BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR PLANET IS THE GOAL AS W DOHA HOTEL & RESIDENCES GOES DARK FOR EARTH HOUR 2012 For Fourth Year, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Around the Globe Join Together to Mark Environmental Awareness Event W Doha to Create Jungle Theme in Living Room to Highlight Environment Doha, March 31, 2012– By spending an hour in the dark next week, the W Doha will join millions around the world to send a powerful message about a brighter future for the planet. The W Doha will turn off its lights in observance of Earth Hour, the global environmental awareness event created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Last year, Earth Hour 2011 became the biggest Earth Hour ever. A record 135 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet. To underscore parent Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s (NYSE: HOT) dedication to environmental sustainability, the W Doha will also share other energy-saving measures during Earth Hour, March 31 at 8:30 p.m. local time. Among them: dimming or turning off non-essential interior lighting; using candlelight in public areas such as restaurants and bars; and sending personalized messages to all hotel guests informing them of the event and encouraging their participation. As always W Doha likes to add its own trendy twist, in this instance it’s the addition of a different kind of awareness through a big visual impact; that is showcased by the transformation of the living room into a themed jungle to remind guests and visitors that caring for the environment is part of our daily lives. Earth Hour is drawing strong support from Starwood hotels around the globe. Last year, unlit hotels offered striking visual imagery that provided an apt symbol of Earth Hour. Area General Manager, Safak Guvenc said the aim was not only to save energy, but also transmit the message to guests and visitors: “By transforming the Living Room with a vibrant jungle theme, we intend to convey the beauty of the natural world, and our commitment to save this for generations to come,” he said. “We will be preparing and distributing free juices from a specially designed hut, and our team members will be dressed for the occasion in tee-shirts designed for the occasion.” This year will mark Starwood’s fourth annual participation in Earth Hour, making it one of the biggest worldwide companies to make a global statement with a voluntary hour of darkness. - ILQ news -

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