Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Honors Westin Hotels
INDIANAPOLIS – Officials representing Indiana Tobacco Prevention Cessation (ITPC) today presented a special award to Westin Hotels and Resorts for its decision to adopt a 100% smoke-free policy in all 77 of its properties in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, including The Westin Hotel in Downtown Indianapolis.
The ceremony – conducted as part of the 2006 Indiana Tobacco Information X-Change – was attended by Janet Lewis, senior manager, marketing partnership and sponsorships, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. and Michael Larson, the Westin Indianapolis’ general manager. On hand to make the presentation was State Health Commissioner Judith A. Monroe, M.D. and ITPC Executive Director Karla Sneegas.
"I congratulate the Westin on taking this positive step to protect the health of your employees and guests," said State Health Commissioner Judith A. Monroe, M.D. "This is just the type of leadership role that INShape Indiana is challenging Hoosiers to take to promote healthy behaviors in their communities."
The policy took effect Jan. 1st. In doing so, Westin is the first hotel chain to introduce a brand-wide, smoke free policy. Hotel officials said the new policy is a result of customer data and "a clear demand from our guests for a healthy, smoke-free hotel experience".
According to a news release, Westin consumer data showed that 92% of its guests request a non-smoking room when traveling and do not smoke in any part of the hotel, including public areas.
In addition, Westin conducted a Smoke-Free Poll** that showed the majority of consumers who travel prefer a smoke-free environment. The poll also found that 86% agree that creating a non-smoking environment is an important first step in creating a healthier environment and 80% prefer when restaurants and other indoor public spaces are free of cigarette and cigar smoke.
About Westin Hotels and Resorts:
Westin Hotels & Resorts, with 121 hotels and resorts in 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced AloftSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com .
*Smoking may be permitted in areas not owned or operated by Westin Hotels & Resorts and in designated outdoor smoking areas. ** The Westin Hotels & Resorts Smoke-Free poll was conducted online by Russell Research from November 9 – 10, 2005 among 1,054 online adults across the United States. Figures for gender, age, and geography were weighted where necessary to match their actual proportions in the population.
Facts for Life
- Quit smoking.
- Find a local tobacco prevention coalition in my community.
- Find which Indiana cities have a smoke free law.
- Get my workplace to be smoke free.
- Find area restaurants that are smoke free.
- Make my apartment building smoke free.
- Protect my family from secondhand smoke.
- Find more information about the Indiana Tobacco Quitline.
- Report a retailer selling tobacco to a youth.
