Saunders Group's Lenox Hotel Sets Standard in Ecotourism
BOSTON, MA, December 27, 2006. The Saunders Hotel Group (SHG) and its Four Diamond Lenox Hotel have just received two of travel's most prestigious awards. As green hotels are becoming truly mainstream, SHG is being recognized for continuing to set the standard in urban, luxury ecotourism. Implementing innovative environmentally-friendly campaigns, since 1989, SHG is also recognized as an eco-pioneer in the world's largest industry - travel and tourism. SHG continues to expand and refine its industry leading program while consistently enhancing its reputation for quality, service and elegance.
The recent honor was awarded to The Lenox Hotel in Boston which was selected as the top urban hotel in the world on Conde Nast Traveler's Annual Green List. This exclusive list identifies the world's top 12 cr`eme de la cr`eme hotels, destinations, and tour operators.
Chosen by a panel of experts, the winners are judged for their commitment to environmental initiatives, their local communities and the quality of their guest experience. The Lenox is the only hotel in the United States, as well as the only urban hotel in the world, selected for this honor. Other global winners include South Africa's Grootbos Nature Reserve, the Philippine's El Nido Resorts, Aspen Ski Company and North Island in the Seychelles.
Among the many initiatives noted by the judges in their decision to honor The Lenox was its bold move to offset 100% of the carbon emissions resulting from all of its electricity usage. The Lenox was also the first US hotel to offer guests the now ubiquitous towel and linen reuse option, and the company has donated over $180,000 to environmental groups around the globe. The Lenox uses healthy cleaners, air fresheners and paints which improve the hotel's indoor air quality and its energy efficient windows keep rooms quiet and comfortable. These initiatives along with numerous other efforts demonstrate the care and dedication SHG has for its guests and the environment we depend upon.
The Saunders Hotel Group received a second prestigious award at the Skal International Ecotourism Awards Ceremony held in Thailand. Skal, the largest organization of travel and tourism professionals in the world, recognized SHG's S.H.I.N.E. Program (Saunders Hotels Initiatives to Nurture the Environment) for its comprehensiveness, innovation and excellence. Tedd Saunders, SHG Executive Vice President & Director of Ecological Affairs was at the ceremony to receive the award amidst representatives from 90 countries.
Said Saunders, "We are so proud of this recognition for our hard fought accomplishments which began with a simple recycling initiative over 17 years ago. From that modest beginning, this effort has evolved into an unprecedented campaign that is creating ripple effects across the entire lodging industry and helping ecotourism go mainstream."
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