" We Want our employeeS and our gueStS to be excited to Share What We ’ re doing Whether it ’ S through everyday converSationS or on Social media ."
“ SometimeS the more SuStainable option iS actually the more luxuriouS one .”
Special RepoRt
the expense of the poorest 70 % to 80 %,” Shivdasani says . “ Companies must become the solution , not the problem . They must have a purpose beyond just enriching shareholders and paying employees a wage .”
Shivdasani adds that a further benefit of the company ’ s extensive CSR is the motivation it provides employees and shows that the Soneva “ goes beyond being primarily for the profit of the stockholders .”
In addition to its partnership with Keep a Breast , Provenance Hotels also invests in eco-friendly CSR . Last April for National Earth Month , the boutique hotel company partnered with Friends of Trees , a local Portland nonprofit that strives keep urban areas green through planting trees . Guests staying at three local hotels were encouraged to donate at least US $ 5 , which underwrites the planting of one tree , and the hotels matched US $ 5 of every guest donation . In its first partnership with Friends of Trees , Provenance Hotels doubled the number of trees that the organization planted .
“ We want to create programs around causes that we as a company and those in our communities feel passionately about ,” explains Provenance Hotels ’ Wali . “ The program really has to resonate with both our guests and employees .”
Focus on local
Serving neighborhood communities is another popular CSR theme among hotels as they build relationships with locals . New Delhi , India-based Lemon Tree Hotels takes pride in supporting its local tribal community as the largest national buyer of art from the Bastar district in India ’ s state Madhya Pradesh .
" We Want our employeeS and our gueStS to be excited to Share What We ’ re doing Whether it ’ S through everyday converSationS or on Social media ."
- BaShar Wali , provenance hotelS
“ SometimeS the more SuStainable option iS actually the more luxuriouS one .”
- Sonu ShivdaSani , Soneva Group
By doing so , the hotel group can showcase the art exclusively at its properties while also supporting tribal craftsmen . Another local initiative at Lemon Tree is its “ Pooch Policy .” All 27 Lemon Tree Hotels have adopted one street dog that is cared for by the property ’ s team .
Staying true to location is part of the Noble House & Resorts guest experience , and with that , the Kirkland , Washington-based company purchases many of its products and services from local purveyors .
“‘ Embrace your backyard ’ is a term we use often ,” says Scott Colee , creative director at Noble House . In addition to supporting local businesses , Noble House employees , ranging from entry-level associates to company executives , are expected to participate in hands-on charitable programs . Examples of past initiatives include volunteering at local soup kitchens , painting schools in impoverished areas , and building homes as part of Habitat for Humanity . Additionally , head sales executives spend a day each year during the company ’ s annual chairmen ’ s trip , a professional retreat for the company ’ s executives , giving back to local communities in places like Mexico and Hawaii . A potential future CSR program includes “ Noble Vacations ,” providing guests with the opportunity to visit local community partners and contribute to charitable activities while staying at participating hotels .
“ Although we often contribute monetarily , we all feel a comradery and collective reward when rolling our sleeves up and helping as a team ,” Colee adds . “ We choose these organizations based off of needs that affect all of our lives .”
26 HOTELS December 2015 www . hotelsmag . com