Immediately after the World Health Organization announced the removal of Beijing from its list of SARS infected areas and lifted its travel advisory against the capital city on Jun 24, 2003, all seven Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels in Beijing responded by contributing 700 hotel room nights for the city's anti-SARS medical staff and their families to rest and refresh.

This is another major donation from the hotels of InterContinental Hotels Group after the group's donation of RMB 1 million to Xiaotangshan Hospital to support Beijing's treatment of the SARS epidemic earlier in May.

Mr. Michael Wu, Regional General Manager of InterContinental Hotels Group in Beijing, handed over the donation in a recent ceremony to Mr. Zhang Honghai, Director of Foreign Affairs Office, the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, Ms Xiong Yumei, Deputy Director of Beijing Tourism administration and leaders of Beijing Health Bureau. This is believed to be the first donation received by the Beijing Municipality after the WHO SARS ban lift.

"Twin releases by WHO is a real kick-off for China tourism recovery," said Mr. Wu, "and it is only appropriate for us to demonstrate our care for the Beijing's anti-SARS medical staff. We believe that our hotels in Beijing will provide the opportunity for them to relax with their families after their long and hard fight against the epidemic."

The seven Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels are: Crowne Plaza Beijing, Crowne Plaza North Beijing, Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou Beijing (opening in September 2003), Holiday Inn Lido Beijing, Holiday Inn Downtown Beijing, Holiday Inn Chang An West Beijing, Holiday Inn Central Plaza Beijing (opening in November 2003). Each of the anti-Sars medical staff will receive a voucher for a one-room night stay and will be entitled up to 3 breakfast vouchers. The offer expires by 31st March 2004.