Hotel Fort Canning leads in ecological initiatives for its guests

SINGAPORE –  Fifty years ago, the then prime minister of Singapore planted the first tree and set the country on its path to be a Garden City. Since then, “concrete jungle” has been a household term for this island city-state, but there’s certainly more than meets the eye. Commemorating 50 years of greening Singapore, Hotel Fort Canning has partnered Garden City Fund (GCF) to get their guests involved in planting five trees at the Fort Canning Park. The initiative is also the first of its kind here in Singapore and was launched on Earth Day, April 22, 2013, in support the GCF’s Plant-A-Tree (PAT) programme.

“Hotel Fort Canning is privileged to partner the Garden City Fund to contribute towards this meaningful programme to support environmental conservation and raise awareness of how individuals can contribute to this special cause. The aim of this programme is to share with our guests, the opportunity to contribute to Singapore’s greenery and be a part of our City in a Garden by planting a tree at Fort Canning Park, a park with a rich heritage. It’s a special kind of connection when you plant a living tree, that would benefit us immediately and also the next generation”, said Oh Chee Eng, chief executive officer, Hotel Fort Canning.

The PAT programme was launched in 2007 and serves as a platform for organisations and individuals to play a key role in greening Singapore through the planting of trees. With the launch of the initiative, guests can contribute disrectly to the PAT programme, with the donation amount ranging from S$10 to $200.

“Garden City Fund is delighted to have the support from Hotel Fort Canning as we continue our efforts in conserving our natural heritage.  Through such partnerships, we enable the community to connect with our City in a Garden,” said prof Leo Tan, chairman of the Garden City Fund Management Committee.

Hotel Fort Canning aims to raise $1,000 for five trees to be planted at Fort Canning Park. There are also plans to roll out more campaigns with unique offerings. Some of them include;

 -          The introduction of educational look-out points at the hotel.  Various spots at The Glass House have been identified, including a look-out view of the Pterospermum lanceaefolium, one of Singapore’s rarest trees and one of Singapore’s oldest tree (estimated late 1800s).

 -          The debut of the hotel’s award winning chefs conducting Master classes at the Spice Garden.

 The hotel is currently offering “The Great Weekend Indulgence” room package for a limited time until the end of this year. The package includes a buggy tour of discovery of the historical and ecological trails of Fort Canning Park, a 2-hour private picnic within the park, a 2-night stay at the hotel’s popular Deluxe Room, a resplendent 4-course dinner for two, and a breakfast for two. Dishes at The Glass House Restaurant feature fresh local ingredients from the Spice Garden atop Fort Canning Park.

Hotel Fort Canning leads in ecological initiatives for its guests