Macao Green Hotel Award is an initiative organized by the Environment Council, with the collaboration of Macao Government Tourism Office, and sponsored by Macau Hoteliers & Innkeepers Association; Macau Hotel Association; Macau Hotel Employees Association, and Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center as well as obtained consultancy services provided by Hong Kong Productivity Council. The award aims at promoting the importance of environmental management; acknowledging establishments, which have adopted environmental practices on the operational ground; and encouraging the lodging industry to streamline the implementation of measures towards "Green Hotel" concept.

     After the launch of Macao Green Hotel Award, the Environment Council introduced an explanatory session on Macao Green Hotel Award Assessment Criteria, on 14^th June, at 15:00, at the Congress Hall of Tourism Activity Center, which aimed at answering doubts come across by hotel professionals on award assessment criteria. After this session, hotel professionals became enlightened on the dynamics of assessment process of this environmental award.

     The establishments operating in Macao are entitled to apply for Macao Green Hotel Award, which include: 5 and 4 stars Hotels; 4 stars Apart hotels; 5 and 4 stars Tourist complexes; 3 and 2 stars Hotels; 3 stars Tourist complexes; and 3 and 2 stars Hostels. For assessment purpose, every establishment will be allocated to one of two categories. Candidates to Macao Green Hotel Award are subjected to three assessment criteria, such as: Green Leadership and Innovation; Green Programme Performance; and Partner Synergy. Winners will be given a certificate, which will be valid for 3 years.

     Application forms are available at Environment Council's Website: www.ambiente.gov.mo

     For applying for Macao Green Hotel Award, establishments are required to fill in an application form, which is provided at Environment Council's Website, and then send it to Environment Council either by email or by fax, before 20^th July 2007.

     The ceremony counted on the presence of the Acting President of the General Council of the Environment Council, Mr. Man Io Leong; and the presence of a speaker of Hong Kong.