Park Plaza Hotels today announced its participation in a global environmental initiative as part of a special worldwide celebration to mark Carlson Hotels Worldwide's 1000th hotel. As part of Carlson Hotels Worldwide's global portfolio of hotel brands, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts supports its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible business.

Park Plaza Hotels has pledged a donation of 240,000 Gold Points from the award-winning goldpoints plusSM loyalty programme to The CarbonNeutral Company to ‘Celebrate Global Growth Today by Building a Greener Planet for Tomorrow.' Each Park Plaza Hotel and art'otel across Europe will donate 10,000 points towards the total.

The donation to The CarbonNeutral Company - a leading environmental organisation that offers auditable carbon offset programmes and services to reduce travel's impact on the environment - equates to a carbon offset of approximately 60 trips per year by plane for guests staying at Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts or art'otel.

As part of the campaign, Carlson Hotels Worldwide is making a financial donation and has guaranteed 1,000 trees will be planted as part of the United Nations Environment Programme's Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree initiative. The first tree was planted yesterday, 16 December, at the opening of the 1000th hotel, the Radisson St Martin Resort, Marina & Spa on French St Martin in the Caribbean.

"We are proud to support this worthwhile initiative in partnership with CarbonNeutral," said Boris Ivesha, President & CEO of Park Plaza Hotels. "Embracing responsible business is a core principle of our operation and enriches our community," Ivesha added.

Park Plaza Hotels' global expansion developments have contributed to Carlson's significant hotel count, particularly with the impending opening of their largest hotel to date - Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London - in early 2010.

About Park Plaza Hotels | Park Plaza Hotels Limited is owner, operator and franchisor of hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The majority of the group's hotels operate under the Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand (part of Carlson Hotels Worldwide), over which the Group has exclusive rights in 56 countries in EMEA or art'otel, a brand which the Group fully owns. Park Plaza Hotels also manages the luxury all-suite Plaza on the River - Club and Residence, London.

Robert Henke
Executive Vice President of Commercial & Corporate Affairs
+31 20 717 8608
PPHE Hotel Group