Grand Strand Travelers Demanding More Non-Smoking Accommodations

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 2006--South Carolina's Grand Strand is adding yet another attraction to its arsenal of golf, entertainment and miles of white sand beaches: smoke-free air. Camelot by the Sea, a 219-unit, oceanfront resort in the heart of Myrtle Beach's golden row of luxury hotels, has designated the entire property as a smoke-free zone. The smokeless rule applies to all rooms, restaurants and bars, pool deck, boardwalk, all common areas and even the parking lot - for guests and staff alike. While smaller motels in the area have instituted similar policies, Camelot is the first large scale resort along the Grand Strand to go completely smoke-free. "As a destination resort, you must always search for ways to exceed your guests' expectations," said Frans Mustert, President and CEO of Patricia Resorts. "We felt it was not enough to simply limit the number of smoking rooms, or designate smoking areas. We believe the best experience for our guests is a luxury resort that is completely smoke-free." About 90-percent of guests now request non-smoking rooms, according to Patricia Resorts Director of Marketing Tammy Tubbs. She said that percentage has risen steadily in recent years. According to the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, the region draws more than 13 million visitors a year. Ms. Tubbs said guests and condominium owners at Camelot have shown overwhelming positive response to the new smoke-free rules. She added that former smoking rooms are being thoroughly cleaned with ozone treatments of carpet, drapes, bedspreads and other fabrics to eliminate all traces of second-hand smoke. She added that Camelot's current reservation guests who wish to smoke are being placed in one of Patricia Resorts' seven other hotels that offer smoking accommodations. The guests are provided a discount rate for any inconvenience. As Camelot leads the way in a new travel trend, other South Carolina businesses and facilities statewide have gone smoke-free in recent years, including Palmetto Baptist Hospital, Newberry College, Groucho's restaurants, Lizard's Thicket restaurants, Colleton Regional Hospital, Spartanburg Regional Hospital and University of South Carolina Housing, according to the American Cancer Society's (AMC) South Atlantic Division. Lisa Turner, AMC's Manager of Public Policy Initiatives, said: "In this case, good business and good health are achieved with the same policy. The addition of smoke-free hotels along the Grand Strand adds to the attractiveness of the area as families continue embracing healthy lifestyles in all aspects of their lives whether at home, work or play."

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