Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On March 26th, Casamagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa will turn off more than 6,000 light bulbs and join the observance of Earth Hour 2011.

This Saturday at 8:30 pm, lights and non-essential electric equipment will be turned off by the resort staff. Guests, local clientele and employees are invited to join this cause and give the planet a break.

Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and held on the last Saturday of March. The foundation asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness for the need to take action regarding climate change.

In 2009, Marriott International joined the cause and encourages its hotels, business councils and properties around the world to take part in this event as a kick-off to Environmental Awareness Month. Marriott International designated April as "Environmental Awareness Month" to communicate and celebrate the company's commitment to environmentally responsible operations, raise awareness of environmental issues and involve associates in environmental activities.

On March 26 at 8:30 pm, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta will participate in Earth Hour by:

1. Extinguishing exterior lighting – Non-essential external lighting will be turned off or dimmed for one hour. Lighting on exterior staircases and walkways will be maintained at a safe level at all times. External road directional signs and walkway lighting will not be turned off or reduced for safety purposes.

2. Extinguishing interior lighting and other equipment – Lights inside outlets as well as in the foyer, hallways, clerk offices will be turned off or dimmed. Computer equipment and air conditioners will also be shut down.

3. Associate awareness and support – During the 15 minute daily training, staff will be encouraged to learn environmental basics by Marriott International.

4. Guest Awareness – Through the concierge, recreation staff, front desk, operators, TV channels and screens the guests will be invited to participate by turning off the lights and gathering for some of the following Earth Hour events hosted by the hotel:

• The lobby bar will have an acoustic concert and happy hour from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. Before the end of Earth Hour, attendees will light a candle and form a human number 60 on the main patio for the official picture.

• In La Estancia a 10 percent discount will be provided for all attendees during Earth Hour.

• Guests are invited to dine by candlelight in Las Casitas.

Beyond Earth Hour, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa reaffirms its commitment to remain a leading socially responsible and green company in Banderas Bay, with environmental programs such sea turtle protection, cleaning of beaches and water conservation on-site. The resort has also eliminated 80 percent of printed brochures and collateral thanks to a new virtual sales kit.

This Saturday, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta expects to have the support of 900 people, staff included, to participate in Earth Hour and adopt this initiative by joining forces to make a better tomorrow for us and for the earth.