UNESCO and National Geographic partner with Intercontinental Hotels for Responsible Business Week 2

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Responsible Business Week to run from 17-23 September 2012

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts today embarks on a week-long programme of activities around the world to help protect and preserve unique cultural heritage sites as part of Responsible Business Week 2012. This marks the third year of InterContinental’s Responsible Business Week in partnership with National Geographic.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts believes that protecting the nature, cultural heritage and communities that make destinations unique is essential to helping InterContinental guests to have authentic and enriching experiences. Therefore, the theme for Responsible Business Week 2012 is inspired by National Geographic's support of UNESCO’s World Heritage and sustainable tourism initiative ‘People Protecting Places’. During Responsible Business Week, InterContinental properties are being invited to emulate UNESCO’s mission to protect and preserve unique natural and cultural heritage sites close to their hotels. 2012 marks the 40^th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention during which special focus is placed on the links between World Heritage and sustainable development, and in particular the role played by local communities.

In 2011, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts around the world dedicated more than 10,000 hours Responsible Business Week activities aimed at preserving the communities where they operate. Activities ranged from cleaning local beaches and historical villages and monuments, to restoration projects at national parks andrefreshing urban street walks.