| Abandon the expected this Valentine’s Day at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:47 PM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  MALDIVES - Get away this Valentine’s Day, miles from everywhere to W Retreat & Spa Maldives; a private island and luxury playground in a wonderland of white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons; to celebrate with two extraordinary experiences for you and your loved one. The evening begins with an electric sunset and signature cocktails at SIP. Mix it up and mingle with a Sunset Kiss; the signature cocktail for the night by W’s Mixologist – Rizmy, as Chef Mauro prepares a fabulous six course dinner to be served on the iconic FISH restaurant terrace under bright stars.
Alternatively, the ultimate jetsetters escape awaits with a sunset cruise on W’s yacht ESCAPE followed by dinner on Gaathafushi, W’s very own private island. Champagne, chocolate truffles and your candle lit retreat await your return for the evening.
For more information, connect to www.wretreatmaldives.com About W Hotels Worldwide
W Hotels is a contemporary, design-led lifestyle brand and the industry innovator with 41 hotels and retreats, including 14 W-branded residences, in the most vibrant cities and exotic destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access, offering a unique mix of cutting-edge design and passions around fashion, music and entertainment. W Hotels offers a holistic lifestyle experience that is integrated into the brand’s sensibility through contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous entertainment experiences, stylish retail concepts, signature spas and inspiring residences. With more than 12 years of proven success, W Hotels is on track to reach more than 60 hotels by the end of 2015. W Hotels have been announced for Paris, Guangzhou, Milan, Shanghai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Athens – Astir Palace, Muscat, Mumbai, and Santa Fe, Mexico, while upcoming W Retreats include Verbier and Mexico’s Riviera Maya. For more information, visit www.whotels.com. To live the W Hotels lifestyle 24/7/365, visit www.wresidences.com. Follow W Hotels on Twitter: @WHotels.
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| Enjoy Valentine moments at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Posted: 30 Jan 2012 11:23 PM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  VIETNAM - Every February 14, in all over the world, roses, candy and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. This February, throughout the month of romance, we invite you to commemorate the spirit of love. This is a time to show that special someone in your life how much you care. What better way to express appreciation than a romantic getaway at the ultimately luxurious Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi with a couples' spa therapy at Le Spa du Metropole? Snuggle in together with the cozy ambiance of Le Club or surround yourself with candlelit chic at Angelina to make this Valentine's Day a memorable one.
Hotel Metropole Hanoi offers exclusive chances for couples to celebrate their love:
- From 1st to 13th February, everyone that dines (for lunch or dinner) at Angelina will get a chance to win a prize to spend Valentine's dinner at Angelina and then the night in the hotel.
Plus
- From 1st to 13th February, everyone that dines (for lunch or dinner) at Le Beaulieu will get a chance to win the prize for a special Valentine's Day combining a couples' spa therapy and a dinner at Le Club to enjoy our new Jazz Diva Diane Witherspoon's fantastic love songs.
Metropole Moments
Magnifique Romance
Relax in style with the one you love the most. This Valentine's, celebrate your love in luxuriant elegance.
Discover Magnifique Romance and enjoy:
- Double A|CLUB points
- Luxurious comfort in elegantly styled accommodation, a perfect setting for romance
- A bottle of champagne on ice delivered to sip any time you wish once during your stay
- A romantic gift of chocolate or flowers upon arrival for your shared pleasure
- A wonderful breakfast served in your room every morning
A Valentine Spa for Two
This Valentines, give the gift that will go straight to the heart. Whether you want to indulge in a romantic couples massage or simply give the ones you love a pampering treat, a luxurious spa session for two in one of Le Spa's suites (private hydrotherapy bathtub - Jacuzzi is available) is the perfect choice.
A 90 minute couples' spa treatment is at VND 3,000,000
Valentine Spa gift vouchers are also available for purchase.
Available during February 2012.
A Taste of the Metropole
Le Grand Cheese buffet
Discover the epitome of French culinary excellence. From February 18th to 26th, Le Beaulieu invites guests to enjoy our legendary cheese buffet. With over 90 varieties of cheese from all over the world and an amazing dessert buffet, this experience is a wonderful way to taste the richness of French delicacies.
No discount programme is applicable for cheese buffet.
Auguri per San Valentino!
As legend about Saint Valentine is from Roma, there's no better way to celebrate this day with a Italian dinner. Spoil your lover - and your taste buds - with Chef Egidio's Valentine's Day dinner menu. Savour seductive Italian lamb loin or creamy risotto. Tempt yourself with chocolate desserts and much more.
