The Westgate Hotel Receives Prestigious Good Earthkeeping Award at 45th Annual Gold Key Awards

San Diego, CA – March 6, 2025 – The Westgate Hotel took home the Good Earthkeeping Award at the 45th annual Gold Key Awards, presented by the San Diego County Lodging Association. This recognition highlights the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility within the hospitality industry and broader San Diego business community.

The Gold Key Awards celebrate excellence in hospitality, honoring individuals and properties that demonstrate outstanding performance in various categories. The Good Earthkeeping Award specifically recognizes hotels that implement innovative and effective environmental management practices, focusing on energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable operations.

The Westgate Hotel earned this distinction through its comprehensive sustainability efforts. The hotel has transitioned to energy-efficient technologies, including 95% LED lighting, a state-of-the-art heat-exchange program, and energy-efficient laundry systems. Additionally, its waste reduction initiatives have diverted over 75% of on-site waste from landfills, and a newly introduced employee water fountain has helped eliminate over 5,500 plastic bottles in 2024 alone. The hotel’s sustainability committee, led by the Engineering and Food & Beverage departments, continues to drive new initiatives that align with its commitment to environmental stewardship.

“We are honored to be recognized among San Diego’s hospitality leaders in this way,” said Annie Fitzgerald, General Manager of The Westgate. “At The Westgate, sustainability is more than a commitment—it’s part of our culture. From energy-saving innovations to waste reduction and employee-led green initiatives, we strive to integrate environmental responsibility into every aspect of our operations. This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to creating a greener future for our guests, employees, and community.”

The Westgate Hotel’s leadership in eco-friendly hospitality helps set a standard for environmental responsibility across the industry. For more information about The Westgate Hotel, please visit www.westgatehotel.com or follow @westgatehotel on social media.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Kayla McFarland, Arcade Partners, kayla@arcadepartners.io