INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Hotel companies and properties are increasing their sustainability efforts. Here’s a closer look at the recent initiatives and programs set in place:
Hilton Grand Vacations Eliminates Plastic Straws
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (HGV) has fulfilled its commitment to eliminate single-use straws from its 34 branded properties as part of its continued effort to reduce its overall environmental footprint.
The company’s ban on plastic straws is in alignment with Hilton’s commitment to removing plastic straws from all of its hotels globally. In addition, HGV recently revealed its partnership with Hilton and Clean the World to help expand their recycling efforts. Clean the World is a global health organization that recycles hygiene products from the hospitality industry.
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi Implements Sustainable Water Program
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, NM, has implemented a sustainable water program that removes all plastic bottles throughout the property. Guests will now find complimentary glass bottles in each room, with water filtered through Vivreau’s Vi Tap, replacing all standard plastic water bottles throughout the property. Glass bottles will now also be available to purchase at each of the property’s three dining outlets. Through this initiative, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi will eliminate the ordering of more than 40,000 single-use plastic water bottles per year.
Additionally, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi will officially be a Porsche preferred charging partner and will house two Porsche electric charging stations in March.
Riu Playa Park Hotel Wins for its Sustainability Project
RIU Hotels & Resorts has received an award at the 6th edition of the Re Think Hotel Awards, which take place at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid. The prize recognizes the Spanish hotel sector’s best sustainability and rehabilitation projects. Riu Playa Park Hotel was the winner this year as it was included in the “Top 10 Re Think Hotel Projects to be Implemented” category.
Riu Playa Park is an important project for RIU, as the hotel was demolished and rebuilt in 2019. The new hotel now has a residual energy use system to heat water for use in the hotel. In this way, here and in the majority of the chain’s hotels, water is heated using residual energy produced by the air conditioning system. As a result, the energy efficiency is up to 600% higher than in conventional systems, according to the company.