Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley, located in Brisbane, Australia, stands out not only for its stylish design but also for its commitment to empowering the communities through its innovative Youth Xcellence Program. This program aims to provide high school students with valuable opportunities to explore and pursue careers in the hospitality industry. The hotel has successfully hosted 15 students, offering them a full-day immersive experience in the hotel’s daily operations. Selected students have gained the opportunity of paid work experience in departments such as human resources, sales, and marketing. In the final phase, these students will undergo comprehensive vocational training. What sets this program apart is that all training and experience take place on-site at the hotel, providing a real-world learning environment.

Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley is part of the Vignette Collection, a division of IHG Hotels & Resorts known for its commitment to community and social responsibility. While each Vignette hotel has the autonomy to develop its own initiatives, they all share a common goal of building brighter futures for the communities they serve. These initiatives may include skills-building programs or organizing community events and volunteer activities.

In addition to branded hotels, independent properties are also making strides in community engagement. Cuyama Buckhorn in California’s Santa Barbara County serves as a vital community hub, hosting meetings between residents and government officials to discuss important local matters. Similarly, Maple Grove Hot Springs & Retreat Center in southeastern Idaho has invested in solar-powered, net-zero operations and actively participates in cultural preservation initiatives. By blurring the lines between business and communities, these hotels are setting a positive example in their respective regions.

The current pandemic scenario has changed the face of global travel and tourism a lot. ‘Staycation’ has emerged not only as a popular trend, but also as a useful option to take a short break from a hectic mundane schedule, but on a smaller budget than a planned vacation.

Staycation and Self-Care

Staycation also gives you the utmost opportunity to indulge in much-needed self-care. Exploring your area and yourself along with it is the fruitful outcome of staycation. It doesn’t require a planned trip out of town, instead just spend some time outside your home to go with the day! Follow these staycation and self-care ideas to enjoy a day being relaxed and pampered.

Plunge into a Pool

If you don’t have a pool in your home but you love to swim, and the local recreational pool is either crowded or not open yet, don’t worry! There is a handy app named ‘Swimly’, which will rent you a pool for a day. Just book a pool of your choice and relax in private or in the company of your friends or family. Another app ‘Joyspace’ is also coming, with the options for renting private gyms, home studios, and basketball courts.

Experience a Unique Space

A unique space is great to explore, hang out, host a small party, or just to spend some fun time capturing some insta-shots or creating a photoshoot. Handy websites like ‘Peerspace’ are there to offer you carefully chosen unique venues for renting.

Enjoy a Picnic

Want to plan a picnic but worried about all the arrangements? Just hire someone to do it for you! In Los Angeles and many other areas of the US, there are several trendy picnics set up businesses, picnic baskets, and charcuterie board businesses like HolaJalapeno.com, at your service. So, take the day off and enjoy a picnic with friends and families under the sky, without any hassle.

Boost Your Mental Health Amidst Nature

If you are from the Los Angeles or a neighboring area, websites like ‘Healing Garden’ are there to rent you a garden or any outdoor space of your choice to provide you a day of de-stressing. With various gorgeous urban gardens to choose from, they literally bring nature to your doorstep!