only British canal boat in North America, a more than 1,900-property strong Green Hotel Directory, an Earth Guest programme by one of the biggest hospitality chains in the world, and an initiative to reduce building on China’s famous Mount Huangshan are showcased on a new website launched by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The Best Practice Gateway, which can be accessed from www.wttc.org, currently features more than 20 case studies from around the world, which together help to illustrate the Travel & Tourism industry’s leading role in sustainability

Energy Efficiency Analysis Program for Hotels Unveiled
EcoGreenHotel President, Scott Parisi, announced the launch of his company’s new Energy Efficiency Analysis program, or E2A, designed to help green hotels assess their exact energy usage and develop cost-effective ways to reduce it.

Virgin Holidays launches ‘Human Nature Collection’ E-brochure
Virgin Holidays has created a new collection of holidays designed to provide customers with the opportunity to add a sustainable element to their overseas breaks. Brought together in an e-brochure format, the Human Nature Collection makes it easy for customers to take responsible choices when arranging their travel.

Green Globe Certification Partners With Limousine Environmental Action Partners, LLC
Green Globe Certification, the leading certification program for sustainability in travel and tourism, announces a new partnership with Limousine Environmental Action Partners, LLC.

Best Western Expands CSR Program in Thailand
Best Western is further expanding its Best Western for a Greener World Corporate Social Responsibility program, with the launch of its latest project “Growing a Greener World” in April 2010. Staff from its Bangkok Head Office and representatives of member hotels have embarked on an environmental mission to Samut Songkram province in Thailand.

Caribbean’s Largest Hotelier Partners with EarthCheck
“Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts and The Royal Plantation Collection, recently unveiled an exclusive partnership with EarthCheck, the world’s largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators.

Vineyard Hotel & Spa Conference Centre, Cape Town To Operate On Green Power
Already respected for its impressive environmental and social awareness ethos, the Vineyard Hotel & Spa’s Conference Centre will be the first conference centre in South Africa to run on ‘Green Power’

Marriott Celebrates Earth Hour, Turns Out the Lights at 500 Hotels Worldwide
This Saturday, March 27, at 8:30 p.m., local time, Marriott-branded hotels and resorts worldwide will turn out the lights, for one hour, in support of Earth Hour - a global movement uniting businesses, organizations and individuals in taking action to raise awareness to the issues of climate change - and kick off the company’s month-long dedication to environmental awareness.