Fairmont Beijing partners with BMW as part of a 'Wise City Action' initiative encouraging major property companies in Beijing and Shanghai to install re-charging facilities for electric vehicles. The hotel is one of the first real estate locations with re-charging.
BEIJING – Fairmont Beijing is partnering with BMW in a showcase of the luxury carmaker’s new electric, environment-friendly i Series. Guests booking airport transfers and the Fairmont Beijing’s ‘Passion Package’ are being transported around the city for the next three months, from 02 September 2014, to experience first-hand the unique sustainable features of the ground-breaking, emission-free concept.
“This marketing alliance between two distinguished brands with parallel values showcases our joint commitment to sustainability,” said Fairmont Beijing’s General Manager Michael Ganster.
Fairmont Beijing partners with BMW as part of a ‘Wise City Action’ initiative encouraging major property companies in Beijing and Shanghai to install re-charging facilities for electric vehicles. The hotel is one of the first real estate locations with re-charging.
“As we all know, all-electric vehicle and hybrid cars need charging regularly, and without convenient and safe charging facilities, wider use of low-carbon electric cars cannot come true. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has a long-standing reputation as a pioneer of environment protection with the brand’s environmental programming dating back to 1990. That comprehensive commitment to minimising our impact on the planet is now extending to China,” added Mr. Ganster.
Fairmont Beijing’s ‘Passion Package’ showcasing the alliance to guests explores ‘Behind the Scenes at the Peking Opera & 798 Arts District.’ With a private guide and transportation in the new electric BMWs, or alternatively BMW bikes, the adventure combines the best of Beijing’s past traditions with the cutting-edge of its contemporary art scene. At the famous 798 Arts District, guests are escorted on a guided gallery tour to meet artists. After lunch, they step back in time over 200 years to explore one of China’s national treasures – Peking opera – visiting the former home of one of its masters, going behind the scenes at a rehearsal of the National Peking Opera Company, and attending a performance at one of China’s oldest opera houses. Or guests at Fairmont Beijing can also explore Beijing’s ancient hutongs riding BMW bikes, complete with a guiding app.
BMW i is a comprehensive and ground-breaking concept for sustainable mobility, combining visionary electric vehicles and mobility services.
Sustainably designed throughout through intelligent lightweight construction with carbon and an aerodynamic design, the all-electric BMW i3, is locally emission-free for city driving and a range of up to 160 km, yet with breath-taking acceleration. Without forfeiting dynamics and its sporty appearance, it is the optimal combination of driving pleasure and responsibility.
The BMW i8 is hailed as “the future of the sports vehicle,” a plug-in hybrid that brings together the advantages of electro mobility and innovative engine technology. The result is an extraordinarily dynamic driving experience – with extremely low consumption and CO2 emissions.
Long before corporate social responsibility became a business buzzword, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was operating in a socially and environmentally sustainable fashion around the world.
“With a long history of social involvement and sustainable practices, Fairmont is committed to having a positive impact in the communities where our guests and colleagues work, live and play. More than two decades after leading the foray into environmental stewardship, we are again raising the bar with this new sustainability partnership with BMW I Series, taking the lead in the ‘Wise City Action’ campaign,” said Mr. Ganster.
Fairmont Beijing began co-operating with BMW, providing BMW bikes with a guiding app for guests to explore Beijing’s ancient hutongs. In North America, complimentary local shuttle services by BMW are provided at all Fairmont hotels in Canada and the United States. Globally, Fairmont hotels also have BMW bicycles available for guests to get outside and experience their destination on two wheels.
The Fairmont Sustainability Partnership programme encourages the brand’s eco-friendly hotels to meet and exceed guest expectations of operational sustainability. It revolves around four pillars to achieving positive long-term change on a global scale: Responsible Business, Ecosystem, Environment, and Engagement – focusing on improvements in waste management, sustainability, and energy and water conservation, and innovative community outreach programs involving local groups and partnerships.
With over 50 distinctive eco-friendly hotels and 23,000 hotel rooms around the globe, “Fairmont continues to lead by example with innovative programmes and an unwavering commitment to expanding its environmental awareness and activity,” continued Mr. Ganster.
Fairmont Beijing Hotel lies at the heart of the Chinese capital’s Central Business District, less than 300 meters from Beijing’s famous Silk Market, and a short stroll from world-class shopping malls such as The Place, Beijing Yintai Centre and China World Trade Centre. The Beijing Metro’s Yong An Li subway station on Line 1 is also just a 2 minute walk away, providing convenient transport to iconic historic landmarks, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Qian Men and Temple of Heaven. Fairmont Beijing is located at 8 Yong An Dong Li, Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing, PRC.
Photo caption: Mr. Michael Ganster, General Manager of Fairmont Beijing jumpstart the BMW i3
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
