Terranea Resort Joins American Hotel & Lodging Association 5-Star Promise Initiative

Installs Cutting-Edge Personal Safety Devices to Further Enhance Associate Safety

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Oct 09, 2019, 15:34 ET

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Calif., Oct. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Terranea, Los Angeles' premier oceanfront luxury resort, continuing its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its associates, announced today that it is the first -- and only -- independent hotel signatory to the American Hotel & Lodging Association's 5-Star Promise initiative. Launched in the Fall of 2018, the 5-Star Promise commits hotel management companies to developing enhanced policies, conducting training programs, and using external resources to help prevent and address sexual harassment, assault, and employee safety. The initiative also includes a pledge to implement advanced Employee Safety Devices (ESDs) by the end of 2020.

Terranea's Personal Protection Alarm (PPA) System, developed in partnership with Kinetic Global, consists of a wearable button that, when pressed three times, activates an electronic alarm that sends information on the employee's location to the Security Control Room as well as the iPhones held by the Safety & Security Team. The movements of the employee are updated in real time on all devices while the system simultaneously tracks the response and movements of those personnel answering the alert. The PPA tool uses the most advanced technology on the market. Terranea's installation of the system is the most extensive to date in California.

"We are committed to the protection and security of our guests and associates and believe periodic evaluations such as these reinforce our goal to be safety-centric and a pacesetter in the area of workplace security," said Terri A. Haack, president of Terranea. "Care and concern for associates, guests, and the environment have always been central to our core values of sustainable service excellence. These values have translated into our exceptional safety record and retention rate, a high percentage of return visitors to the resort, and a thriving ecosystem on the Palos Verdes Peninsula a decade after our opening."

Terranea has taken additional initiatives to further enhance operations, culture, and associate safety. This includes an independent assessment of its safety and security programs, as well as training seminars by outside experts on sexual harassment, self-defense, and human trafficking recognition and deterrence. Even before installing the new Personal Protection Alarm (PPA) system, an independent audit of Terranea earlier this year conducted by the California Tourism Safety & Security Association commended the resort for superior security operation and an exceptional workplace culture of safety and trust.

Over the last year, Terranea conducted a comprehensive assessment of emerging PPA technologies in an effort to further enhance associate safety. This comparative analysis examined competing options, with an emphasis on finding the tool best-suited to an expansive coastal resort like Terranea. On October 7, 2019, the cutting-edge PPA system became operational at Terranea, more than one year ahead of the 5-Star Promise schedule.

"We're proud of the hotel industry's efforts and are encouraged to see our industry come together in an unprecedented way to make our employees feel safer at work. Hotels have been investing in employee and guest safety for decades, working with experts to continuously update protocols and procedures that keep both employees and guests safe," said Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of AHLA. "Safety is a never-ending challenge, and the hotel industry is highly committed to be part of the solution. Protecting our employees—as well the millions of guests who stay in American hotel rooms each day—is critically important to our industry."

About American Hotel & Lodging Association
Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support and educational resources for an industry that supports 8 million jobs. Learn more at www.ahla.com.

About Terranea Resort
Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea is the premier oceanfront resort in Southern California with 102 acres of unparalleled Pacific Ocean views on the Los Angeles coast. Terranea opened its doors in June 2009 and proudly celebrates a milestone 10^th anniversary in 2019: 10 years of service and memorable guest experiences in this scenic Southern California enclave. The resort also offers world-class accommodations that range from hotel suites to bungalows, oceanfront casitas, and luxurious villas, which are also available for purchase as seaside second homes through Terranea Real Estate. Amenities include The Links at Terranea, a nine-hole, par-3 golf course; award-winning 50,000 sq. ft. oceanfront spa, fitness, and wellness center; four swimming pools and a 140-foot waterslide; marea luxury boutique; 135,000 sq. ft. of conference and meeting space; and nine dining venues including signature, coastal fine dining restaurant mar'sel; catalina kitchen, serving a New American menu showcasing the bounty of California in a comfortably chic environment; Nelson's, a cliffside spot ideal for whale watching; newly opened wellness eatery solviva; and Asian-inspired bashi. Terranea takes pride in its farm-to-Terranea culinary philosophy that focuses on utilizing local and sustainable ingredients. Terranea's bountiful land boasts herb and vegetable gardens, lemon groves, bee hives, farm-fresh eggs, a Sea Salt Conservatory, and more. In addition, the resort's team of expert Experience Concierge members at the dedicated Experience Center help guests discover and explore Terranea's rich terrain that includes miles of scenic coastal trails, a secluded beach cove, and ocean environments. Fun, enriching programs and activities such as falconry, archery, kayaking, and paddle boarding also abound. Terranea Resort is owned by a joint venture comprised of Lowe and JC Resorts, managed by CoralTree Hospitality Group, and is a member of the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Virtuoso Travel Network. Since its opening, Terranea Resort has been named one of Travel + Leisure's "500 Best Hotels in the World" and earned a spot on Condé Nast Traveler's "Readers' Choice Awards" and "Gold List." The resort also received the "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator and has been recognized numerous times on U.S. News & World Report's "Best U.S. Hotels" list. In 2019, Terranea was designated a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company by Great Place to Work. For additional information about Terranea Resort, visit www.terranea.com, call 866.261.5873, or follow Terranea on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.