News & Stories
Windsor/London. Insiders know the InterContinental Hotels Group for shaping an eco-friendly hotel concept for years. Last week, the group made its "green" credentials public. The solar powered "Innovation Hotel" outlines the latest technology in energy and water conservation and recycling.
Duesseldorf. A study has confirmed it: The largest contribution to carbon dioxide production in the European Union is the use of office space and of communications and information technologies. Heating, lighting and air-conditioning in these buildings as well as CO2 emissions caused through the journey to and from the office form the greatest danger to the environment.
Chevy Chase. From now on, guests of the Ritz-Carlton hotels can engage themselves in local aid projects during their holidays around the globe. In the so-called 'Give Back Getaways' programmes, guests have many different opportunities to support disadvantaged people or engage themselves in environmental protection during their spare time. In Cancun, for example, people can look after protected sea turtles or lend a helping hand renovating the children's hospice Sonnenhof of the Bjoern Schulz Foundation in Berlin.
Geneva. Switzerland, Austria and Germany have the most attractive environments for developing the travel and tourism industry, according to the second annual "Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2008", released by the World Economic Forum. Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, Canada and France complete the top-10 list.
Frankfurt. The planning and organisation of environmentally friendly conferences and events is increasingly well represented on the agendas of German event organisers. Germans think greener than their colleagues in most other European countries.
Innsbruck. Globally speaking, around one percent of all CO2 emissions can be traced back to the accommodation industry. Now, as part of its contribution to climate protection, Austria's hotel industry intends to decrease its CO2 emissions and demands a compensation system for so doing - but that inland, in Austria itself. For this, industry representatives require support from the taxpayer. Austria will be especially hit by climate change - the country's economy is completely dependent on tourism.
Vienna. The first members have already threatened terminating their membership. The Austrian Hotel Association now intends to implement a smoking ban in Austria's hotels and demands that politicians take a clear stance.