Ribbon Cutting of new Omni Barton Creek Resort a study in self-congratulatory, anti-environmental celebration

As a member of the media, I was invited to the ribbon cutting and grand re-opening of the completely overhauled Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas. As a journalist who frequently covers tourism & hospitality, including hotel openings and news, events like this are pretty much straightforward, non-controversial, even fun events.

Today’s ceremony at the Omni, however, made my blood boil.