As the Vice President of Sustainability at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, I find myself searching for strategic and innovative ways to solve a myriad of challenges across our global portfolio. One challenge owners and managers face is prioritizing and financing capital investments needed to increase the efficiency of operating the asset, meet the company's aggressive reduction goals, all while improving the guest experience and saving money. One way myself and my Global Sustainability team solve this challenge is through innovative partnerships. READ MORE

When developing new systems, purchasing new equipment, and devising new programs, how can we ensure that we keep an eye to sustainability? Sustainability is here to stay. It is no longer a fad or trend; it has become an integral part of the hospitality industry and an expectation of guests around the world. As operators of hospitality businesses it is important that we acknowledge this new standard. Therefore, integrating sustainable practices into our operation across all departments is vital. READ MORE

Sustainable design and practice are no longer optional, as economic and cultural trends suggest their increasing importance. The developer and designer represent a powerful team for communicating the myriad benefits of green building and environmentally responsible practice to both operators and guests. They can demonstrate to operators the reduced costs associated with energy and maintenance as well as the potential for tax incentives, influencing the choice to become a franchisee. They can also demonstrate to guests a corporate commitment to sustainability, engendering brand loyalty and repeat stays. READ MORE

With the powerful travel influence of the millennial generation as well as the ever-growing needs of today's geo-traveler, the popularity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly important in the arena of hospitality. While various luxury brands and independent resorts have, over the last few years, implemented their own elementary degree of CSR programs (in which employees can partake or even the guest), today we are witnessing hospitality assets implementing interesting programs to further elevate their CSR practices into services or amenities. Hotels and brands need not spend considerable investments to implement wellness and sustainable practices into everyday operations. READ MORE

As a pillar of any hotel operation, guest service requires constant attention to ensure that its delivery exceeds current guest expectations. At its core, though, guest service comes down to your staff and the willingness of each team member to deliver his or her very best in all work duties. The proper intrinsic motivations are required to attain his level of perfection. In order to promote a corporate culture with this mentality, hoteliers must appeal to each employee's sense of actualization and their internal need to derive personal success from helping guests in whichever way is required. READ MORE