The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts proudly launches a global initiative in support of UNICEF’s immunization and malaria programs for vulnerable children in developing countries. The second largest luxury hotel brand will support UNICEF through a brand package called “We Invite You to Linger,” offering guests a complimentary night stay for every two, three or four night reservation at a hotel or resort within The Luxury Collection brand around the world. For every package booked, The Luxury Collection hotel will make a US$1 donation per room night to support UNICEF’s life-saving immunization programs and its work on the prevention and treatment of malaria - the largest single cause of death among African children under five years of age. The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 70 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries including The Laguna Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali; Hotel Danieli, Venice; Hotel Imperial, Vienna; Patios de Cafayate, Argentina; SLS at Beverly Hills and Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki.
“The Luxury Collection is committed to socially responsible travel while continuing to offer our guests a portal to the world’s most desirable destinations,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “We are proud to launch this global initiative to support UNICEF’s work, while offering our guests even more opportunities to collect unique and enriching experiences.”
Malaria accounts for one in five of all childhood deaths in Africa, claiming over one million mostly young lives every year. The use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets can reduce malarial illness by 50 percent and deaths by 20 percent, yet the cost per net, which is less than US$10, is beyond the reach of many households in Africa. The Luxury Collection brand’s donations will help UNICEF to provide even more families with treated bed nets to protect them, and help ensure that children suffering from the disease receive prompt, life-saving treatment.
In addition, funds raised through the brand’s “We Invite You to Linger” package will support UNICEF’s immunization programs to protect children against potentially fatal diseases including polio, measles and tuberculosis. Throughout 2009, The Luxury Collection hotels will support this global initiative through an aggressive awareness campaign in leading luxury and lifestyle print and online publications.
The Luxury Collection brand also supports UNICEF’s work through “Check Out For Children”, a global partnership between Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and UNICEF. Since the partnership was launched in 1995, guests at participating Starwood hotels around the world have donated over US$21 million to UNICEF by agreeing to the addition of US$1 (or local currency equivalent) to their bill when they check out.
Beginning this month, global explorers are invited to linger one night longer and savor unique and authentic experiences at any of The Luxury Collection brand’s more than 70 hotels and resorts. From legendary palaces such as Hotel Danieli, Hotel Imperial, and The Royal Hawaiian to iconic properties like The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia; ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Agra, India and modern classics like Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, Marques de Riscal, The Joule, SLS at Beverly Hills and Mystique, each iconic Luxury Collection property takes guests on a global safari, offering unique and exceptional experiences.
