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KELOWNA, B.C., July 7, 2026 — GreenStep has become the first North American-based GSTC-Recognized Standard Owner to make GSTC Certification available to hotels, accommodations, and tour operators. Through a partnership with RoyalCert, a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, tourism businesses can now pursue independent third-party certification against the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standard.

“Becoming the first North American-based standard owner to make GSTC Certification available is a major milestone for GreenStep and for the tourism businesses we support,” said Angela Nagy, president and chief executive officer of GreenStep. “Sustainable tourism claims are only as credible as the standard and process behind them. When a business earns GSTC Certification through the GreenStep Standard, that achievement has been independently verified against globally accepted criteria. That rigour is what tourism businesses, destinations, travellers and trade partners need as sustainability becomes a core part of competitiveness.”

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council sets the internationally accepted baseline for credible sustainability in travel and tourism through criteria developed with input from governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and the United Nations.

Unlike self-reported sustainability programs, GSTC Certification confirms that a tourism business has been independently audited against these criteria by a third-party
GSTC-accredited certification body. Businesses certified through the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standard will be audited by RoyalCert, which conducts certification audits in more than 40 countries.

GSTC Certification also drives market access for tourism businesses. GSTC-certified properties are eligible for the GSTC Market Access Program, which provides added visibility on major booking platforms including Booking.com and Trip.com, where certification drives algorithmic preference and feature placement. Major corporate travel managers, including American Express Global Business Travel and BCD Travel, are actively preferencing or requiring GSTC-certified properties, with AMEX GBT targeting certification at 25 per cent of Bookings.

Demand for certification also extends to the largest global tourism sectors. Major international cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises, now require or prefer that excursion tour operators hold GSTC Certification, making it a procurement requirement for tourism suppliers serving those markets.

“Becoming the first organization based in North America to make GSTC Certification available through a recognized standard is a significant milestone for GreenStep, its strategic partner RoyalCert and the credibility of sustainable tourism across the region,” said Randy Durband, chief executive officer of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

“Partnering with GreenStep reflects our shared commitment to raising the bar for what sustainability certification means in the tourism industry,” said Christos Markopoulos, chief executive officer of RoyalCert. “RoyalCert is proud to support this new program for North
American tourism businesses seeking credible, internationally recognized certification.” GreenStep has been advancing sustainable tourism standards in Canada since October 2020, when the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standard became the first Canadian standard to achieve GSTC-Recognized status. This was followed by the GreenStep Destination Standard in December 2021.

Tourism businesses interested in pursuing GSTC Certification through the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standard can contact GreenStep at greenstep.ca.

 
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ATLANTA (July 6, 2026) – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, celebrates its continued growth in Canada across a portfolio that now includes more than 200 open hotels, a major milestone that underscores the company’s ongoing momentum within key global markets.

The broadening of IHG’s Canadian portfolio comes as the nation expects a strong 2026 for tourism, with Destination Canada forecasting visitor spending to increase by 6 percent year-over-year and reach more than $140B in value. This includes a resurgence in domestic travel across urban, suburban and secondary markets.

Jolyon Bulley, Chief Executive Officer, Americas for IHG, said: “Reaching 200 open IHG hotels in Canada is a testament to the strength of our brands, the dedication of our teams and the trust our owners place in us. With a balance of major metropolitan cities and scenic natural landscapes, Canada offers a stay for every traveler and occasion. We remain focused on capitalizing on this building demand and delivering the right brands in the right places that meet evolving guest needs.”

Looking ahead, IHG will further expand its presence across key Canadian markets with nearly 40 hotels in the development pipeline. Six additional hotels planned to open this year include Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites properties in Barrie, Aurora East, Pembroke and Woodstock. These openings will build on the seven new hotels that arrived in Canada in 2025, including a Crowne Plaza in Toronto and four Staybridge Suites properties.

IHG’s growth in Canada additionally includes the introduction of several of its new and emerging brands. voco hotels – IHG’s fastest-growing premium brand globally – recently signed its first Canadian hotels in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Niagara Falls. IHG also is capitalizing on growing regional demand for high-quality midscale conversions, with the Garner brand set to make its Canadian debut in 2027 with three planned southern Alberta hotels in Red Deer, Medicine Hat and near Calgary International Airport.

To learn more and book a stay, visit ihg.com

 
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(TORONTO: June 30th, 2026) Just in time for summer travel, Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport announces the launch of its Little Explorers Program, a collection of family-focused experiences designed to make pre- and post-flight stays easier, more comfortable and more memorable for families travelling through Toronto Pearson.

Inspired by the hotel’s infamous Wild Wonders and Gamer Zone family guest room experiences, the Little Explorers Program brings the spirit of exploration into more moments of the stay with a dedicated Kids Check-In, a custom colouring booklet, a kid’s menu, The Explorers Club kids play room, and new Play Stop arcade experience opening this summer.

“Family travel is full of big moments, but it also comes with a lot of moving parts,” said Craig Reaume, General Manager, Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport. “With the Little Explorers Program, we wanted to give kids space to play, parents a chance to exhale, and families a more memorable start or end to their journey.”

