Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1476179
B M & T ••• July/August 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 8 H O T E L H A P P E N I N G S WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS ANNOUNCES LATEST COMMITMENTS TO SUSTAINABILITY AND A CULTURE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION Company Releases 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report and is recognized by DiversityInc and Forbes for its Dedication to Diversity Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel fran- chising company with over 8,900 hotels across over 95 coun- tries, released its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report high- lighting its dedication to operating in a socially, ethically and e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y responsible way. These commitments are underscored by recent accolades, including recognition by DiversityInc, which highlighted Wyndham as a company with leading diversity prac- tices for 2022, and Forbes as one of The Best Employers for Diversity 2022. As the world's largest hotel fran- chisor, we have the responsibility to strengthen the communi- ties in which we serve "The significance of our Company's vision – to be the world's leading hotel company by delivering the best value to owners and guests – is more important than ever. We believe as the world's largest hotel franchisor, we have the responsi- bility to strengthen the communities in which we serve as we protect the environment for future generations while contin- uing the growth and success of our global franchise system," said Geoffrey A. Ballotti, president and chief executive offi- cer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. "We have witnessed the incredible resiliency of our owners, guests, and team members during these past two years. And as people return to traveling in record numbers, we look forward to welcoming them to Wyndham where we have a brand for every guest as we work to continue to advance our values-driven culture." FOCUS ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION Deeply committed to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the organization, Wyndham believes that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences help drive the company's success and was recognized by DiversityInc as a company with leading diversity practices for 2022. The Company was recently recognized by Forbes as one of The Best Employers for Diversity 2022, and for the fourth consec- utive year, Wyndham received another perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's 2022 Corporate Equality Index measuring LGBTQ workplace equality. Wyndham continu- ously infuses different perspectives into the workplace that reflect its diverse guests, customers, and communities around the world and offers enhanced training to address unconscious biases and racism and also foster allyship. Advancing its com- mitment to diversity, Wyndham unveiled its innovative "Women Own the Room" pro- gram, the first-ever pro- gram by a major hotel company specifically targeting wonen's advancement in hotel ownership. Women Own the Room is designed to advance and empower women entrepreneurs to break through the predominantly male-dominated hotel indus- try and is a natural extension of the brand's commitment to DEI. The program is generating great interest and has proudly awarded new hotel development contracts to women develop- ers for projects in Colorado, Delaware, Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma, and Florida. "We have created a culture that fosters an inclusive workplace for our team members, where all individuals are treated with respect and can achieve both personal and professional success," said Monica Melancon, chief human resource officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY Wyndham is commit- ted to protecting the environment and dem- onstrating leadership in