Category Archives: Sustainable Tourism and Travel

Sustainable Luxury Arrives in the Finger Lakes: The Lake House on Canandaigua Earns Beyond Green Certification

The Lake House on Canandaigua, a premier luxury hotel and resort in New York’s Finger Lakes region, has earned a Beyond Green certification in recognition of its commitment to environmental stewardship and community partnerships that consistently deliver an elevated, eco-conscious experience for guests. Guests can experience this commitment in action through thoughtful initiatives such as water and energy conservation, as well as meticulously maintained gardens that celebrate the region’s natural beauty (photo provided by The Lake House)

Canandaigua, N.Y. – The Lake House on Canandaigua, the Finger Lakes’ premier luxury hotel, has earned a Beyond Green certification, joining a global portfolio of hotels recognized for advancing sustainability, environmental stewardship and meaningful community connection. With this designation, The Lake House becomes the only hotel in New York State to receive the Beyond Green recognition. 

Operated by Preferred Travel Group, Beyond Green is a curated collection of hotels and resorts committed to responsible travel worldwide. Member properties are vetted against more than 50 sustainability indicators aligned with the best global practices and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing places where sustainability is deeply embedded in both philosophy and practice.

Designed with the Finger Lakes landscape in mind, sustainability is woven into every aspect of The Lake House’s daily operations, from energy use and waste reduction to regenerative landscaping and long-standing partnerships with local farmers, winemakers and artisans, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural integrity, and community well-being.

“From the beginning, the goal was to create a place that feels genuinely connected to its surroundings, not just visually, but operationally and philosophically,” said Alex Schnoeller, General Manager. “Beyond Green certification affirms the belief that luxury and responsibility go hand in hand and that thoughtful hospitality can benefit guests, the community, and the environment alike.”

Sustainability, Embedded

At The Lake House, sustainability is not a standalone initiative; it is an integral part of the guest experience. The resort has eliminated single-use plastic water bottles in favor of refillable bottles and on-site water refill stations, implemented daily composting and comprehensive waste-reduction practices, and actively monitors energy and water usage with an emphasis on renewable sources.

Additional initiatives include geothermal heating, electric vehicle charging stations, reusable to-go containers, and bio-friendly guest amenities. Linen reuse programs and reduced housekeeping schedules further conserve water and energy while maintaining the comfort and elevated service guests expect.

Nature as a Partner

Nature is not simply the backdrop at The Lake House; it is a partner. Regenerative gardens supply herbs, flowers and botanicals used throughout the property, from spa treatments and craft cocktails to seasonal menus, creating a true garden-to-body and farm-to-table experience. Composting efforts enrich the soil that sustains this cycle, reinforcing a seamless loop of renewal.

The Lake House also prioritizes local sourcing across food, beverage, design, and operations, supporting Finger Lakes farmers, winemakers, and artisans while reducing emissions tied to transportation and supply chains.

Situated on land shaped by generations before it, The Lake House remains committed to honoring the history, ecology and cultural heritage of Canandaigua and the greater Finger Lakes region.

With its Beyond Green certification, The Lake House on Canandaigua is formally recognized as a model for sustainable luxury and responsible travel, offering guests an experience that is as intentional as it is refined.

The Lake House on Canandaigua is a family-owned and operated hotel with world-class design, locally inspired dining and premier event spaces, and an ideal destination for family gatherings and important events. Designed by Post Company in collaboration with the design collective and The Brooklyn Home Company, it has 124 guest rooms and suites, there is a timber frame event barn, a pool and year-round hot tub, Willowbrook Spa and a boardwalk perfect for admiring the panoramic views of Canandaigua Lake. MICHELIN Guide recognizes the Lake House on Canandaigua as a top lakefront destination hotel and has won multiple prestigious travel awards, including the No. 1 Resort Hotel in New York State in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, Travel + Leisure’s It List and Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List. The Lake House is also a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner, ranking in the top ten percent of hotels worldwide. The hotel is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection. All guests of The Lake House are eligible to enroll in the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program, which extends points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, elite status, and other special benefits upon eligible stays at nearly 600 participating properties worldwide. For more information, visit lakehousecanandaigua.com.

Beyond Green is a global portfolio of some of planet Earth’s most sustainable accommodations. Offering travelers a more intuitive way to find and book authentic, conscious hotel experiences, each of Beyond Green’s member properties are required to adhere to more than 50 sustainability indicators that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To learn more about Beyond Green, visit www.StayBeyondGreen.com.

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Eco-Friendly Havila Voyages Highlights Norwegian Christmas Traditions

Enjoy a traditional Norwegian Christmas onboard Havila Voyages, the family-owned, sustainable cruise line sailing Norway’s historic coast, and experience iconic fjords, reindeer, Northern Lights, snowmobiling, and other incredible winter activities found in the region.

Want to do something really extraordinary for the holidays? Enjoy a traditional Norwegian Christmas onboard Havila Voyages, the family-owned, sustainable cruise line sailing Norway’s historic coast, and experience iconic fjords, reindeer, Northern Lights, snowmobiling, and other incredible winter activities found in the region.

