Guest blog posted by The Landmark Hotel Group Director of Sales & Marketing Don Meador
August 27, 2008

ABA has been on the forefront of the travel industry's "Green" movement with its "Save a Penguin" campaign, sharing with the world how economically and environmentally sound motorcoach travel truly is. As a hotelier, it does my heart good to share with you instances where the hotel industry is recognizing the value in "Going Green," especially when two of the hotels are in The Landmark Hotel Group's portfolio.

The Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Conference Center in Suffolk, VA and the Candlewood Suites in Virginia Beach, VA have committed to eco-friendly practices that will help sustain and protect the environment. According to Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk's General Manager Brian Williams, "The entire staff is dedicated to decreasing the hotel's impact on the environment by implementing green practices. We have a hotel-wide recycling program, we buy locally grown foods, use bio-degradable materials, and offer green conference packages to event planners."

"The City of Suffolk applauds the efforts of the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk with regards to its Green Program," said Suffolk City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn, who added, "The fact that they have chosen to be leaders in the industry in environmental efforts speaks volumes about this organization and their commitment to being outstanding business neighbors and members of the Suffolk community."

As of June 26, 2008, The Candlewood Suites Virginia Beach has implemented green practices as a member of Virginia Green.

As of August 11, 2008, the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center in Suffolk, VA has gone "Green."

In partnership with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Tourism Corporation, Virginia Green, and Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association, the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Conference Center will promote green travel and eco-friendly activities against a perfect backdrop for relaxing retreat getaways, allowing travelers to enjoy Suffolk's beautiful natural surroundings.

Staying in a Virginia Green certified hotel will give the environmentally conscious traveler a sense of doing their part to help conserve and protect natural resources. As a leader in the hospitality industry, the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Conference Center hopes to spread environmental awareness and energy conservation practices.

Other Landmark Hotel Group properties are taking note of the successful endeavors at both of these properties, and are making strides to promote eco-friendly travel and decrease the size of their hotel's carbon footprints on Mother Earth. It's probably just a matter of (a little bit of) time before I can report that all of our hotels are implementing greener practices. I've included additional information about the Greening of these hotels on the "Get A Room!" blog in a post titled "It Ain't Easy Being Green!"

My hat is off to ABA and the motorcoach operators who have backed the "Save A Penguin" program. From what I can see, you are true leaders in the travel industry, and a strong catalyst for environmentally responsible practices in the hotel industry.