Bangkok - As the global community prepares to highlight its environmental awareness by switching off lights for Earth Hour on 26 March 2011 at 8.30pm, Dusit International’s hotels and resorts across Thailand, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, are also leading the drive to take Earth Hour 2011 beyond the hour by committing to sustainable actions with various environmental-friendly activities.

On the Earth Hour day, Dusit properties will embrace a wide range of initiatives to encourage all guests and alike to save energy such as:

Candle lighting ceremony / candle light only for guest tables and public area

Dining specials

Green food served in staff canteen

Earth Hour billboard with countdown clock to create awareness

Tree planting activity

Air conditioning adjustment to 27 Celsius during the day and/or switch off completely for one hour

Using natural gas operated hot water boilers for lower emissions

Adjustment of laundry / dry cleaning hours to minimise orders during the period

Encouraging all staff and guest to use the stairwells between floors during this time

In-room letter and poster to inform guests and staff for the Earth Hour activities

The Earth Hour is a global initiative that encourages all social sectors; individuals, businesses, governments and communities to switch off their lights for 60 minutes on 26 March 2011 between 8.30pm – 9.30pm to show their support on energy saving for environmental sustainability.

“In today’s fragile global ecosystem, our guests have changed their preferences to stay or partner with hotels that value the environment. We realised that even as we grow and develop our company, the environmental impact must be considered and addresses from the first turning of the ground. Therefore, we are taking another step into becoming even more “Green” by fully participating in the Earth Hour programme this year. Not only will this activity help to protect the future for our children, but also reinforce our commitment to the development of the community within which we operate with minimum effect to the environment,” said Mr Chanin Donavanik, Chief Executive Officer, Dusit International.

“Additionally, Dusit International has been making significant efforts to reduce carbon footprint, with all Dusit International properties undertaking the EarthCheck Programme in order to receive independent and comprehensive proof of our environmental commitment and become EarthCheck certified by 2011," added Mr Donavanik.

More information on the Earth Hour programme can be found on www.earthhour.org or visit www.dusit.com/earthhour