Cairo, Egypt - February 4, 2010: British American Tobacco, Egypt (BAT), together with the Egyptian Hotel Association (EHA) in Alexandria and Hurghada, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at providing hotel guests in both cities with designated non-smoking and smoking areas.

Signed in both Hurghada and Alexandria in late 2009, the program has taken immediate effect, and is in place in hotels in both Hurghada and Alexandria.

Building on a similar MoU signed with the South Sinai Governorate in February 2009, the initiative has been developed under the framework of BAT's global "Respecting Choices" program, which ensures that both non-smoking and smoking customers are equally catered to through a mutually beneficial solution.

"It is the responsibility of every hospitality organization to provide its guests with various options, whether they are smokers or non-smokers," says Mr. Waseem Mohiedin, President of the EHA in Alexandria. "This partnership allows our guests to fully enjoy all aspects of all hotels, while taking into account different preferences."

The issue of public place smoking is an ongoing one, with environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) a key component of the discussion. Through this project, clear signage will be available in outlets directing both non-smokers and smokers to their respective areas.

"As a responsible tobacco company, we believe in working with different entities - whether private or government - to ensure that only consenting adult smokers are exposed to tobacco products," says Beverley Spencer-Obatoyinbo, General Manager of BAT Egypt. "We are delighted to have been able to partner with as influential a body as the Egyptian Hotel Association on such a worthy initiative."  

The "Respecting Choices" project, implemented by BAT in many countries worldwide, targets ETS through two methods: Segregation, which features both smoking and non-smoking areas in the same room, using airflow to limit the spread of smoke; and Separation, which features smoking rooms or lounges, using walls along with airflow techniques to prevent the smoke from spreading.

"We firmly believe that it is only through open and transparent dialogue that we can achieve truly successful results, as we managed to accomplish earlier in the year in Sharm El-Sheikh and now in Alexandria and Hurghada," explains Eric Jones, Area Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs for BAT North Africa. "Our Respecting Choices initiative proves that there are viable and practical alternatives to a complete ban on smoking in public places, which take into account the rights of both non-smokers and smokers."

- Ends -

About BAT
British American Tobacco is the world's most international tobacco group, with quality brands sold in more than 180 markets and a responsible approach to doing business from crop to consumer.

With a portfolio currently comprised of four brands - Rothmans, Kent, Viceroy and Dunhill - British American Tobacco Egypt has seen its market share steadily increase since its entry into the market in 2001. A firm partnership with local

manufacturer Eastern Company, along with manufacturing agreements for certain brands, has cemented BAT's position within the local market.

BAT, a strong advocate of anti-underage smoking, has previously partnered with the global oil and gas company Total to launch a Youth Smoking Prevention initiative in its outlets and is looking to expand the project across Egypt.

For more information, please contact:
Salah El Din Aloui
Media Relations Manager
Promoseven Weber Shandwick PR
Tel : 33047215
Fax : 33047213
Mobile: 012 3979586
E-mail: salah@promoseven.com

© Press Release 2010

 

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