Swire Hotels today announced the hotel group’s participation in ‘FLY greener’ with Cathay Pacific, its sister airline Dragonair and the airlines’ carbon offset programme.

From 1 June 2011, Marco Polo Club members travelling on a Cathay Pacific or Dragonair flight and staying at a Swire Hotels property will be able to offset the carbon emissions from their inbound journey. This benefit will begin with The Opposite House in Beijing and The Upper House in Hong Kong.

Swire Hotels will be purchasing carbon offsets from FLY greener to help support the development of environmental projects in Mainland China that reduce carbon emissions and generate social benefits.  Swire Hotels are conscious of making a positive difference to the environment and this move shows the three companies are committed to managing their environmental and sustainability impacts.

Upon arrival at The Opposite House and The Upper House, guests are welcomed to check in anywhere in the hotel with a Guest Experience team member by using a designated tablet PC or iPad® containing all guests’ information and preferences rather than using paper. At The Upper House, a unique iPod touch® is provided in each of the guest rooms and suites offering a comprehensive source for all hotel information. The hotel also uses energy-saving hybrid cars for airport transfers and private hire.

Cathay Pacific highlights that this new initiative makes it easier than ever for members of The Marco Polo Club to offset their carbon emissions from their trips and to help reduce their personal carbon footprints. It also allows both Swire Hotels and guests to take a more active role in environmental initiatives by offsetting carbon emissions from air travel in a way that is credible, cost effective and efficient.