Health and Beauty
This month, Chef Kim Hai will prepare delicious therapeutic dishes, using carefully selected ingredients and first-class herbs such as lotus seed, longane fruit, artichoke, asparagus... and making use of specific nutrients to treat particular health conditions. You are invited to take full advantage of the Vietnamese culinary philosophy of eating to improve health and extend life.
Cheese fondue and Raclette please!
Warm this winter up by gathering with family and friends and enjoy cooking your own French Raclette or Metropole's delicious cheese fondue made by finest ingredients at the Metropole' Parisian sidewalk café.
Welcome Diane Witherspoon
This February Metropole's "House of Jazz" welcomes Diane Witherspoon - the talented singer, composer and producer. Inspired by her sister, Shirley Witherspoon, a former Duke Ellington vocalist, and second cousin, Jimmy Witherspoon, a legendary blues singer, Diane is now an international singer with over 20 years experience. Enjoy her fabulous performances every day from Tuesday to Sunday (8.45 pm onwards).
Valentine's Gifts
This Valentine's Day, L'Epicerie has stocked its shelves with a tasty assortment of delicacies, including international products from high-end brands. Surprise your loved one with our delicious chocolates and stunning flowers. When combining order for chocolates and flowers, we will provide complimentary delivery (within Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh and Hai Ba Trung District). Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Address: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: (+84 4) 3826 6919 Fax: (+84 4) 3826 6920 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: www.sofitel-legend.com
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| IHG unveils Crowne Plaza Suites Tequendama Bogota in Colombia Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:48 PM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  COLOMBIA - IHG, one of the most experienced hotel companies in Latin America, announces the opening of the Crowne Plaza Suites Tequendama Bogota, located adjacent to the iconic, 573-room Crowne Plaza Tequendama Bogota. Both properties are owned by Sociedad Hotelera Tequendama. The 30-story, 271-suite Crowne Plaza Suites Tequendama Bogota is located at the International Center Tequendama, a mixed-use building featuring meetings facilities, offices and apartments. It is just minutes from downtown and the financial district, modern shopping malls, gourmet restaurants and cultural attractions. The property is also located just 20 minutes from El Dorado International Airport.
The hotel, which was a conversion from an independent property, underwent an extensive renovation and features two well-designed, spacious suite options (deluxe and executive club), ranging from 580 square feet to 1,000 square feet. All suites have breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and include a living room with a sofa-bed, a dining room table, a fully-equipped kitchenette and a highly-functional work station with wireless Internet access.
The Crowne Plaza Suites Tequendama features rich marble and wood decor, along with a variety of amenities, including a spa facility, health and fitness center, business center, four restaurants and an indoor pool. The new property also boasts three meeting rooms on the 30th floor that can accommodate up to 700 people.
“We are thrilled to open a second IHG property with Sociedad Hotelera Tequendama, and we look forward to continuing to work with them and flourishing our business relationship,” said Alvaro Diago, COO, IHG, Latin America and Caribbean.
“The new Crowne Plaza Suites Tequendama complements the existing Crowne Plaza Tequendama by providing more rooms and meeting space to an area of Bogota that is in high demand from travellers and meeting planners,” said Ricardo Lopez, vice president, Sales and Marketing, IHG, Latin America and Caribbean. “With both properties, there are now 800 rooms, all offering an upscale experience, affording the brand a competitive advantage among meetings and business travelers who are looking for not only a comprehensive meetings program, but also generous amenities, a great location and high level of comfort.”
The Crowne Plaza hotels offer a signature comprehensive meetings program that ensures a seamless planning process and exceptional meeting experience consisting of three key components: a Two-Hour Response Guarantee, a Crowne Meetings Director and a Daily Meetings Debrief.
Consistent with the Crowne Plaza brand, the hotel features the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage® that encompasses the entire sleep experience, from training staff on how to create and maintain a restful environment to providing innovative products and services. Program components include signature bedding, guaranteed wake-up calls, designated quiet zones and aromatherapy.
As part of the IHG global portfolio, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has more than 400 hotels in nearly 60 countries, located in major urban centers, gateway cities and resort destinations.
The Crowne Plaza Suites Tequendama Bogota is owned and managed by Sociedad Hotelera Tequendama under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.
IHG, a pioneer of Colombia’s hospitality industry, currently has eight hotels in Colombia: two InterContinental Hotels, two Crowne Plaza hotels, two Holiday Inn and two Holiday Inn Express properties. The InterContinental Cartagena is currently under development and slated to open in 2013.
