" The importance of COP26 for the hospitality industry is the reinforcement of a global commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The major global lodging companies have generally committed to a 30% reduction in Carbon Emissions by 2030, detailed in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports and pages on their web sites. In particular, Marriott International, Hilton International and Accor provide an overview of the impact of the global efforts by lodging companies. Currently Marriott International Hotels has a global presence in 138 countries with 7,700 hotels across 30 hotel brands  and a loyalty program numbering 150 million members. Hilton International offers 18 brands in 119 countries with 1,019,287 hotel rooms in 6,478 hotels. Accor is present in 110 countries with 5,200 hotels representing 762,100 hotel rooms in 30 brands. Together these three major global hospitality companies represent a significant view of what the impact of combined 30% carbon emissions reduction efforts can achieve. On September 22nd, Marriott International announced that it has set a target to reach net-zero value chain green house gas emissions no later than 2050. All 3 hospitality companies have made a very clear and purposeful commitment to reducing the overall environmental impact of their hotel operations across the globe.

COP26 provides the lodging industry with a validation of their commitments to reduce carbon emissions and the impacts to the financial market and customers. Investors looking for companies that evidence the results of sustainability and environmental efforts will find such in the corporate social responsibility reports of these three global hospitality leaders. Marriott International has a loyalty program numbering over 150 million members. Loyal customers who want sustainability programs evidenced by the hotels in which they stay are a force that cannot be overlooked. The outcomes of COP26 will reinforce customer commitment to sustainability.

The attention to COP26 and commitments to further reduce carbon emissions by the attending countries will support the efforts of the hospitality industry and help companies to justify further investments and efforts in achieving published goals. The impacts of a global pandemic and devastating climate change related weather events are illustrating to the world that there is a force of nature that must be addressed in how we responsibly operate businesses as members of the global community. "