FreshStay Members Recognized for Commitment to Clean Air

FreshStay.com unveils Certificate of Recognition for its growing family of 100% smoke-free accredite

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. January 28, 2009

JANUARY 28, 2009 - With businesses and consumers cutting back on travel and concerns about the economy growing every day, every hotel guest - and every dollar he or she spends - counts that much more.

Nevertheless, members of FreshStay.com - lodging's rapidly growing portal featuring integrated booking for thousands of 100% smoke free lodgings - continue to say 'No Vacancy' to nearly one-fifth of the U.S. adult population: smokers.

Why are they seemingly swimming upstream like salmon? Simple: FreshStay members are reaping repeat business, referrals and premium pricing because of their commitment to clean air - a move that immediately pays for itself while clearing away the clutter of competition.

Accreditation & Recognition

FreshStay.com is the largest, easiest and most comprehensive online directory of smoke-free hotels in the world. As its ranks grow toward a goal of 10,000 by the end of 2009, FreshStay is recognizing its partners for making the health of its guests and staff a priority by completely eliminating smoking from their premises.

Each member of FreshStay.com will receive a Certificate of Recognition to be displayed in their lobby or another prominent location. This certificate will serve as proof accreditation by an independent third party (FreshStay) that the facility is 100% smoke free. It also will demonstrate each hotel's commitment to providing a smoke-free atmosphere and will raise awareness among guests of the benefits of clean indoor air.

But this is not simply a case of principles over profits. Rather, by saying yes to the right customers - the Frequent Breathers who demand a clean room and healthy fresh air - it is the right business decision, too.

'It's not easy maintaining a competitive advantage in this difficult economic environment, but it's critical in the lodging industry,' says Dave Janicke, the CBO (Chief Breathing Officer) of FreshStay. 'Hoteliers' continued commitment to improving and maintaining indoor air quality provides just such an advantage. They no doubt are seeing the amazing difference it makes to be a 100% smoke-free hotel and we're glad to be here to assist.'

Though some initially are skeptical, FreshStay members have found time and again that the elimination of smoking from their facilities lowers cleaning costs, prevents damage to upholstery and furnishing, and keeps guests happier and more likely to stay again and refer their family, friends and co-workers.

Ravi Patel, General Manager for Country Inn & Suites By Carlson in historic Williamsburg, Va., is just one of thousands of hoteliers who have found that to be just the case.

'Being in a family market, we found that smoking rooms were becoming harder and harder to sell in our peak season - the only demand we had for them was in the off season and the offset revenue was not worth the loss in the summer,' explains Patel. 'Also, we only had five smoking rooms, and when they were occupied the entire floor would complain of the smell. So when we renovated we took the extra expense to completely gut those five rooms and make them non-smoking.

'Since we have eliminated smoking, we have no complaints of the smell on that floor anymore. Now, we have the ability to sell those rooms for a higher rate in peak season versus having to discount them just to get rid of them when we are in a sell-out position.'

LOHAS Outreach

As an added marketing benefit to its members, FreshStay.com is now advertising with LOHAS.com. LOHAS is the acronym for Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, and is made up of a market segment of consumers dedicated to living a healthier, more sustainable life.

LOHAS companies practice responsible capitalism by providing goods and services using economic and environmentally sustainable business practices.

'Consumers who support LOHAS companies are the perfect demographic for FreshStay.com,' Janicke says. 'Typically, LOHAS consumers are relatively upscale and well-educated, and are willing to make the extra effort to patronize companies that share their principles. Because LOHAS customers believe in healthy bodies as well as a healthy planet, this is a perfect relationship for us and benefits our customers as well.'

Marketing & Membership Talent

FreshStay.com pleased to announce that Tina Pike has joined the team as the Director of Communications.

Tina will be working directly with Dave Janicke to increase FreshStay.com's presence in the travel industry. As the trend of going smoke-free continues to mushroom, Pike will help raise consumers' awareness of current FreshStay members as well as will build relationships with potential new members whose policies fit with FreshStay's smoke-free and enhanced indoor air standards.