Articles tagged “net zero”

On today’s briefing we discuss Vrbo needling Airbnb with new billboards, Sonesta’s upbeat take on its opportunities, and IHG’s new net-zero hotel in the UK.

IHG’s net zero hotel is a step forward, but the reality is that not every region or hotel owner can follow suit just yet. Access to renewable energy, sustainable materials, and even willing investors varies wildly, meaning true industry-wide change depends as much on local infrastructure as it does on big-brand ambition.

A Heathrow expansion could signal that the UK is open for business and tourism. But we may not see a shovel in the ground for years.

A rise in business travel emissions at major U.S. banks could show a lack of internal policies to address or offset staff air travel.

The Indian hospitality landscape is booming, not only with international chains but also homegrown players, especially in tier 3 and tier 4 cities.

Progress has been made on environmental reporting by hotel companies, but major blind spots remain. The asset-light model being pursued by most large hotel companies jars with the need for greater oversight by head office to really track and improve emissions.

Starwood Capital has bet on two trends with SH Hotels. It seems likely that the rich will get richer, boosting demand for luxury hotels. It also seems likely climate change will worsen, increasing the demand for sustainability.

Aviation is becoming a target for policymakers and climate emergency activists. Leaders from Delta, Air France-KLM, and McKinsey have highlighted some heartening ways to address the carbon reduction challenge.

The rise of Airbnb has revealed consumer preferences to be more flexible than previously assumed. Independent hotel company Room2 is responding in the UK by innovating in brand standards. It has signed $110 million in new net-zero hotels.

Even as surveys say people are willing to pay more to travel sustainably, businesses may have to wait for some time to see that translate into reality. Until then, be prepared to answer every sustainability-related question that guests may have.