Crowne Plaza hotels participate in IHG's guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards, the industry's first and largest guest loyalty program with 61 million members. Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on priorityclub.com, calling 1.888.211.9874 or inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any one of IHG's more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.
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| A winter wonderland at Lushan Mountain Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:34 PM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  CHINA - Lushan Mountain was graced with its heaviest snowfall of this year's winter season during Spring Festival Golden Week, creating a winter wonderland for those tourists who chose Lushan as the destination for their holiday travel and the place where they wanted to be when they rang in the year of the dragon. The entire mountain tourist resort was at various times during the three day holiday embraced with a magnificent thin hoarfrost covering and later by a think layer of gleaming white snow. When snow falls in the mountainous regions of Southern China, it is a beautiful sight to behold!
The snow arrived after sunrise on the third day. In the mountainous area of Guling Shancheng, the view of beautiful jade towers and crystal palaces among the sparkling snow-laden trees and flowers was truly a sight to behold – a sight one could only imagine in a fairy tale. Hoarfrost, snow and the outline of the mountain ridges combined to form a beautiful and breathtaking landscape under the blue sky -- a truly rare and lucky event for the mountain's Spring Festival visitors.
Tourists arriving from Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces were amazed at the sight of the silver-white snow, glittering ice and exotic hoarfrost as they breathed in the frosty air and busily took pictures to capture the precious and rare moments. Professional and amateur photographers alike vied for the best spots to set up their cameras, clicking the camera shutters in non-stop succession to capture the rarely seen natural beauty created by the unusual snowfall.
The well-known scenic spots - Lushan Central Park, Blossom Path, Jinxiu Valley and Fairy Cave -, received the most traffic, with entire families spanning three generations enjoying the scenery. Family members were in wonderment at the intricate designs created by the hoarfrost and took pictures excitedly while the youngest among them threw snowballs and made snowmen. A good time was had by all who chose Lushan as their destination.
All of the region's hotels and restaurants have been outfitted with top of the line heating systems, ensuring guests warm and inviting environments while they enjoy the wide variety of sumptuous meals available across the region. Lushan Mountain is certainly one of the best choices for tourists as a place to spend their Spring Festival holiday.
All staff working in the scenic area are trained to promote a secure and comfortable environment ensuring the best quality of services for all visitors. Both he south and north park service centers in the area provide free tire chains to any tourist having arrived by car to assure that their vehicle will not get stuck in the snow. A thousand chains are kept on hand.
Lushan Mountain has been promoting the scenic area as an ideal destination for a winter vacation, especially during Spring Festival Golden Week, and the number of tourists choosing to visit the area during the winter months has been increasing steadily, especially for extended families who take their vacations together. These extended family groups come by bus or with their own vehicles, and now account for 60% to 70% of the tourists who visit the area during Spring Festival. This year during this period, the number of tourists traveling to Lushan Mountain reached 40,000, up 11.8% over the same period last year. The area's experience with tourism shows the choice of Lushan Mountain as a travel destination to be not only a safe and comfortable one, but also one that is truly enjoyed by all. Lushan Mountain's tourist organizations expect the number of visitors to continue to grow.
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| Month of romance at the Mövenpick Hotels Posted: 30 Jan 2012 07:50 PM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  VIETNAM - Experience a truly exceptional Valentine’s Day and enjoy an extraordinary romantic break at both Mövenpick hotels in Vietnam. Whichever offers you decide on, special memories of a lifetime await you. Exclusively at Mangosteen Restaurant - Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi
The set menu is prepared by top-notch Executive Chef Lam Nguyen and his talented team. Enjoy the Asparagus in a creamy veloute and wild mushrooms, Lobster bisque with parmesan grissini, Seabass fillets with dried tomatoes, pink grapefruit risotto and shellfish sauce, Veal fillet with sweet potatoes truffles puree, lobster ravioli and rosemary emulsion. For dessert you can indulge in rasberry, pistachio chocolate Millefeuille and strawberry ice-cream. Valentine dinner set menu for two is available at 1,520,000++/couple including welcome cocktails and champagne, free flow of soft drinks and house wine. First 10 couples will have a chance to receive a complimentary stay in a beautiful Deluxe room.
Exclusively at Mövenpick Hotel Saigon
- Cafe Saigon: Valentine seafood buffet dinner on Tuesday, February 14th at VND 850,000++ per person including free flow of house wine, beer and soft drinks. Book your Valentine's seafood dinner before February 10th and receive a personalized heart-shaped chocolate box.
