Maldives Promotion House – For the fourth year, Starwood Hotels and Resorts around the globe
are joining together to mark environmental awareness. By spending an hour in the dark today, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is joining millions around the world to send a powerful message about a brighter future for the planet.

Sheraton Maldives is turning 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 dedication to environmental sustainability, Sheraton Maldives is also sharing other energy-saving measures during Earth Hour, today at 8:30 PM local time.  Among them turning off exterior signage lighting; dimming or turning off non-essential interior lighting; using candle light and torch flames in appropriate public areas such as restaurants and bars; and through guest communication letters to inform guests about Earth Hour observances.

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.

“While we take various measures to conserve electricity and raise awareness, it’s an important opportunity for us to connect and share the moment with our guests and associates. For that reason, we’ve also planned special BBQ events for our guests and our associates to join and support this global observance,” General Manager, Ursula Schoefl said.

This year will mark Starwood’s third annual participation in Earth Hour, making it one of the biggest worldwide companies to make a global statement with a voluntary hour of darkness.