Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/06/2012 -- On 31st March 2012, Raffles Beijing Hotel, together with countless worldwide individuals, companies and cities, participated in the global environmental protection project – Earth Hour, from 8:30pm to 9:30 pm.

In response to this year's slogan "Uniting People to Protect the Planet" of "Earth Hour", this Beijing Hotel not only participated in the activity itself but also encouraged its staff, in-house guests as well as regional communities to think and act green, making positive contributions to a sustainable earth.

Prior to the Earth Hour initiative, Green Dining Cards were presented in our all day dining restaurant East 33 to raise the awareness of health risks and negative environmental impacts of dangerous consumptions such as shark fins, hair weed, wild snakes and turtles. Posters of the same theme were also distributed inside this luxury hotel in Beijing in order to promote eco-friendly lifestyle amongst hotel employees.

At 8:30 pm on the 31st of March, a candlelight cocktail accompanied by live music was introduced while all lights in Writers Bar, Jaan restaurant and hotel exterior were turned off. The hotel also genuinely offered complimentary Raffles "Green Earth" cocktails for guests' enjoyment during this one-hour conservation.

"It's been the most romantic moment while all candles were on. We should all take responsibility to act and think green as we don't get a second chance." said Mr. Matthias Al-Amiry, the General Manager of Raffles Beijing Hotel.

Other environmental-friendly actions were taken in the hotel.

- Place Greed Card in each guest room to reduce the frequency of cleaning bed linens.
- Encourage double-sided printing in all administrative departments.
- Share low-carbon lifestyle tips among employees, such as cleaning shoes with expired hand cream or olive oil instead of shoe polish, which is a petrol by-product with negative impacts to the environment and human health etc.

About Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Raffles Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, luxury international hotel company with a history dating back to 1887 with the opening of Raffles Hotel, Singapore. The portfolio currently comprises nine luxurious properties, from secluded resorts to chic hotels in key locations around the world: in Singapore, Cambodia, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles and Paris, each one is an oasis of calm and charm. The company is embarking on a new phase of expansion, with openings in the Maldives, Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Turkey scheduled over the next two years. With a compelling mix of cultures and styles, every hotel in the Raffles family has its own individual personality, with its own story to tell and its own sense of place. However, each one is proud to draw on the timeless essence of Raffles – to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is owned by FRHI Holdings Ltd, a leading global hotel company with 98 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissotel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.

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Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) --12/04/2011 -- Legendary Raffles Beijing Hotel is partnering with Hong Kong based airline Dragon Air to showcase signature dishes from its fine dining restaurant Jaan aboard flights from Beijing to Hong Kong.

Jaan's renowned cuisine is being served in First and Business Class as part of a new "Gourmet Fine Dining Experience in the Air" promotion extending for the year 2012.

A rotating menu of 21 dishes has been created by acclaimed Executive Sous Chef Ms Laia Pons, focusing on the highest quality of seasonal ingredients and nutritious value.

Jaan's culinary feast in First Class includes one of the restaurant's most popular signature dishes, "Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib", served with "Pumpkin & Cardamom Puree, Zucchinis, Sugar Peas and Shallots in Port Wine Sauce."

Other menu highlights include an appetiser of "Marinated Scallop, Prawn with Salmon Roe" accompanied by a main course of "Roasted Duck Breast" with "Apricot and Cardamom Puree"; "Roast Sirloin Beef" as a starter followed by "Pan-fried Cod in Red Pepper Sauce"; and "Foie Gras Terrine with Fig Marmalade", followed by "Roasted Rack of Lamb".

In Business Class, promotional dishes include "Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Gratin Potatoes in Red Wine Sauce", "Roasted Pork Loin with Mushrooms, Roasted Potatoes & Vegetables", and "Pan-fried Fillet of Sole in Red Pepper Sauce with Asparagus, Potatoes and Grilled Vegetables".

Jaan is renowned as Beijing's premier French restaurant, serving light and innovative French cuisine with a modern twist.

Matthias Al-Amiry, General Manager of Raffles Beijing Hotel, says: "It is a great honour, and pleasure for us that Jaan's celebrated cuisine has been selected among some truly exceptional restaurants to participate in this gourmet promotion with Dragon Air.

"First and Business Class passengers will enjoy some of the most delicious and satisfying in-flight meals they have ever experienced aboard flights from Beijing to Hong Kong."

Dating back to the 1900s, Raffles Beijing Hotel has returned to its former glory following extensive restoration.

With its commanding French-Orient colonnade facade, the icon of Beijing's historical heritage re-opened in 2006 returning Raffles' legendary hospitality to China and resuming its standing among the world's finest 5-star luxury hotels.

Suites at this Beijing Luxury Hotel (http://www.raffles.com/beijing/guest-services/facilities-and-services/facilities-and-services) are named in honour of famous guests including Dr Sun Yat Sen, George Bernard Shaw and General Charles De Gaulle. The hotel's famous Writers' Bar likewise honours various Chinese and foreign literary luminaries who have graced this Beijing hotel (http://www.raffles.com/beijing/home).

Raffles Beijing has been ranked among the World's Best Places to Stay by Conde Nast Traveler and was voted Best Luxury Hotel in Beijing in the 2009 TTG China Travel Awards. Raffles Beijing Hotel was also awarded the prestigious 2011 Insider's Select Award by Expedia.com, the world's leading online travel agency. Insiders' Select is a global program that identifies the top hotels around the world, based on "quality and value". The award is determined primarily by Expedia customer reviews. Every year more then 500,000 reviews are submitted, verified and analyzed in order to compile the Insider's Select list.

For more information, please visit http://www.raffles.com/beijing.

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