- Lotus Court: Valentine Chinese set dinner through February for two at VND 990,000++ per couple including a special Valentine’s tea
- IKI: Valentine’s sushi platter to share, including a selection of the best nigiri, maki and sashimi through February at VND 389,000++
- Slate - The Bar: get a free chocolate fondue for every "Coupletini" order in February
- Cay Da Café: personalized chocolate boxes & many unique Valentine gift sets are also available in February.
For any early booking for Valentine's seafood dinner before February 10th, guests are entitled to receive a personalized heart-shaped chocolate box. Applicable only for dinner event at Café Saigon on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday February 14th, 2012.
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Address: Moevenpick Hotel Hanoi
83A Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: +84 8 3822 2800
Website: www.moevenpick-hanoi.com
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Address: Moevenpick Hotel Saigon
253 Nguyen Van Troi Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: +84 8 3844 9222
Website: www.moevenpick-saigon.com
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About Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, an international upscale hotel management company with over 14,000 employees, is represented in 25 countries with 71 hotels and resorts currently in operation. A further 30 properties are planned or already under construction in Ankara, (Turkey), Dubai (four projects – United Arab Emirates); Abu Dhabi (three projects – United Arab Emirates), Shanghai (China), Dharamshala (India).
Focusing on expansion in its core markets of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts specialises in business and conference hotels, as well as holiday resorts, all reflecting a sense of place and respect for their local communities. Of Swiss heritage and headquartered in Zurich, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is passionate about delivering premium service, culinary enjoyment and sustainable environments – all with a personal touch. The hotel company is owned by the Mövenpick Holding (66.7%) and the Kingdom Group (33.3%). For more information please visit www.moevenpick-hotels.com
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| Japan remains a top destination for global travellers Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:41 AM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  JAPAN - Japan remains one of the world’s most desirable travel destinations with 16% of global travellers saying it is a likely destination within the next two years. The Visa Global Travel Intentions Survey 201, which interviewed 11,620 travellers from 23 countries and territories around the world, reveals Japan is still key destination for travellers across the Asia Pacific and particularly among Chinese and South Korean travellers who constitute Japan’s primary source of visitor arrivals.
Ross Jackson, Head of Cross-Border Business, Asia Pacific, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa for Visa, said; “The survey, very encouragingly, found that Chinese and South Korean respondents still rank Japan among their top destinations. More than one in three (34%) respondents from Mainland China and one in four (24%) respondents from South Korea said they are likely to travel to Japan in the next two years. This is in line with Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Destination Trends that international arrivals to Japan have picked up slightly post-tsunami. Our survey findings present great news hinting at a strong recovery and boost for the afflicted Japanese economy.”
Looking at the much hyped outbound markets in China and India, 33% of Chinese are likely to go to Australia within the next two years and 31% are likely to travel to Japan. In India, Singapore has emerged as the most popular destination, nominated by 33% of travellers. Among other outbound markets in the region, the US and Europe are popular places to visit, but there is a strong tendency towards intra-regional travel. A total of 18% of Japanese travellers will visit South Korea, and 23% of Malaysians will go to Hong Kong or Taiwan. Respondents in Hong Kong nominated Japan, Taiwan and China, while Taiwanese travellers are most likely to go to Japan, China or Hong Kong. Singaporeans will travel to Japan, Malaysia and Hong Kong, while Thais show strong preference for Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.
Analysis of the decision making process found that availability of good deals (70%), natural scenery (69%), political stability and good weather (both 66%), and new destinations (65%) as top factors which influence travellers’ choice of destinations.
On average, respondents are planning to make four international trips in the next two years, with 11% more respondents intending to travel in the next two years, compared with the last two years. Most travellers indicated they intend to spend an average of 10 nights on their next vacation.
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| Ha Long Bay welcomes 10,000 visitors during Tet Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:33 AM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  VIETNAM - During the Lunar New Year holidays, the Ha Long Bay, which has been listed among the World’s New Seven Natural Wonders, received around 10,000 tourists, according to Mr. Ha Quang Long, Head of the Quang Ninh Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Earlier, on January 20th, the Quang Ninh People’s Committee decided to offer free-of-charge tours to Ha Long Bay for visitors between January 23rd and February 5th.
After that, on January 23rd (the first day of Lunar year 2012), the SuperStar Aquarius cruise ship from Malaysia with more than 1,300 foreign tourists and crew docked at Hon Gai port to tour the Ha Long and other sites in the province.
Besides, Quang Ninh Province is ready to serve more foreign and local visitors, attending special festivals such as Tien Ong Festival on January 29th at Ha Nam Island, Cua Ong Temple Festival on January 30th, Yen Tu Festival and the Vietnam Poem Day – Asia Pacific Poem Festival on January 31st.
