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News for the Hospitality Executive |
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 MCLEAN, VA, October 20, 2010 –
Hampton Hotels recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its
award-winning
employee-volunteer program, Save-A-Landmark. Since the program launched
in
2000, more than 1,500 hotel employees have spent more than 8,000 hours
aiding
in restoration projects for historic and cultural landmarks throughout
the
United States, Canada and Mexico. Hampton started the Save-A-Landmark program as a way for hotels to give back to local communities. At each event, the volunteers from nearby Hampton hotels from hotel owners and general managers to housekeepers and front desk agents, take time out of their busy schedules of serving guests to serve their communities and assist with whatever preservation work is needed.  “When Hampton decided to
create this unique program, we took a more hands-on approach to giving
back to
the community than just making a donation,” said Judy Christa-Cathey,
vice
president, global brand marketing, Hampton hotels. “Our hotel employees
volunteer their time to help restore landmarks within their
communities,
creating a personal connection with some of the very sites our guests
are
traveling to see.”
The Save-A-Landmark program is now a significant part of Hampton’s brand culture. Hotel employees are encouraged to participate and their efforts are highlighted through various brand efforts. On property, guests witness the hotel’s efforts through fun and heartwarming messaging inside the hotel’s elevators, as well as a documentary-style video on the in-room brand channel highlighting past landmarks. Hampton recently paid tribute to this milestone in September when more than 50 volunteers from 14 local hotels and the brand’s corporate offices joined together to help refurbish President Lincoln’s Cottage, a National Monument and National Trust Historic Site located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in northwest Washington, D.C. Including Lincoln’s Cottage, Hampton has helped refurbish 55 historic and cultural landmarks throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and donated more than $2.5 million to the research and preservation of Save-A-Landmark sites. Hampton conducted a survey at the onset of Save-A-Landmark in 2000 to gauge the attitudes of Americans toward the restoration of landmarks. The same survey was conducted again this year, and Hampton found that Americans are even more passionate about landmark preservation. More than 90 percent of Americans agree that it is important to preserve the nation’s roadside attractions. In addition, 4 out of 5 Americans believe that they also have a responsibility to personally contribute to the preservation of America’s landmarks, an increase of almost 5 percent over the last ten years. Save-A-Landmark focuses on preservation work that will help sustain each site for future generations. Landmarks are chosen through a combination of nominations and extensive research based on the type of work needed and proximity to individual properties. For the past two years, Hampton has asked the public to help choose landmarks they want to see restored by voting for their favorites on hamptonlandmarks.com. Later this month, Hampton will once again invite the public to help decide where the Save-A-Landmark program goes next by voting for their favorite landmarks in five new states. These sites were chosen to help Hampton meet their goal of refurbishing a landmark in all U.S. states. The landmarks receiving the most votes in each state will be visited by the Save-A-Landmark program in 2011, including volunteers from local Hampton hotels who are ready to lend a hand. To find out more about Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark program, nominate a landmark for refurbishment or vote for the 2011 landmarks, visit hamptonlandmarks.com. About Hampton Hotels The Hampton brand, including Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn by Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton, is an award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment. With more than 1,800 properties globally, Hampton Hotels is part of Hilton Worldwide, the leading global hospitality company. All Hampton Hotels offer warm surroundings and a friendly service culture that share a common “personality” supported by the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. High-quality accommodations, in-room conveniences and the latest technology, combined with numerous locations and consistent offerings, have made Hampton a leader in its segment and one of the fastest growing hotel brands. For more information about Hampton Hotels, please visit www.hampton.com/pressandmedia, www.facebook.com/Hampton or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HamptonFYI. About Hilton Worldwide Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 91 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,600 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 82 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com. About President Lincoln’s Cottage President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home promotes understanding of, and appreciation for, Abraham Lincoln’s leadership and his guiding ideals of freedom, democracy and equality of opportunity. The impact of these ideals on his evolution as a leader during the time he lived here and developed his revolutionary policy of emancipation is central to all interpretation and programming. A National Trust Historic Site, it opened to the public after a $12 million restoration in February 2008. |
| Contact:
Charmaine Easie-Samuels
Hampton Public Relations [email protected] Andrew Crosby Crosby-Volmer (901) 575-0010 [email protected] |