Community Engagement: Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

For the last 17 years, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok has partnered with UNICEF's Youth Career Development program, training more than 80 students from rural areas of Thailand. After five months in this immersive training program that includes English courses, meals, and daily allowances, many students are offered full-time positions at the hotel. In addition to the training program, the hotel also plans large-scale volunteer opportunities for employees throughout the year. Last year, 188 associates planted 500 Mangrove trees to protect the shoreline, 170 volunteers prepared and delivered lunch to disabled senior citizens, and 210 associates volunteered at a home for autistic and hearing impaired children. 

When severe floods devastated Bangkok and the surrounding community in October 2011, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok was quick to respond with lodging for 233 associates and their families, donated food and necessities to the Thai Red Cross, and volunteers for meal preparation and clean up efforts. The hotel has even engaged guests in their relief efforts, raising nearly US$20,000 to support restoration efforts at a local kindergarten that sustained severe damage.

Doing It All: Hyatt Regency Hill Country

With strong community alliances with organizations like United Way, Hands On Education, Habitat for Humanity, the local Food Bank, and two public schools, giving back is engrained in hotel operations at Hyatt Regency Hill Country. Environmentally, the hotel has upgraded its irrigation control system and reduced energy and water consumption by more than 10 percent. Ozone treatment in laundry is saving more than 20 percent in water and sewer costs, 30 percent in natural gas, and reduces chemical use by more than 20 percent. On top of those measures, the hotel's active Green Team engages guests and employees with activities such as showing a "green" video in every guest room, implementing a robust recycling program, frequent employee communication, and creative campaigns around responsible eating.

Congratulations to all of our award recipients!