SAINT CHARLES, MO.—FreshStay.com will commemorate the addition of its 4,000th certified smoke-free member with a celebration at the St. Charles Comfort Suites on Tuesday, August 4. The team from FreshStay.com, as well as a number of local dignitaries, hotel managers and staff will be on hand to mark the occasion.
The St. Charles Comfort Suites joins 3,999 other 100 percent nonsmoking hotels that have reached out to health-minded travelers through FreshStay.com’s search function and integrated online booking option.
“We’re proud to join the growing ranks of FreshStay.com and excited to host a smoke-free celebration marking the milestone,” says Natalee Keathley, general manager of the St. Charles Comfort Suites. “We believe that a healthy, 100 percent smoke-free hotel experience is good for our guests, our employees, and also our business. Teaming up with FreshStay.com will help us connect with the millions of travelers who prefer to stay in clean, comfortable guestrooms free of the danger, and smell, that comes from secondhand smoke.”
Growth Mirrors Travel Trend
The growth of FreshStay.com to 4,000 members in just a few short years mirrors the tremendous increase in socially responsible travel throughout the hospitality industry. Last year, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reported there were more than 8,000 smoke-free lodging properties in the United States, and that number continues to climb this year.
“Studies have found that nearly 90 percent of travelers now prefer a smoke-free hotel,” says Dave Janicke, FreshStay.com’s CBO—chief breathing officer. “For some it’s just a preference. But for others, allergies or medical conditions require them to avoid the dangers of secondhand smoke. That is why all FreshStay.com properties are certified to ensure smoking is not allowed anywhere in the property.”
“We at FreshStay.com envision a day when all hotels are completely smoke free,” Janicke says. “But until then, we will continue to add to our growing roster of hotels, motels and B&B’s that have made the choice to ban smoking throughout their properties.”
“Reaching 4,000 members is important to us because it demonstrates our wide range of coverage over all 50 U.S. states, Canada and around the world,” adds Ray Burger, president of Pineapple Hospitality, which operates FreshStay.com. “It’s just a bonus that our 4,000th member happens to hail from our hometown of Saint Charles, Missouri.”
Go to FreshStay.com.
