Westin Hotels in Australia and the Pacific become Smoke Free

Hotel guests and clients are applauding the bold non-smoking policy of Westin Hotels & Resorts in Australia and the Pacific, who became smoke free from Monday.

The Westin Melbourne, The Westin Sydney and The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa Fiji are among the first hotels in this region to introduce a 100% no smoking policy following customer data and a clear demand from guests for a healthy, totally smoke free hotel experience.

They follow the lead of Westin’s 77 North America hotels who became smoke-free policy this past January as part of Westin’s new brand positioning around personal renewal and offering guests services, products and amenities that allow them to relax, rejuvenate and restore during their stay.

Westin consumer data revealed 95% of its guests in this region request a non-smoking room when traveling and don’t smoke in any area of the hotel, including public areas. In eight test hotels that introduced 100% smoke free policies in the US, all enjoyed overwhelming positive response from guests. Introduction of the smoke free policy six months ago across all 77 Westin properties in North America has also received positive feedback from guests, staff and industry.

“Industry research as well as our own research confirmed a demand for a clean, smoke free hotel environment and we felt it important to take this step,” said Sean Hunt, VP & Area Managing Director for Starwood hotels in Australia & the Pacific.

Westin’s own customer research is backed by recent independent consumer surveys highlight 71% of people polled support a total ban on smoking in hotels, pubs and clubs while 81% of consumers dislike it if they stay in a non-smoking room and it smells like smoke.

The new non smoking policy means the Melbourne, Sydney and Fiji hotels have not only made a 12 month jump start on non-smoking legislation that will be introduced to Australia in July 2007, they are also exceeding the requirements. Each property is now smoke free in public areas as well as 100% smoke free in all guest rooms – with the traditional “smoking rooms” a thing of the past. Outdoor smoking areas have been designated for guests who smoke.

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