Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel in Riga Celebrates 15th Anniversary With New Green Awards

RIGA, Latvia, Dec. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --

Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel in Riga, Latvia is marking its fifteenth anniversary in 2010 with new green commitments aimed at minimising the hotel's environmental impact. As well as participating in the Radisson Responsible Business initiative, the hotel was recently awarded the Green Key Certificate by Latvia's Ministry of Environment, marking its achievement in reducing any negative impact on the environment.

Opened on 1st July 1995, the Radisson Blu Daugava was the first internationally branded First Class hotel in Riga, the Latvian capital. Located on the banks of the beautiful Daugava River, the Daugava has since established itself as one of the leading upscale Riga hotels. Guests staying in the hotel's 361 rooms and suites can enjoy the "Panorama Restaurant" and an extensive Health and Wellness area, as well as Radisson's signature "Yes I Can" service.

The Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel's green initiatives to date have included a special towel exchange program, waste sorting, use of energy efficient light bulbs and the installation of day light sensors to reduce energy consumption. The award of a Green Key Certificate recognises the hotel's commitment to the environment.

Conrad Meier, General Manager at the Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel said, "This award - an independent and respected third party level - is a key achievement for our hotel. Responsible Business is becoming more and more important in the hospitality industry, and is for our guests an important factor when they choose a hotel."

As part of the Responsible Business scheme, every year the Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel takes a series of actions to show its commitment to social, ethical and environmental issues. The hotel works with several charity organisations on an ongoing basis and over the last few years charity collection boxes have been placed at the reception counter and the hotel has made charity food donations three times a week. In 2006 the hotel contributed to the opening of the SOS Children's Village in nearby Valmiera and in 2010 to the Martin's Foundation Rehabilitation Centre for Children in Riga.

September was Responsible Business Action Month at the Riga hotel and over the years special activities ranging from blood donation drives, charity collections, educational visits to green factories, tree planting and voluntary work have taken place.  

The hotel has also started its own annual tradition of planting a "national" tree in the grounds of the hotel. In 2007 the Canadian Ambassador to Latvia planted a maple tree in the courtyard and in 2008 the Norwegian Ambassador planted a Norwegian pine. 2009 and 2010 have seen a cypress and a birch tree planted by the Italian and Finnish ambassadors respectively.

About The Rezidor Hotel Group:

The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world. The group features a portfolio of more than 400 hotels in operation and under development with more than 86,300 rooms in over 60 countries, including a wide selection of London hotels, Riga hotels

and Paris hotels.

Rezidor operates the brands Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, Regent Hotels & Resorts, Park Inn and Country Inns & Suites in Europe, Middle East and Africa, along with the goldpoints plus loyalty programme for frequent hotel guests. Under a worldwide licence agreement with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, Rezidor also operates and develops the new lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni.

In November 2006, Rezidor was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Carlson Companies is the main shareholder.

The Corporate Office of the Rezidor Hotel Group is based in Brussels, Belgium.

SOURCE The Rezidor Hotel Group