Starwood Brand Giving Away 200 Vacations to Stressed Out Americans

White Tea by WestinA study commissioned by Westin Hotels & Resorts and conducted by STUDYLOGIC LLC found that, though Americans feel they need more time off than last year and fare better with vacation, more than half of the respondents canceled vacation for work. So Starwood Hotels, which owns Westin, is giving each person who pledges to take their remaining vacation days before the end of the year on its wellness site, www.travelandbewell.com, a chance to win one of 200 four-day vacations at any Westin Hotel in North America. Guests who don't win will receive a free night when they book three nights or more www.westin.com/weekends.

In a survey of approximately 1,500 professionally employed Americans between August 1 and August 15, "Wellness in Travel" found that professionals reported faring better during and after vacation. More than 67 percent feel they are healthier on vacation, and 60 percent feel less stressed after vacation.

Although more than half (58 percent) of the respondents feel they need more vacation than last year, those who considered themselves too busy to take time off made up 75 percent of the participants, and 64 percent have canceled vacation for work.

During vacation, more than 30 percent reported having checked in with their work every other day, and 25 percent checked in every hour. More than two-fifths (41 percent) said they need three to four days to unwind on a vacation. Those surveyed who were happier and more positive in their workplaces and personal lives after a vacation totaled 45 percent. More than half of the 1,500 participants felt that vacation contributes to a stronger marriage.

Following the results, Starwood Hotels' wellness brand developed a campaign to educate consumers on the health benefits of taking vacation, including stress relief, productivity and health, and encourage them to take the needed time.

The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions in a survey that averaged 18 minutes and had a margin of error in the totals of +/-3 percent. Respondents were divided into two categories by gender (747 males and 711 females), two categories by household income (594 executives with annual household income under $50,000 and 864 executives with household income of $50,000 or greater), and two categories based on employment (963 executives who are employed by others and 333 executives who are self-employed).

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