Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, part of the fast-growing, Brussels-based Rezidor SAS Hospitality, is reaffirming its commitment to responsible business (RB) practices with its participation in the annual Hotel Environment Action Month (HEAM).
Established in 2003, the HEAM initiative is organised and co-ordinated by the International Tourism Partnership, and aims to build awareness among hotel staff, guests and local communities of the environmental and social issues that face different regions around the world. To achieve this, HEAM encourages hotels to become involved in activities that not only communicate the need for responsible tourism, but also demonstrate the practical and innovative action already being taken by hotels worldwide.
Radisson SAS, already a leader in the industry for its RB practices, is using the HEAM event to intensify its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities across its fourteen Middle East properties. The Radisson SAS Martinez Hotel, Beirut is taking up the challenge of 'neighbourhood cleaning', while the Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat is launching an initiative to save water. The Radisson SAS Hotel, Jeddah is focusing on road safety for pedestrians, and the Radisson SAS Golden Resort, Sharm El Sheikh is introducing an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.
Although the environment is the main focus for initiatives this month, Radisson SAS is ensuring that all aspects of its extensive responsible business programme are being addressed, which includes charity and humanitarian work. Blood donation drives are taking place at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Bahrain, the Radisson SAS Hotel, Riyadh, and the Radisson SAS Hotel, Kuwait, offering guests and staff the opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives . The Radisson SAS Resort, Sharjah, has invited a group of children with special needs for a fun day at the beachside hotel, and the Radisson SAS Hotel, Yanbu in Saudi Arabia is organising a collection drive for beds, linen and toys to give to a children's home.
The Radisson SAS Resort, Taba, is a driving force for RB in the Red Sea region. The hotel implemented a comprehensive waste management system last year whereby plastic bags, cartons, paper, wood, metal and food waste is collected and stored separately from the general waste. These materials are then removed and recycled and food leftovers are given to the local Bedouin tribes to feed their animals. The property is currently helping to renovate a school in nearby Nuweiba, and staff will be spending time there doing general maintenance, painting etc.
"An initiative like HEAM provides the perfect opportunity for the whole industry to work together," said Ghosoun Al-Qadi, Regional HR & Training Manager, Rezidor SAS Middle East. "The challenge is to turn that one event into a year-round, long-term commitment. Radisson SAS understands the importance of a consistent RB strategy to make an ongoing positive impact that addresses social, environmental and economic factors and covers all aspects of hotel operations, including guests, staff, property owners, government, suppliers and the local community."
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Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts
Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, part of Rezidor SAS Hospitality, offers first class service, providing guests with a contemporary, upscale hospitality experience. Radisson SAS has received numerous awards for Best Hotel Chain and is renowned for its "Yes I Can" spirit of service and the "100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee". It currently includes 140 hotels either in operation or under development, in 39 countries, in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. For more information, visit www.radissonsas.com
Rezidor SAS Hospitality
Rezidor SAS Hospitality is one of the fastest growing hospitality companies in the world and currently has 252 hotels, encompassing over 47,000 rooms, in operation and under development in 48 countries, with the aim to develop 700 hotels across its different brands by 2012.
In September 2002, Rezidor SAS announced a unique deal with US-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide to expand selected Carlson brands in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Rezidor SAS now operates Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, Regent International Hotels Park Inn and Country Inns & Suites in these areas. Initially Rezidor SAS Hospitality was a wholly owned subsidiary of the Stockholm-based SAS Group. For more information on Rezidor SAS and its different brands, visit www.rezidorsas.com.
For more information, please contact:
Esther van Bemmelen
PR & Communications Manager
Rezidor SAS Hospitality Middle East
Tel. 00971 4 390 0082 Fax 00971 4 390 8171
E-mail: esther.vanbemmelen@radissonsas.com
© Press Release 2005
