Tianjin, March 27, 2010 – The Westin Tianjin is leaving guests in the dark in the evening of March 27. But it’s all for a good cause.
The Westin Tianjin will turn off its lights in observance of Earth Hour, a worldwide event organized by the World Wildlife Fund to send a powerful global message about environmental awareness and caring for the planet. Nearly one billion people turned out for Earth Hour 2009 – involving 4,100 cities in 87 countries on seven continents.
To underscore parent Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc.’s (NYSE: HOT) dedication to environmental sustainability, The Westin Tianjin will also share other energy-saving measures during Earth Hour, March 27 at 8:30pm. Activities include: lit up candle in a ‘60’ shape at the lobby; turn off exterior signage lighting; dim or turn off non-essential interior lighting; use candlelight in appropriate public areas such as restaurants and bars; and use in-room voicemail messages and in-room television messages to inform guests about Earth Hour observances.
Earth Hour is drawing strong support from Starwood hotels around the globe. Last year, the unlit hotels offered striking visual imagery that provided an apt symbol of Earth Hour.
“We hope our guests can act together with us. This makes a big difference to the planet we are living in.” said Sunny Heng, General Manager of The Westin Tianjin.
Hundreds of Starwood hotels around the world will also coordinate Earth Hour awareness events, including community walk-a-thons, public candlelight “unplugged” concerts, and receptions for guests featuring signature green cocktails.