With the growing number of certifications is the growing list of uncertainties.

Being proactive and measuring your hotel’s carbon footprint in one form or another is commendable. But regardless of how you measure it, who you do it for or why you do it at all, be transparent about your methodology and overall CSR strategy. Written clearly and concisely, a CSR report can speak volumes. 

When people ask us what we love about working in the hotel industry we tell them that work is always our holiday, and holidays are always our work. So when we started our own company last year, we realized we should do what we could to avoid the traditional work environment. After all, there's nothing "holiday" about a cubicle or office desk with fluorescent lighting.

The use of social media by hotels is becoming commonplace, but while large hotel chains take their time thinking about strategies and best practices, independent hotel operators are taking great strides to creatively and effectively communicate with their guests.

Interview with Yvette Jong, Sustainable Tourism expert on China, Sustainability and Change

by Responsible Hotels Team, Carlos Buj

Matchbooks will soon be a thing of the past so you can imagine how excited I was to find vintage matchbooks at a junk shop in Hong Kong on Cat Street! With original logos predating me from the 50s and 60s, even I had trouble identifying some of the hotel brands.

After complaining about bad hotel service at the Honua Kai Resort and Spa, management sent me a certificate for 2 nights in a 2-bedroom suite.  Brilliant. A voucher that I can't use.

Hotels, like any other real estate, are built to make money.  And when you're talking about dollars per square foot or heads in beds, budget hotels are the way to go.  

When will our industry realize that what this country really needs are well-designed, well-appointed, sweet, simple, and affordable brands? 

While Regus's Golden Circle is in fact created for their most valued guests, it's a program that anyone and everyone can join - for free - by clicking here. Either way, the tactic is smart. Regus offers free, but seemingly exclusive offers and Regus clients then join the free program and start staying at Shang hotels where they'll get member benefits. It's a win-win-win.

In an urban setting kindles and nooks may seem archaic (they certainly aren't as cool or trendy as iPads) but for travelers who want to read in the sun, these e-readers are the way to go. Get one and you'll be the envy of everyone on the beach.

For most of us, the idea of hiring a private jet is completely foreign.  But in a tight economy, Jetsuite, a private jet charter company, has started a host of promotions to make private jets more affordable to monetize otherwise empty seats

The Maldives are sinking, energy's a fortune and waste disposal is a major issue. At Climate Week NYC, the country's vice president announces a mandate that 60% of energy be produced by solar power in a bid to be carbon neutral by 2020. 

In 2008, Hainan had more than 20 million Chinese visitors, but less than 1 million foreign visitors. Why are we so concerned about it being an 'international destination' when it can flourish with the domestic market alone?

How clear is the business case for hotels to become socially and environmentally sustainable and what factors are encouraging or discouraging this trend? The nine case studies written by Yvette Jong identify business drivers encouraging sustainable practices and impediments.