CSR

Companies | Categories | Questionnaire

Company Name Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan Contact Person Mr. Emmanouil Matsakis Position General Manager PR Director Ms. Daria Hadjidimitrova HR Director Ms. Kristina Velcheva Telephone +359 02 981082068 E-mail emmanouil.matsakis@mail.orbitel.gr Website http://www.luxurycollection.com/sofia

CSR PROFILE BOOK
Questionnaire

1. How does the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility correspond with the mission and heritage of your company?
The concept of building the Hotel Balkan in 1956 was due to the need of a luxury hotel to project not only the rich heritage of Bulgaria but also to become the vessel of a first-hand experience of Bulgarian hospitality and culture and the centuries-old Bulgarian heritage. We can proudly say that since its opening in 1956, Hotel Balkan has become a vivid evidence of the purpose it was built for. After the Sheraton International, Inc. took over the management of the hotel in September 1986, the Sofia Sheraton Hotel Balkan became an international symbol of hospitality. In our present days the hotel is part of the Luxury Collection of the Sheraton chain due to its architectural design and the renovation that the property underwent, and the main reason why Grecotel, its current owner, has invested in it and included it in its group of luxury hotels.
The Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan has played an important part in the social, political and cultural activities of Sofia. It is the preferred hotel for major delegations and social events in the city. We have inherited a fantastic reputation and the trust of the Government, the diplomatic corps, as well as the public that have entrusted us with their dignitaries, delegations and visitors knowing that we will deliver a well tuned professional service brought to the highest standards of quality.


CSR CATEGORIES

2. What is your company's CSR involvement with the COMMUNITY?
The Hotel has a special fund allotted to social activities. The Sheraton Sofia is one of the major sponsors of the orphans school in the village of Roman. For example, we purchased all the martenitzas and other decorations the children had created themselves as a direct monetary support, and helped the orphanage with linen, terry-cloth items clothes donated or collected by our employees. Once a year we visit the orphanage and spend a day with the children bringing them gifts and organizing a genuine Sheraton barbeque with all the trimmings.

3. What is your company's CSR involvement with the ENVIRONMENT?
The Sheraton Sofia is very seriously involved in environmental operations. We purchase only ecologically safe items. We also use safe liquid detergents for our laundry and cleaning needs. The food items purchased are precut by the suppliers, regardless of their cost, in order not to produce excess organic waist in the city centre.


4. What is your company's CSR attitude towards your EMPLOYEES?
We strongly believe in the professional development of our staff. Therefore, our training is extensive enough to secure the personal and professional growth of our employees. Our policy dictates promotions from within. Our salary policy strives to make us the best paying hotel in our area and that we are. The employees have the freedom and are encouraged to actively participate in the management of the hotel. Once a year we conduct employee surveys. We do pay attention to what our employees think, and accept both the positive and the realistic criticism for the sake of our reputation and the improvement of our service standards.

5. What is your company's CSR involvement with YOUNG PEOPLE and EDUCATION?
Here we have a two-way strategy. One is the development of our employees, that actually are called associates, and the second is our involvement with the local Professional School of Tourism that we support in their practical lessons in the profession. In addition, we accept international hospitality school trainees for their summer practical training.

6. What is your company's practice of BUSINESS ETHICS?
The Sheraton Sofia operates with an open books policy for all its partners. Government tax and methodology rules are followed to full compliance. We pay high attention to the strict adherence of our ethics and to our domestic policies. Two audits a year and our membership in BBLF, BIBA and the U.N. Global Impact is proof of our business ethics.