Fujairah, United Arab Emirates: As part of Le Mridien Al Aqah's ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive which incorporates various campaigns to boost education and assist those less fortunate, yesterday, January 28, management from the hotel including members from the local municipality and environmental committee took part in a tree planting ceremony at Dadna Boy's School, Fujairah.
The tree planting ceremony is just one of the many environmental initiatives organized by the hotel's social team - a committee which was formed for the sole purpose of coordinating various CSR activities and plans. This is an undertaking which is fundamental to the brand core values of Le Mridien and was hugely successful in 2007 where for instance Al Aqah played host to children from the Special Needs Foundation and Fujairah orphanage.
Following the tree planting ceremony a representative from the hotel was present to discuss with students the importance of environmental responsibility in today's world given the threats posed by global warming.
"We are delighted to be part of this 'green' initiative, something which reflects the UAE's increasing focus on environmental matters and what better place for this to happen than in a school where children can get directly involved," said Patrick Antaki, general manager, Le Mridien Al Aqah.
"Le Mridien Al Aqah's focus on education and children will extend further in 2008 with the launch of a scholarship program in conjunction with a local institution, where for the first time a course related to travel and tourism will be available for interested students," added Antaki.
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About Le Mridien
Le Mridien brand, currently represented by approximately 120 properties in 52 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in November 2005. With close to 70 percent of its properties located in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, Le Mridien provides a strong international complement to Starwood's primarily North American holdings. Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Mridien-branded hotels within the next five years, concentrating in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, including destinations such as India, Thailand and China. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 890 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Mridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft(SM), and Element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
Press Release 2008
