Statement from Sue Brush, Senior Vice President, Westin Hotels & Resorts: “When Westin became the first chain to go smoke-free last year, our intent was to deliver on our brand promise of personal renewal by providing a healthy haven for our guests, who are increasingly focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This decision to go smoke-free has been overwhelmingly positive for our associates and our guests. Our business has grown stronger, and we have been applauded by guests and third parties, including the American Lung Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Legacy Foundation. We are absolutely committed to providing guests with an environment to relax and renew, and we have begun implementing our smoke-free policy in global markets including Australia, Fiji and Scotland. With our history of innovation and hotel industry firsts, such as the creation of the Heavenly Bed and the brand’s Signature WestinWORKOUT lifestyle guestrooms, we have been widely imitated by our competitors, but we are truly proud to see the industry following our lead by embracing 100% smoke-free hotel environments which is a real win for travelers.”

Quick facts:

—Westin Hotels & Resorts announced that it would become the first hotel chain to go 100% smoke-free in North America on December 5, 2005.

—Westin has been recognized for its leadership on smoke-free environments by numerous third-parties. We have won several awards, including the American Legacy Foundation: American Legacy Award and the American Lung Association’s Lung Champion Award and Partners in Lung Health Award. We have also spoken at many national conferences on smoke-free environments, including at the World Conference on Tobacco OR Health.

—Over 40 independent hotels and one national hotel chain have followed Westin’s lead since we announced our smoke-free decision.

—Westin has converted all 3,900 of its smoking rooms to non-smoking through an extensive cleaning process.

—Prior to the conversion of its smoking rooms, 92% of Westin’s guests requested a smoke-free room when booking.

—All Westin hotels in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean are now 100% smoke-free, and some international properties are following suit.

—Westin’s new brand positioning is centered around renewal and moving forward will be the driving force behind everything we do. Our philosophy is to offer a spectrum of products, services and personal touches that will make our guests feel better than they did when they arrived.

—To help ease the stress associated with travel Westin recently introduced a sensory welcome program designed to create a relaxing, renewing arrival experience by catering to the five senses.
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