Looking to give back to your local community through your hospitality business? Indeed, many hospitality businesses play a pivotal role in enhancing their local communities.

 

There are countless ways to make a difference, from sourcing ingredients from local producers, spotlighting small businesses, to getting involved in community events. Read more to discover and be inspired by how hotels and restaurants around the globe are making meaningful contributions to their communities.

 

1. Omni Hotels and Resorts Say Goodnight to Hunger

 

Omni Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with Feeding America, have launched the Say Goodnight to Hunger program. With every reservation, they contribute a meal to food banks across the 42 communities where Omni operates. This initiative results in almost nine million meals donated annually.

 

2. Hotel School by The Goring

 

Hotel School, created by The Passage and The Goring Hotel in London, offers hospitality training to homeless and vulnerable individuals, connects them with stable jobs, and assists them as they begin their careers. Graduates earn a nationally recognized certificate and opportunities to work with the hotel's industry partners.

 

3. Zeavola Resort

 

The Zeavola Resort in Thailand encourages guests to help serve meals at Baan Laem Tong school. Every Friday, Zeavola's staff prepare meals for approximately 40 students and their teachers, with funding provided by both the hotel and guest donations, amounting to up to €3,000 a year. This gesture is highly valued by the Moken community, offering guests a distinctive way to immerse themselves in the culture of Phi Phi Island. (Source: The Green Pearls)

 

4. Sea Level Oyster Bar's Educational Field Trips

 

Sea Level Oyster Bar took all its staff on a visit to Privateer Rum, a local distillery, to learn about their craft and products. This approach educated the staff and strengthened community ties by promoting local businesses and products within their operations. It also helped to convert fans of the distillery into new clients of the restaurant. (Source: Toast)

 

5. Hyatt Loves Local Initiative

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation introduced the "Hyatt Loves Local" initiative, aimed at aiding small businesses. This program has engaged nearly 60 Hyatt hotels globally. For example, the Hyatt Regency Atlanta provided kitchen space to Anna Bell’s Kitchen Mac & Cheese and featured their products in the hotel’s lobby market. (

 

6. Five Star Friday

 

OctoCog, a marketing agency, launched "Five Star Friday," urging Salem’s residents to post positive reviews for their favorite restaurants on the first Friday of November. The goal was to uplift staff morale and counterbalance possible negative reviews from tourists during the peak season. This initiative effectively built community support and appreciation for local, small businesses.

 

7. Hotel Sol y Luna

 

Petit Miribel and Franz Schilter established a rustic-luxe hotel with 43 casitas, drawing inspiration from the stunning landscapes and exceptional trekking opportunities in Peru's Sacred Valley. All profits from the hotel are dedicated to funding the Sol y Luna Intercultural School, home to 185 students. The Sol y Luna Association focuses on enhancing the futures of local youth through educational opportunities.

 

8. Vessel Restaurant at Kona Kai Resort

 

Kona Kai Resort & Spa's restaurant pledged to donate 10% from each take-home menu item sold and $5 for every homemade pie ordered during Thanksgiving to the San Diego Food Bank. This initiative is a key component of their NobleGiving program, aimed at supporting the local community during difficult periods.

 

9. Kasbah du Toubkal

 

Kasbah du Toubkal is located at the base of Jbel Toubkal in Northern Africa, is more than a hotel—it's a cultural haven where Berbers invite guests to immerse in their traditions. This establishment prioritizes equal benefits for both the local community and its visitors, providing a distinctive chance to explore Berber culture through its predominantly local workforce.

 

10. MGM Resorts International

 

MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas has an employee volunteer program to help local communities. This includes an annual canned goods drive for the food bank, Three Square, where employees donated over 196,000 pounds of food in 2011. Employees also built a house for Habitat for Humanity, participated in cleanups, and provided job skills training for homeless shelter residents.

 

Note: 66% of consumers are willing to spend more on a product from brands that actively support the local.

 

For more ideas about sustainable living and business practices, read Greena World's blog.

 

Interested in communicating your green efforts to the wider community? Read this!