First hotel in Kuwait receives Green Globe Certification

LOS ANGELES, California – Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a is the first hotel in Kuwait to receive Green Globe Certification.

LOS ANGELES, California – Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a is the first hotel in Kuwait to receive Green Globe Certification.

Green Globe CEO Guido Bauer said: “Mövenpick continues to meet the world’s highest sustainability standard, with Movenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a Kuwait achieving 82% of Green Globe’s sustainability indicators in its inaugural year.

“For all Middle East-based hotels, recycling is one of the greatest challenges, with few programs offered by the host communities. It is encouraging to see Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a Kuwait has moved quickly to establish its own recycling program for paper, plastic, and cans.

“The property has also engaged an ambitious ‘Zero Emission Aim’ regarding their carbon footprint, which includes travel to and from. It will be interesting to see how this target is met via a comprehensive reduction and offset strategy,” added Mr. Bauer.

“We have already completed a number of sustainability initiatives including the installation of water-saving devices in all guest rooms and public areas to reduce water consumption, and energy-saving bulbs to save power,” said Ramzi Shaban, the Executive Assistant Manager at the hotel.

“Achieving this Green Globe certification has a positive effect on every aspect of the hotel operation, and will encourage us to go for greener initiatives. We also encourage our guests to get involved in our sustainability programs by inviting them to use the recycle bins placed across the property, and making them aware of special measures such as air conditioning cut-off when they leave their rooms, as well as linen reuse,” added Mr. Shaban.

Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a Kuwait has also established a reputation for serving the society with active involvement in many local and international charities, and was the first to introduce Opera in Kuwait through a series of cultural and musical events. The hotel was audited by UAE-based Avireal Company, preferred partner for Green Globe Certification across the 20 different countries of the Middle East.

By the end of 2011, Green Globe will have certified 20 percent of Mövenpick’s hotels, resorts, and cruises. By 2013, all Mövenpick properties will have met the Green Globe Certification standard and carry the Green Globe Certification label. This strategy is part of a company-wide program to establish a common and global approach to environmental, employee, and social sustainability.

ABOUT MOVENPICK 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 .

Contact: Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bidaa Kuwait, Khadija Meftah, PR & Communications Executive, Salmiya 22084, P.O. Box 7306, Kuwait, Phone +96522253100 extension 5609, Fax +96522253199, Email: [email protected] , Web: www.moevenpick-hotels.com

ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is the only certification brand to be an affiliate member of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) an agency of the United Nations, and is partly owned by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

For information, visit www.greenglobe.com .

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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