Climate Hub

Welcome to Skift’s Climate Hub, where solutions-based journalism cuts through industry spin to spotlight real progress in travel sustainability. In partnership with Intrepid Travel, Skift’s editorial team will evaluate environmental claims, highlight meaningful advancements, and hold the travel sector accountable. This independent initiative brings rigorous reporting to the forefront and pushes the industry to meet the moment in the face of growing scrutiny from travelers and stakeholders alike.

Hotels

Starwood Ramps up Build of Element Hotels Extended-Stay Brand

The need to meet LEED certification for every Element Hotel has slowed the development pipeline, but will it pay off in the future as more consumers demand greener accommodations?

Greg Oates | 10 years ago

Hotels

An Argument for Adding Sustainability to TripAdvisor Ratings

Sustainability is becoming an ever more pressing priority for hotels; however, it will take consumer demand and dollar signs to enact real change across the currently healthy industry.

Samantha Shankman | 10 years ago

Hotels

Headless Pineapples, Paper Hats and More Small Ways Hotels Go Green

Environmental and socially responsible initiatives aren't just effective at cutting costs and reducing waste. Increasingly sophisticated guests are now making decisions based on the consciousness and actions of brands.

Samantha Shankman | 10 years ago

Tourism

3 Top Quotes About Responsible Travel From a Tours Expert

Dan Peltier | 10 years ago

Tourism

A Better Approach to Building a Sustainable Tourism Company

Sustainable tourism, while looking nice on paper, is still extremely difficult to execute making Basecamp's approach to integrate a business and non-profit is one worth examining.

Samantha Shankman | 10 years ago

Hotels

Cornell Study Won't End Debate on LEED Certification for Hotels

Many hoteliers are not necessarily convinced that LEED certification produces revenue benefits for hotels -- or if business travelers and their employers are willing to pay a premium for this green designation. That's clear because in the U.S. the number of properties getting LEED certification has been dropping since 2010.

Dennis Schaal | 10 years ago

Airlines

Southwest Turns Discarded Leather Seats Into Soccer Balls

With the soccer ball angle, Southwest should have announced this recycling program during the World Cup. No worries, there is a good message about the environment and smart business here, and it is all sustainable.

Dennis Schaal | 11 years ago

Tourism

Miami's Tourism Industry Isn't Ready for Dramatic Effects of Climate Change

It's hard for resorts and hotels to justify costs related to preparing for climate change in the coming years when they can easily pass along costs to future owners. What Miami and other cities need is a sense of shared responsibility.

Maria Gallucci | 11 years ago

Hotels

Starwood to Ban Shark Fin at its Hotels and Restaurants Worldwide

Sometimes corporate responsibility conflicts with the bottom line, and Starwood is going to find out if its ban on shark fin will create a problem for it in Asia. Kudos to Starwood for taking this step.

Dennis Schaal | 11 years ago

Tourism

The Effect of Climate Change on European Tourism

We can read that snowfall will change and waters may rise, but there's no way to tell how much the environmental changes will alter people's disposable income or ability to travel.

Rafat Ali | 11 years ago