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In today's fast-paced world, the need for sustainability and innovation in the hospitality industry is more critical than ever. Recently, Innovation Lounges wrapped up a series of international visits designed to strengthen partnerships and promote sustainable practices across the globe. The insights gained from these trips showcase an ongoing commitment to green initiatives while embracing innovative solutions enhancing the hospitality sector.
Insights from Toronto
During a focused trip in Toronto, Innovation Lounges member Cristina Stefani from Aquafil Group highlighted the direct strategy taken by the team. "We targeted individual properties to gather feedback directly from the field, focusing on topics such as circularity and sustainability in the hospitality and contract sectors," Cristina explained.
The team interacted with major hotel properties including the Four Seasons, Hotel X, Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites, Toronto Convention Centre, and The Ritz Carlton Toronto Residences, as well as key players in construction and maintenance like Kourtis Group. "Our discussions showed a strong interest in innovative products like R2R carpets and ECONYL yarn, indicating a significant opportunity for promoting sustainability," she added.
Driving Hospitality Forward
Cristina highlighted the receptiveness to sustainable innovations: "Thanks to long-standing relationships fostered by Innovation Lounges, which facilitated targeted meetings, we had the chance to explore the Canadian market’s approach to circularity, a topic of increasing importance.”
Susan Sadolin, the founder of Innovation Lounges, shared her positive experiences about the opportunities in Toronto. "The week in Toronto was not only educational but also displayed the committed, team-oriented, and creative spirit of the local hospitality community," Susan stated. The trip resulted in concrete plans, including involvement in Toronto's hotel renovations and cooperation with leading restoration companies. "Our existing lounge at the Shangri-La hotel has become a crucial point for presentations, and we are excited about expanding our involvement, including a networking skiing weekend planned for February."
Global Partnerships
In other regions, Innovation Lounges has partnered with the local Gensler office in Costa Rica to introduce sustainable products and companies. At the Boutique Design New York (BDNY), the first hotel show attendance for Innovation Lounges was met with a positive response, securing its place in their annual calendar due to the impressive leads generated.
In Shanghai, a collaboration with Shanghai Shipyard CSSC has been initiated to meet the furnishing needs of future cruise and river cruise ships, with plans to open a dedicated Innovation Lounge for the industry.
Looking Forward
As Innovation Lounges grows and takes on more projects in the international market, every effort contributes to their mission of bringing sustainability into the global hospitality industry. These recent activities mark important progress toward making environmentally conscious practices a larger part of the industry. By working closely with hotels, contractors, and industry experts, Innovation Lounges is creating new opportunities and building stronger connections that support this goal.
The lessons learned and relationships built during these initiatives have provided useful direction for Innovation Lounge’s future plans. These efforts are helping to refine the way challenges are approached and explore new opportunities in sustainability. As they prepare for upcoming projects and continue expanding into new markets, the company is setting a foundation for long-term growth and change, aiming to ensure their role in shaping a more sustainable future for hospitality worldwide.
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