NATIONAL REPORT—Two Hyatt Hotels Corp. properties have introduced meetings programs that allow guests to give back by volunteering their time. The (Nev.) recently announced its Groups Giving Back offer, which combines philanthropy with volunteering opportunities. The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa in Hawaii introduced Lokahi Group Meetings, a new package that invites groups to do their part to keep Oahu beautiful while enjoying special perks at the same time.
The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe ensures group meetings are as successful as they are rewarding by combining a percentage donation from the master bill to a nonprofit organization of the group’s choice, as well as unique group volunteering opportunities with prominent local environmental organizations.
“Lake Tahoe is a truly inspiring setting to conduct a successful meeting or convention,” says general manager Fred Findlen. “Our team at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe strives to do our part to preserve Tahoe’s beauty. In launching our new Groups Giving Back campaign, we are making it easy for businesses and organizations to demonstrate their commitment to the community and environment—either by joining our efforts locally or by opting to donate their rebate to a nonprofit organization they feel passionate about.”
Elements of Groups Giving Back
The new Groups Giving Back offer provides a platform for groups to strengthen their companies while offering them the incentives to give back through philanthropic efforts. Elements of the offer include:
• For each group booking the Groups Giving Back offer through December 31, 2011, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe will provide a 5 percent refund on the master bill for the group to then donate to The League to Save Lake Tahoe, The Tahoe Rim Trail Association, or another nonprofit organization of the group’s choice.
• An optional add-on: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe will assist with arrangements for groups to participate in an hour, half-day or full day’s volunteering effort with local Lake Tahoe area nonprofit organizations, including The League to Save Lake Tahoe and The Tahoe Rim Trail Association.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is partnering with two highly-regarded local organizations instrumental in keeping the Lake Tahoe region beautiful. Striving to “Keep Tahoe Blue,” The League to Save Lake Tahoe is dedicated to protecting, restoring, and advocating for the ecosystem health and scenic beauty of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association maintains and protects the 165-mile single-track trail system—frequented by hikers, bikers and equestrians—that encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Inspired by the success of the Lokahi Package tailored to leisure travelers, the new Lokahi Group Meetings package at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa utilizes the Hawaiian word “lokahi,” which means “harmony.” Hyatt launched the Lokahi Package in 2009 to inspire a collective commitment to fostering Hawaii’s land, people, and community. A surprise sleeper hit, Hyatt’s Lokahi Package raised almost $30,000 for the Waikiki Community Center in 2009 and 2010.
“The success of our lokahi-themed leisure package illustrates people’s ongoing commitment to giving back—both to the environment and the community,” says David Lewin, general manager with Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa. “With the introduction of Lokahi Group Meetings at Hyatt Regency Waikiki, we hope to provide groups an incentive to plan their next successful meetings in vibrant Waikiki—they’ll depart with a combined sense of accomplishment, both to their companies and the community.”
Blend of Benefits, Rewards
The new Lokahi Group Meetings package provides a blend of group benefits and socially-minded rewards:
• Hyatt Regency Waikiki will donate 5 percent of the master bill to an Oahu nonprofit organization or the nonprofit organization of the group’s choice.
• Optional, unique volunteering opportunities with local organizations (Hawaii Nature Center, Sierra Club, Reef Watch Waikiki and Waikiki Beach Cleanup) provide a different and impactful team-building experience while making a difference. Examples of volunteering efforts may include water quality monitoring and beachside surveying with Reef Watch Waikiki and removal of invasive species at Pouhala Marsh with Hawaii Nature Center.
Go to the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino and Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa.
