INTER-CONTINENTAL HOTEL CAPTURES TOP ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD FOR EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA

30 July 2002

The Hotel Inter-Continental Asmara has captured this year’s ‘Conserving Our Planet’ prize for Europe, Middle East and Africa ahead of more than 500 other properties operated by Six Continents Hotels in the region.

The award recognises the hotel’s outstanding commitment to preserve and protect the environment for future generations. 

Coinciding with the fifth anniversary of Eritrea’s Martyr’s Park, management and staff of the Hotel Inter-Continental Asmara participated in a tree planting campaign within the park’s 280 hectares of beautiful plains, valleys and mountains. Over the coming years, thousands more trees will be planted by hotel staff in honour of the 65,000 patriot fighters and the tens of thousands of noncombatants who gave their lives for Eritrean independence.

The hotel has additionally pledged support to plant thousands of mangrove trees in the seawater forest located in Massawa at a cost of approximately US$15,000. Donations collected from hotel guests and staff are forwarded to Six Continents Hotels which contributes these funds to UNICEF’s clean water and sanitation fund. Not overlooking Eritrean wildlife, the Hotel Inter-Continental Asmara consults with Asmara Zoo authorities and has commenced a programme to help feed animals.

“It is one of our business goals to give something back to the community in which we live and work,” says Rabih Akar, the newly appointed Director of Sales and Marketing. 

The Hotel Inter-Continental Asmara received its trophy during a glittering environmental awareness event attended by more than 500 guests, including the Eritrean Minister of Environment, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other dignitaries. 

It is the first time an Inter-Continental property has won Six Continents Hotels’ annual ‘Conserving Our Planet’ award. 

The 170 room Hotel Inter-Continental Asmara is booming, both as a tourist and conference venue. After eleven years of Eritrean independence and sustained stability, the country makes accessible historical attractions, natural beauty, rare wildlife, and year round weather ideal for outdoor leisure pursuits.