NASHVILLE—In an ongoing effort to respond directly to client feedback as well as provide healthy environments for their guests and STARS (employees), Gaylord Hotels will become completely smoke free as of February 12, 2007. This includes the brand’s existing properties—Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla., and Gaylord Texan on Lake Grapevine near Dallas—as well as Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Prince George’s County, Maryland, which is slated to open in 2008. The announcement was made by John Caparella, executive vice president and COO of Gaylord Hotels.
“We pride ourselves on offering extraordinary environments at our properties, which include climate-controlled glass-covered atriums featuring acres of indoor foliage and plants,” Caparella says. “It doesn’t seem right to pollute those environments with smoke, especially when our clients increasingly request nonsmoking rooms. We care about our meeting attendees and we also care about our STARS who will no longer have to be subjected to second-hand smoke.”
In a symbolic gesture, Gaylord Hotels will be auctioning the 10,577 ashtrays they will no longer need on eBay beginning January 8, 2007. Proceeds will benefit the American Lung Assn. whose mission is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. The auction can be viewed at www.gaylordhotelskicksbutt.com.
