Author: Kai Lennox

At the Beyond Green Global Leadership Summit in early March, Trina White, the general manager of the Parkside Hotel & Spa in Victoria, British Columbia, showcased a unique approach to sustainable hospitality that distinguishes her hotel from other luxury resorts. While many participants at the summit represented high-end properties with prices often exceeding $1,000 per night, the Parkside operates from an urban setting with more accessible rates, starting around $400 for a weekend stay in June. White emphasized the potential for sustainability within a city-center hotel. “The whole goal of the Parkside is to showcase how you can be sustainable…

Belgium is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which boasts a variety of unique traditions and culinary delights. Among its notable features are the captivating medieval Ommegang pageant, the cherished tradition of comic strips including beloved characters like Tintin and the Smurfs, and the iconic Belgian fries served with the unique Andalouse sauce. Recently, these elements, along with a significant development, have been elevated in status through their inclusion on the Brussels-Capital Region’s intangible cultural heritage list. Among the newly recognized cultural treasures is Brussels Pride, an annual event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in the heart of Belgium’s capital…

BETHESDA, MD — The Luxury Collection is excited to announce the opening of its newest addition to the Canadian hospitality landscape: Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Halifax. Nestled on the picturesque Halifax waterfront within the dynamic Queen’s Marque cultural district, Muir embodies the brand’s dedication to providing unparalleled luxury experiences that are deeply intertwined with local culture. The hotel features 109 elegantly designed guestrooms and suites that showcase bespoke furnishings and original artwork from local Nova Scotian artists. Guests can enjoy stunning ocean views while surrounded by materials such as locally sourced sandstone, salt-and-pepper granite, and Muntz metal —…

The hospitality industry is undergoing a significant transformation as traditional minibars become less common in hotel rooms. This shift is largely driven by a decrease in guest usage, alongside concerns about high energy consumption and the challenges related to their maintenance. As a response, many hotels are now opting for more sustainable solutions that both meet guest needs and align with eco-friendly standards. The Decline of Minibars in Hotels Minibars have long been a mainstay in hotel accommodations, offering convenience to guests seeking refreshments. However, recent data indicates that these miniature stockpiles of drinks and snacks are rarely utilized. In…

New Passport Policy Chills LGBTQ+ Travel Plans The recent policy change under the Trump administration, which mandates that U.S. passports reflect a person’s gender assigned at birth, has created palpable anxiety among nonbinary and transgender travelers. This troubling directive is not only affecting individuals but is also influencing the broader LGBTQ+ travel community, leading to a reconsideration of the United States as a desirable travel destination. In January, shortly after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order that instructs federal agencies to recognize only two genders—male and female. This directive requires the State Department to issue passports that “accurately…

Elliott Ferguson, CEO of Destination DC, has revealed that anticipated visitation rates for WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C., are lagging behind previous projections. This year’s three-week celebration is expected to spotlight the vibrancy of the LGBTQ community, with Ferguson noting that the city initially estimated around 3 million people would attend, comprising 2 million overnight visitors and 1 million from the regional area. The projected economic impact of the event was set at a staggering $787 million. Concerns About Visitation Numbers The flagship event of WorldPride 2025 is a highly anticipated concert featuring the international superstar Shakira, scheduled for May…

Vancouver-based event planner Nelson has received a wave of concerns from clients nationwide regarding the upcoming WorldPride. Many of these apprehensions stem from fears that the event may not live up to the expectations set during the Biden administration’s support for LGBTQ+ rights. Key issues include the cancellation of several WorldPride events at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and a notable drop in corporate sponsorships, largely attributed to the Trump administration’s executive orders undermining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington was originally slated to host numerous WorldPride events, which…

In celebration of its 70-year legacy, the Jamaica Tourist Board is excited to announce the launch of the “70 Days of Jamaica Love” campaign. This limited-time promotion offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Jamaica while enjoying valuable discounts on various travel amenities. Special Promotion Details The “70 Days of Jamaica Love” campaign will run through August 12, with travel opportunities extending until April 30. This initiative provides vacationers with exclusive deals on hotels, attractions, and local experiences throughout the island. Visitors can enjoy special package discounts, enticing savings on accommodations, complimentary nights, and price reductions on…

Hawaii is set to see an increase in visitor expenses as the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) is scheduled to rise next year. The Hawaii Legislature has passed SB1396, a legislation aimed at combating climate change by boosting the state’s share of the TAT from 10.25% to 11%. This change will take effect in January 2026, and counties will also have the option to raise their TAT by an additional 3%. With this adjustment, Hawaii aims to attract travelers who prioritize environmental sustainability. The bill underscores the importance of sustainable tourism practices, highlighting the state’s commitment to investing in conservation and…

Nestled along the Caribbean coastline, Xcaret Park in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, presents a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Spanning 200 acres, this ecological park transports visitors through lush jungles, underwater rivers, and rich cultural displays, creating an unforgettable adventure. Opened in 1990, Xcaret merges entertainment with education, housed within the larger umbrella of Grupo Xcaret, which also manages Xplor, an adventure-centric park. Guests can experience 50 different excursions that range from relaxing at natural pools to more exhilarating activities like zip-lining and snorkeling. Xcaret Park features a cemetery that incorporates pre-Columbian elements and Mexican folk art.…