Embracing the chilly Northern atmosphere and icy vistas during a Havila journey adds to the magical holiday atmosphere onboard and ashore. Here are some of the memorable holiday activities with Havila Voyages:

Christmas Market, Norwegian Style: Europe’s iconic Christmas markets are an annual must-do for many travelers, and Havila Voyages offers a chance to visit an authentic market in the heart of Trondheim. Available on Northbound itineraries from December 3 to 20, the Christmas walk in Trondheim takes passengers through the scenic city and its historic cathedral before browsing the Christmas market at Torvet Square. Mulled wine and sweet treats await. 

Tasty Treats: Yearround, Havila Voyages prioritizes local sourcing, seasonal ingredients and a-la-carte meals that promotes low-waste dining. During the holidays, guests can enjoy Norway’s classic holiday flavors like julegrøt porridge, saffron lussekater buns, Christmas cookies, and more. 

Festive Tunes: At the cool Havblikk Bar and Lounge, the social heart of the ships, revelers can listen to classic holiday songs by a live musician while sipping on a warm coffee, mocktail, or local liquors and brews.

Activities Galore: The dreamlike views from Havila Voyages — including the stunning Northern Lights — compliment the festive setting onboard, with activities like a Christmas gospel, tree lighting, Christmas workshop and puzzles, and more. 

Meanwhile, Havila Voyages is in the midst of holiday special deals on 2026 and 2027 voyages: Enjoy up to $800 in total benefits for sailings.

Havila Voyages is the newest operator with the most modern and environmentally friendly ships sailing on the 130-year old Norwegian Coastal Express route between Bergen and Kirkenes.

Havila Voyages’ first ship, Havila Capella (maiden voyage in December 2021) was crowned as the winner of the Next Generation Ship Award at Nor-Shipping 2022.  Its four new ships are loaded with the world’s largest battery pack ever installed on a passenger ship, so they can sail through vulnerable fjords, such as the world heritage Geirangerfjord, for four hours straight with zero emissions. 

The batteries are charged with clean hydropower ashore, and when we don’t use the batteries, we run on LNG (liquid natural gas) which – along with general efficient hybrid operation – cuts CO2 emissions by around 35 per cent. NOx emissions are reduced by 90 per cent compared to equivalent ships on the route. The hull is specially designed for maximum energy efficiency, and excess heat from cooling water and sea is used for heating on board.   

“The fact that we can run for four hours on battery is not only revolutionary when it comes to protecting the environment – it’s a revolution in safety,” said Tom-Rune Einarsen, captain at Havila Capella. “Up till this day, the captain, the crew, and the passengers on any ship, have shared one concern: What if there’s a blackout? A battery pack this size is a backup that has never existed on any ship before. It will ensure that we always make it ashore safely, even at the unlikely event of the engines breaking down”.  

“As one of only two companies officially entrusted by the Norwegian Government to operate the iconic route, we’ve been proud to lead with contemporary vessels since commencing sailings in 2021. Step aboard our modern, comfortable, and environmentally conscious ships for an unparalleled journey.”

See Havila Voyages at https://www.havilavoyages.com/voyages, https://www.havilavoyages.com/, +1 833 210 9067.

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Travel Experts to Discuss Lessons from COVID-19 on Tourism in a Changing Climate

Jokulsarlon Glacier, Iceland. The travel and tourism industry, which sustains environments, cultures and economies in communities around the world, faces twin crises of climate change and COVID-19. The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) is hosting a free 2020 World Tourism Day Webinar on Tuesday, September 29 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.

Join the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) for a 2020 World Tourism Day Webinar entitled Lessons from COVID-19 for Tourism in a Changing Climate, Tuesday, September 29, 11:00 am–12:30 pm EST

Registration for this free event is now open, and space is limited.

CREST’s annual meta-analysis, The Case for Responsible Travel: Trends & Statistics, will share key studies on COVID-19 and climate change and the lessons that may be applied from the former to meet the challenges of the latter. CREST’s World Tourism Day Webinar will share the report’s key findings and will bring together experts to discuss consumer, business, and destination trends in the context of recovery. 

Distinguished speakers will explore the unprecedented opportunity to mitigate two existential threats, climate change and COVID-19, with one coordinated approach, truly making the world a safer, more equitable, and more resilient place for all.

Panelists will include:

The latest report, The Case for Responsible Travel: Trends & Statistics 2020, a special edition on lessons from COVID-19 for tourism in a changing climate, comes at an unprecedented time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has highlighted the immense need and value of tourism, while fundamentally changing the way destinations, businesses, and travelers will plan, manage, and experience tourism. At the same time, climate change remains an existential threat that has real consequences for destinations and communities everywhere.

The report includes a special focus on the two major crises facing our world today: climate change and COVID-19. Sharing cutting-edge research and examples, the report describes how travelers, tourism businesses, and destinations are implementing workable, sustainable solutions to support our planet and its people. The report also provides an overview of what consumers, businesses, and destinations are experiencing during COVID-19 and offers sustainable solutions that can help the tourism industry on a road to responsible recovery.

“Crisis often breeds innovation, and destination communities and businesses must now take the time to reconsider the path forward,” said Gregory Miller, Executive Director of CREST. “As we look to the future of tourism, the same rigor and dedication that is needed to adapt to the pandemic must also be applied to neutralize the threat of climate change.”

Trends & Statistics 2020 updates CREST’s previous industry studies, released every year since 2013. This year’s report was prepared in collaboration with more than 30 leading organizations, researchers, and institutions, including the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The full report is available at responsibletravel.org.

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