Designed with the realities of family travel in mind, the program helps turn early flights, long travel days, and airport transitions into moments of ease, connection, and play.

Open to all hotel guests, The Explorers Club gives children a place to move, play, and burn off energy during their stay. This summer, the hotel will add a new arcade experience, bringing another layer of entertainment to families staying before an early morning flight, arriving after a long journey, or extending their travels with an airport stay.

With direct airport terminal access, spacious guestrooms, on-site dining, an indoor pool, and a direct connection to downtown Toronto via UP Express, Sheraton Gateway offers families a seamless way to begin or end their travels. From gate to guestroom in minutes, the hotel brings together ultimate convenience and an elevated experience, helping families spend less time managing travel stress and more time making memories.

For more information and to book your stay, visit www.marriott.com/yyzgs

 
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June 24th, 2026 – CALGARY – Travelodge Canada has officially opened the Travelodge by Wyndham Schreiber, expanding the brand's coast-to-coast network to more than 95 Travelodge by Wyndham and Thriftlodge branded properties.

The Travelodge by Wyndham Schreiber opened its doors to guests on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, welcoming travellers into 18 well-appointed rooms. Ideally situated along the Trans-Canada Highway, the hotel is just 2 km from the scenic Schreiber Beach and adjacent to Schreiber Arena making the property a convenient choice for business and leisure travellers exploring Northwestern Ontario. Guests will enjoy the comfortable accommodations which includes free breakfast, complimentary WiFi and ample onsite parking.

“The location of this property positions it as a natural stopover for road travellers, and a convenient basecamp for those looking to explore the rugged beauty of Northwestern Ontario.” said Trevor Hagel, Executive Vice President of Operations, Travelodge Canada. "Whether guests are in town for business or using this property as a basecamp to explore the region with family, this hotel delivers exactly what our guests are looking for — value, convenience, and comfort"

Looking Ahead
This opening marks Travelodge Canada's fourth property launch of 2026. The brand remains committed to growing its coast-to-coast footprint, with several additional openings planned for later this year.

 
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MISSISSAUGA, ON | JUNE 24, 2026 – The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) hosted its 27th Annual General Meeting on June 23, 2026, at the Old Mill Toronto, bringing together hospitality leaders, members, partners, and industry stakeholders from across the province to celebrate accomplishments, discuss industry priorities, and look ahead to the future of Ontario's hospitality sector.

ORHMA extends its sincere appreciation to all members, partners, and guests who attended this year's AGM and contributed to the continued growth and success of the association.

During the meeting, ORHMA reflected on key achievements over the past year, including advocacy efforts on behalf of Ontario's hospitality industry, workforce development initiatives, member engagement programs, strategic partnerships, and continued support for operators navigating an evolving business environment.

ORHMA is pleased to announce the appointment of its 2026/2027 Provincial Board of Directors and congratulates the following newly elected Directors:

Yannick Biogourdan

KLTY Hospitality

Melissa French

Silver Hotel Group

Eric McEwan

McEwan Group

Bernadette Osmow-Farag

Osmow's Inc.

Hanisha Sharma

JM Hospitality

ORHMA is also pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Jensen, General Manager, Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, as Chair of the Board for the 2026/2027 term.

A respected hospitality leader with extensive experience in hotel operations, guest experience, workforce development, and industry engagement, Michael brings a collaborative leadership style and a strong commitment to advancing Ontario's hospitality industry. As Chair, he will work alongside ORHMA's Board of Directors, members, industry partners, and government stakeholders to champion key priorities including workforce development, advocacy, business growth, and industry sustainability.

ORHMA extends its sincere appreciation to outgoing Chair Jorge Soares, Vice President, Partnerships & Customer Growth at Woodbine Entertainment Group, for his exceptional leadership and dedication during his tenure. Under Jorge's guidance, ORHMA strengthened its advocacy efforts, expanded workforce development initiatives, enhanced member programs, and continued to elevate the profile and influence of Ontario's hospitality industry.

ORHMA also extends its sincere gratitude to its outgoing Board members for their dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing Ontario's hospitality industry. Through their volunteer service, strategic guidance, and industry expertise, they have played an important role in helping shape ORHMA's advocacy efforts, workforce development initiatives, member programs, and long-term vision. On behalf of the Board, members, and staff, ORHMA thanks these individuals for their valuable contributions and lasting impact on both the association and the hospitality community across the province.

During the AGM, attendees received an update on the state of Ontario's hospitality industry, including ongoing labour and workforce challenges, advocacy priorities, economic opportunities, and industry initiatives designed to support operators across the province.

The meeting also highlighted several key priorities for the year ahead, including workforce development, leadership training, member engagement, digital and social media initiatives, crime prevention and safety programs, human trafficking awareness, and continued collaboration with industry, education, and government partners to address the evolving needs of Ontario's hospitality sector.

ORHMA looks forward to working alongside its Board of Directors, members, industry partners, and government stakeholders to continue advancing Ontario's vibrant hospitality sector.

For more information about ORHMA's advocacy efforts, programs, workforce development initiatives, and member services, visit www.orhma.com.

 

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