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| Huong Pagoda Festival kicks off Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:11 AM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  VIETNAM - The Huong (Perfume) pagoda in Hanoi’s suburban district of My Đuc opened on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year (January 30), attracting tens of thousands of people from across the country. Many families in Hanoi and adjacent areas had to leave from 2am or 3am in the morning despite rain and chilly weather to reach Huong Tich cave at the opening time of the festival.
The organising board said it has arranged 4,600 boats and motorboats to serve pilgrim demand.
Vietnam’s largest and longest Buddhist festival will last until April 30, or April 10 according to the lunar calendar.
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| HCM City in the top 10 of street food destinations Posted: 29 Jan 2012 11:54 PM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  VIETNAM - HCM City has been listed in the top 10 of world's best street food destinations. The list was created by Food and Wine magazine, a monthly publication of American Express Publishing.
HCM City's most famous street foods include pho (rice noodles), banh my kep pate (sandwich with pate),and banh xeo (literary sizzling cake or fried pancakes made of rice flour, turmeric powder, and slivers of fatty pork, shrimp).
According to Food and Wine, street food has played an important role in the gastronomy of the world. The magazine sent readers to HCM City's Ben Thanh market where food-lovers can discover the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy delicious dishes. It also suggested other destinations where tourists could enjoy street food, such as Bangkok (Thailand), Penang (Malaysia), Berlin (Germany), Austin (Texas, United States).
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| Month of romance at the Mövenpick Hotels Posted: 20 Jan 2012 12:22 AM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  VIETNAM - Experience a truly exceptional Valentine’s Day and enjoy an extraordinary romantic break at both Mövenpick hotels in Vietnam. Whichever offers you decide on, special memories of a lifetime await you. Exclusively at Mangosteen Restaurant - Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi: The set menu is prepared by top-notch Executive Chef Lam Nguyen and his talented team. Enjoy the Asparagus in a creamy veloute and wild mushrooms, Lobster bisque with parmesan grissini, Seabass fillets with dried tomatoes, pink grapefruit risotto and shellfish sauce, Veal fillet with sweet potatoes truffles puree, lobster ravioli and rosemary emulsion. For dessert you can indulge in rasberry, pistachio chocolate Millefeuille and strawberry ice-cream. Valentine dinner set menu for two is available at 1,520,000++/couple including welcome cocktails and champagne, free flow of soft drinks and house wine. First 10 couples will have a chance to receive a complimentary stay in a beautiful Deluxe room. Exclusively at Mövenpick Hotel Saigon: - Cafe Saigon: Valentine seafood buffet dinner on Tuesday, February 14th at VND 850,000++ per person including free flow of house wine, beer and soft drinks. Book your Valentine's seafood dinner before February 10th and receive a personalized heart-shaped chocolate box. - Lotus Court: Valentine Chinese set dinner through February for two at VND 990,000++ per couple including a special Valentine’s tea - IKI: Valentine’s sushi platter to share, including a selection of the best nigiri, maki and sashimi through February at VND 389,000++ - Slate - The Bar: get a free chocolate fondue for every "Coupletini" order in February - Cay Da Café: personalized chocolate boxes & many unique Valentine gift sets are also available in February. For any early booking for Valentine's seafood dinner before February 10th, guests are entitled to receive a personalized heart-shaped chocolate box. Applicable only for dinner event at Café Saigon on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday February 14th, 2012.
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Address: Moevenpick Hotel Hanoi
83A Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: +84 8 3822 2800
Website: www.moevenpick-hanoi.com
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Address: Moevenpick Hotel Saigon
253 Nguyen Van Troi Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: +84 8 3844 9222
Website: www.moevenpick-saigon.com
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About Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts: Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, an international upscale hotel management company with over 14,000 employees, is represented in 25 countries with 71 hotels and resorts currently in operation. A further 30 properties are planned or already under construction in Ankara, (Turkey), Dubai (four projects – United Arab Emirates); Abu Dhabi (three projects – United Arab Emirates), Shanghai (China), Dharamshala (India). Focusing on expansion in its core markets of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts specialises in business and conference hotels, as well as holiday resorts, all reflecting a sense of place and respect for their local communities. Of Swiss heritage and headquartered in Zurich, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is passionate about delivering premium service, culinary enjoyment and sustainable environments – all with a personal touch. The hotel company is owned by the Mövenpick Holding (66.7%) and the Kingdom Group (33.3%). For more information please visit www.moevenpick-hotels.com
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