Keeping it Green is Second Nature for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Publish Date: 04/04/2006

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- As Earth Day approachs, Fairmont remains committed to Environmental Protection and Sustainability -

TORONTO, April 04, 2006 - For more than a decade, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has embraced its role as an environmental steward, helping to preserve the destinations both its colleagues and guests enjoy. As the hotel company commemorates Earth Day (April 22, 2006) with colleague initiatives across the chain, guests too can ''go green'' with year-round programs that protect the environment, provide enriching experiences and that are fun too! Packages and further information on Fairmont's Green Partnership Program can also be found at www.fairmont.com/environment.

The Fairmont Algonquin/The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
With Doing the Right Thing for the Right Whale, these two hotels have partnered with local organizations (Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station and New England Aquarium) to adopt right whales in order to promote conservation and research of this incredibly endangered species. Today only 300 of these mammals remain. The hotels promote education via ''educational focal points'' in the hotels that show the whales migration patterns, conservation and de-tangling programs, as well as proper whale watching etiquette. Both hotels are also in the process of creating Right Whale themed packages that will debut later this spring.

Fairmont Le Château Montebello
From learning about different plants, to getting up close and personal with crawlers of all sorts, the resort's A Bug's Life program connects kids with a whole new world. This luxurious log chateau based in Quebec has developed a complete range of ''nature-tainment'' for all ages including a guided bear tracking session, a canoe or kayak tour, and an outdoor drawing session. On arrival each child receives a customized Bio Kit created in partnership with Environment Canada's world-renowned Biosphere. Once the Eco-Kids have completed at least three of the recommended activities, they become official members of the Montebello Curiosity Club, with a certificate and surprise present to reward their hard work.

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Guests will be able to more fully enjoy the Sonoma Overlook Trail with the hotel's eco-innovation project, done in partnership with The Sonoma Ecology Center. The Sonoma Overlook Trail Improvement Plan provides for interpretive signage -- guests can participate in guided trail excursions creating an interactive educational experience. The two-mile loop, perfect for all levels, provides a scenic view of the town from the hillside and hikers can spot native trees, including manzanitas, vineyards and wildflowers.

The Fairmont Southampton
The Fairmont Southampton is protecting the endemic Bermuda cedar through the Leave It Green replanting program. Although once abundant on the island, the cedars were destroyed by a parasite infestation many years ago. Guests can participate by ''adopting'' a tree to replant on the hotel grounds or golf course. In addition to enhancing the natural environment, plans are underway to add an educational component to this activity by allowing guest gardeners to assist with the replanting.

The Fairmont Olympic, Seattle
A Whale of a Time is designed to assist two local organizations (People for Puget Sound and the Whale Museum) that are working to restore Puget Sound to a healthy state. Visitors and guests of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel can experience Puget Sound in a unique way through the hotel's ''A Whale of a Time'' package with a portion of the proceeds donated to the local Whale Museum.

The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
The Fairmont Kea Lani's Oceans of Aloha project focuses on the protection of the Pacific Ocean while incorporating elements of Hawaiian culture and spirit. Year-round activities include daily and weekly beach monitoring for pollutants, guest tours to promote awareness of environmental issues, as well as a protection initiative for the endangered hawksbill turtle.

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Quebec's Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, located within a World Biosphere Reserve, has partnered with the Research and Educational Group on Marine Mammals to facilitate research into this endangered species. The Adopt-A-Beluga Program promotes guest interaction at the property with an interpretive program for adults and children, a ''Beluga Club'' for kids and the creation of a special Beluga package including a river excursion to observe the whales.

The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Fairmont Pierre Marques and Fairmont Mayakoba
The three Fairmont hotels in Mexico are committed to the protection of endangered marine turtles. In Acapulco, under the supervision of a professional ecologist, eggs are collected and protected in a special farm with 243 semi natural nests located on the Fairmont grounds. In 2005, 42,357 eggs were collected and 21,755 baby turtles were released. Guests are shown the nests, educated about the turtle life cycle, and then can help return young turtles to the ocean. Children who participate are given an adoption certificate displaying their turtle name of choice. Guests will be able to participate in a similar program at The Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, opening later this year.

THE FAIRMONT GREEN PARTNERSHIP
Fairmont is committed to protecting the environment because it isn't just something that's ''out there'' - it's the place where each of us lives, works and plays. Pioneered by the company's Canadian properties in 1990, the award-winning Fairmont Green Partnership program is now growing across the United States and internationally. This comprehensive initiative to minimize the impact of hotel operations on the environment addresses key issues including waste management, water and energy conservation, habitat protection, purchasing, employee and guest education and community outreach. In addition to publishing ''The Green Partnership Guide'', a ''going green'' handbook for the hospitality industry, individual Fairmont properties are innovating with food re-distribution and composting, tree-planting days, lighting retro-fits and a wide range of other everyday activities, special events and capital investments that protect their communities and the planet.

Featuring a collection of fabled castles, secluded lodges, storied meeting places and modern retreats, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts opens the doors to some of the world's most celebrated addresses. With locations throughout eight countries, our 44 distinctive hotels - including The Fairmont San Francisco, The Fairmont Banff Springs and London's Savoy - promise travelers rich experiences and lasting memories in unparalleled settings. Committed to growing its portfolio of world-class hotels, Fairmont will soon reflag five hotels in Kenya and anticipates the 2007 re-opening of New York's famed Plaza Hotel. Future Fairmont Hotels & Resorts also include locations in Cairo, Turks & Caicos, Abu Dhabi and Dubai's Palm Islands. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414.

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