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.
Tourism
Blizzard May Keep Patriots Fans From the Super Bowl, but Won't Stop Soaring Ticket Prices
Many New England fans won't be happy the blizzard will keep them from watching the game in person, but their wallets will probably thank them later.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.