FAIRMONT Hotels & Resorts’ Meetings that Matter programme helps not only the luxury brand’s associates and colleagues, but also its guests to become involved in making a difference.
Meetings and conferences can have a positive impact beyond the meeting room, as companies seek out ways to give back to the communities and destinations where they gather. Whether it’s cleaning up local waterways, assisting local shelters or building homes for Habitat for Humanity, every Fairmont now offers a powerful way for groups to give back.
Additionally, the Meetings That Matter charitable donation component has been extended through 2012. Planners booking a new meeting with a minimum of 50 room nights may donate 10 per cent of the room revenue generated by the event to a charitable organisation. Planners can determine the charity of choice, whether it is a cause that resonates most strongly with attendees, a local organization in need, or one of Fairmont’s corporate partners, which include the National Geographic Society, WWF and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
At Fairmont properties in the Middle East, there are also other opportunities for groups to give back:
At the Makkah Clock Royal Tower in Saudi Arabia, an on-going Feel your Senses programme supports people who are visually impaired by giving them the financial assistance they need to regain their sight.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi gives guests the opportunity to participate in two international celebrations for the environment each year. For Earth Hour, held annually in late March, the hotel works with the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) and Emirates Wildlife Society in developing an initiative to reduce energy consumption by hosting a 24-hour cycle-a-thon in the lobby where participants cycle on static bikes to create sufficient energy to power a TV screen. A percentage of donations from the dinners purchased on Earth Hour are provided to WWF and Emirates Wildlife Society. The hotel also offers a beach clean-up activity from October to December where guests can assist with the clean-up and beautification of the city.
During Ramadan, Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers offers a half-day programme where groups can sponsor 150 orphan children at the property, creating a fun atmosphere that includes dancing, singing, gifts, and Egyptian food and drinks. Attendees can also participate in a charity that supports 10 families per day by preparing 60 meals for two days during the holy month of Ramadan.
For a comprehensive look at Fairmont’s meeting offerings, visit fairmontmeetings.com or contact Global Events & Meetings Solutions, a dedicated resource for meeting planners available at meet@fairmont.com or 1-866-662-6060 from within North America, and 1-506-877-3162 internationally.