Ray Burger, President of Pineapple Hospitality said:

“We’re proud to have AquaHealth, Evolve, The Green Garmento, and Zero Odor join us as Pineapple Partners.”

“Whether it’s a sustainable water solution, energy control greener option for guestroom laundry service or a unique way to actually eliminate odors instead of masking them, these companies demonstrate how everyone in the green hospitality market can work together to bring a synergistic approach to sustainability.”

“Offering products that are good for both the environment and the bottom line, all our Pineapple Partners create value for hotels as we reach out to today’s tens of millions of more environmentally aware consumers and sustainable travelers.”

“The new Courtyard hotel will open in early 2012 as a part of a joint venture between Blanchard & Calhoun Commercial of Augusta, Ga., and MeadWestvaco of Summerville, S.C.

The hotel will introduce the first phase of The Parks of Berkley, a community consisting of 5,000 acres and one of the largest planned developments in the Southeastern United States.”

Karim Khalifa, senior vice president, architecture and construction for Marriott International commented:

“This new program packages all the basic requirements for LEED certification in a prototype. It saves our owners valuable time and money in the planning process and allows us to provide a greener portfolio of hotels for our guests.”

Why are they important for the hospitality industry? A report reveals how important videos are for users to learn more about hotels before booking.

“-178 million American Internet users watched online video in April 2010 (this is 83.5% of total US Internet audience).

-21.7 million Canadian Internet users watched over 4 billion online videos in April.

-35.7 million Americans watched 13.0 billion videos on YouTube – that’s 96 videos per viewer in the US.

-If YouTube were a nation, it would be the 3rd most populous country in the world – behind China & India and ahead of the US and Indonesia – 450 million people worldwide view more than 60 billion videos each month on YouTube.com

-YouTube is basically the 2nd most-used search engine to Google”

The Courtyard Bremen was recently opened after a huge renovation of the historic Lloyd building in Bermen.

The building was first built in 1913 and it used to work as a railway building for emigrants to the U.S., now it has 70 fully-renovated guestrooms.

Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe commented: “We are excited to add the Courtyard Bremen to our growing portfolio in Germany and to be represented in this dynamic and historic city.”

Young people were asked about Green Hotels and the survey revealed that:

“96% of those surveyed said they demand an “environmentally-aware or friendly workplace,” and close to 60% said they expect their employer to go above and beyond the regulatory requirements.

They want more than just strategically-placed recycle bins – they want real water conservation efforts and the highest level of energy efficiency to be standard operations at work.

The report recommends that employers bring their green initiatives front and center, and that they make sustainability policies a meaningful part of day-to-day operations, because the eco-savvy Gen Y’ers are clearly on the lookout for environmental-friendliness in all aspects of their daily lives.”

The Rezidor Hotel Group has recently announced the opening of the 8th property in Switzerland.

Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor commented: “Rezidor is expanding its young, contemporary and successful resort portfolio which now features 45 properties with more than 10,700 rooms in operation and under development across Europe, Middle East and Africa”

“Andermatt as a well-established winter sport destination is a perfect fit for us – we are looking forward to also building up the summer business together with our partners”

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has recently announced the introduction of environmentally-friendly water bottles.

They have just started to introduce the water bottles in North America and in selected areas o the Caribbean.

Cooper commented:”We believe our guests will be enthusiastic and enthused about this latest initiative from The Ritz-Carlton to do more than just talk about being eco-friendly, but to take concrete action steps that make a real difference.”

The Marriott Inn & Conference Center at the University of Maryland University College is the first hotel to be listed as a Maryland Green Travel Partner

Margot Amelia, executive director of the Maryland Office of Tourism commented:“The Marriott Inn & Conference Center UMUC sets an outstanding example for its peers in the lodging industry by taking steps to minimize impacts on our state’s natural resources.”

“Our Maryland Green Travel Partners recognize that green business practices help their own bottom line, which collectively boosts our state economy, and that these practices also enhance the experience of Maryland’s tourists today and for years to come.”

The InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa has recently completed one of the most expensive renovations in the last 10 years.

“The refurbishment includes substantial terrace extensions of all bungalows (garden, beach and overwater), the addition of private plunge pools to all Garden Bungalows, a new poolside restaurant and bar, as well as two new Infinity pools.”

The hotel is now expecting to receive guests to enjoy the new facilities.

According to a recent press release, the Marriott Hotels have become Atlanta’s Greenest.

The hotel chain has been pushing the concept of Green and they’ve just accomplished to have Atlanta in Green.

Erika Alexander, area vice president, Marriott International, Inc commented:”We’re extremely proud and excited to be among the first to achieve the highest levels of LEED certification in Atlanta.”