Attractions
- The Sheraton Seattle is constructing The Garden Walk, a project designed to transform downtown's 7th Avenue into a pedestrian corridor. The Sheraton's wall will become a green wall, with climbing vines, while Ginny Ruffner's sculpture, An Urban Garden, a 27-foot kinetic water feature, will anchor one corner. The Garden Walk is expected to open in the spring 2011. For more information, call 206.621.9000.
Tech Update
- The West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau in August launched its new mobile app, WehoKey, available for free download to help residents and visitors discover new businesses, redeem money-saving offers, connect with friends and share tips and deals. The app and mobile website also let visitors publish their opinions on WehoKey to Twitter and Facebook.
Programs & Packages
- The Hyatt Regency Monterey is offering its Meet and Be Green program, which encourages guests and planners to make green choices for their meetings. Participants will pledge to take 10 steps to go green during their meeting, including recycling during the meeting, minimizing shipping, eliminating disposable water bottles and using locally grown seasonal foods. The property will help source products with 100 percent recycled content, find local suppliers and maximize efforts to reduce waste. For new meetings booked by Dec. 30 and held by March 31, 2011, groups participating in the program will be eligible for a 3 percent rebate on the master bill. For more information, call 831.657.6560.
Kudos
- The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, located at Maui's Kaanapali Beach Resort, and the MoanaSurfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, located in Waikiki, are implementing Starwood Sustainable Meeting Practices and introducing new wellness initiatives. The sustainable meetings program encompasses 18 practices, including sustainable food choices on catering menus, impact assessment measurement and CSR activities. The two properties are also featuring spa treatments drawn from Hawaiian healing traditions and using "super food" ingredients such as green tea, blueberries, kiwi and acai. For more information, call the Westin Maui at 808.667.2525; call the MoanaSurfrider at 808.922.3111.