Programs & Packages
- The new Hilton Bella Harbor hotel in north Texas is offering a Sailing into the Future partnership program with a national executive training program. The executive training program and the vessel used are located on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard. The SeaWolf, a 50-passenger, 40’ x 25’ catamaran, is the largest hand-made, fully operational wooden vessel in North America and the only one of its kind that is completely solar powered. SeaWolf was designed and created specifically for the Sailing into the Future team-building program, which includes activities such as nautical assessment, raising the sails, sail trim and steering, reading the wind, and docking the boat. Along with the corporate focus of the SeaWolf, the hotel plans to offer the catamaran for midnight sails and catered dinner cruises. For more information, call 214.771.3700 or visit www.dallasrockwall.hilton.com.
Kudos
- The annual Ritz-Carlton Hotel General Manager’s conference was held in New Orleans in early April. One day of the conference was devoted to a Habitat for Humanity build in the city’s Musician’s Village. Some 70 Ritz-Carlton executives received eco-friendly build bags, which included everything from gloves, safety goggles, hats, and bandanas to sunscreen, all used to help erect a Habitat home. In addition to the Musician’s Village service hours, the company donated a percentage of the conference fees to the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. Since its reopening, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans has donated funds to other local relief organizations as well, such as Crescent City Comeback, A Night of Jazz and Bring Back the Big Easy, through the sale of voluntourism room packages, while employees have donated service hours. The hotel has worked with meeting planners to organize relief projects in lieu of a typical team-building exercise. For more information, call 504.524.1331 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.
- The Doubletree Guest Suites, in the Walt Disney World Resort, recently re-opened following a multimillion-dollar renovation. The 229-room, all-suite hotel was presented with its official designation as a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program from the state of Florida. To be designated a member of the program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices, including water conservation measures and energy efficiency achieved by installing Energy Star appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, and purchasing recycled materials, and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated members of the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green cleaners, high-efficiency air filters and clean air handler units frequently. For more information, call 407.934.1000 or visit http://doubletree1.hilton.com.