Element Hotels, Starwood’s reimagined hotel experience designed for today’s healthy and active traveler, today announced the launch of Walk the World with Element Hotels, Powered by Fitbit, a virtual “walk” around the world that encourages travelers across the globe to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road by logging their steps and completing a virtual trek from Canada to China. Showcasing how everyday fitness can be woven into daily routes, the goal of the virtual walk is to amass 29 million steps – equal to the 14,900 miles between Element Vancouver Metrotown in Canada, and Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town, in China, the Element brand’s first hotel in Asia Pacific.

“Element guests strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road, even during the busiest of travel schedules,” said Paige Francis, Vice President, Global Brand Management, Element Hotels. “We’re thrilled to partner with Fitbit to launch Walk the World with Element, Powered by Fitbit as we continue to encourage and reward active travelers, and motivate participants from around the world to join us and stay moving.”

WALK WITH US.

Participating is easy. Simply log onto an existing Fitbit account or sign up for a new one – it's free via the Fitbit app or website. Once logged in, members can join the Walk the World group via the Fitbit website to have his/her steps added to the worldwide walk. Users can participate by using a Fitbit activity tracker or using MobileTrack via the free Fitbit app on their Android, iOS or Windows mobile device.

Those who join the Walk the World group are automatically entered to win prizes at key virtual milestones during the walk. Prizes include Fitbit Flex™, Fitbit Charge HR™ or Fitbit Surge™ activity and sleep trackers, and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®) Starpoints, good for hotel stays at any of Starwood's eleven brands.

For more information, and to join in, please visit www.facebook.com/ElementHotels. Join in on the conversation in the community group or share your stats using the hashtag #WalktheWorld via social @ElementHotels and @Fitbit on Twitter.

About Element Hotels

Element® Hotels offers extended stay comfort for those who are passionate about the planet and their own wellbeing. Stylish and sustainable throughout, Element’s bright design defies convention, bathing guest rooms and public spaces in natural light. To date, there are 18 Element Hotels worldwide, with 16 in North America, one in Europe, one in Asia Pacific with new domestic and international hotels in development. To learn more, visit www.elementhotels.com/experience. Stay Connected to Element on facebook.com/ElementHotels.