core sector communique

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts energises event organisation from A-Z (Accra to Zurich).

Intensive training for new global Meetings & Events programme pays off as company takes top three position in European MICE survey.

Zurich (Switzerland), 23 May 2012— Creative cuisine, inspirational event ideas and fast efficient MICE service from start to finish are at the heart of the new global Meetings & Events programme launched by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts at IMEX in Frankfurt, the world’s largest meetings and incentive travel exhibition.

Intensive training to streamline every element of the MICE process at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has already paid major dividends with the upscale Swiss hospitality company achieving a number three ranking among European branded hotels in this year’s German IFH Institute for Hospitality Management’s annual MICE survey. When tested on a complex meetings request Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Central Europe achieved 100% for process and execution and also responded the same day, a feat achieved by only 30% of the hotels tested.

“Last year, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Europe were ranked 30^th, so this vastly improved position pays tribute to the new seamless MICE experience our customers can now enjoy,” said John Griffin, the Swiss company’s Senior Vice President Brand and Marketing.

The Meetings & Events programme will be available across all key MICE properties of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts – from Accra to Zurich – by the end of 2012, with several hotels unveiling the scheme this week. What is particularly significant about the programme is that all employees involved in the MICE customer journey are taking part in company wide training to provide personalised, intuitive and efficient service in addition to those working in the meetings, events and banqueting departments.

Three key principles provide the foundations of success for the new programme. Firstly, with ‘Food for thought’, menus have been given a fresh seasonal touch, enhanced by local, organic or Fairtrade produce, live cooking stations, healthy menus, adaptations for special diets and imaginative flourishes such as individual mini-fondues or Mövenpick Ice Cream stations.

Secondly, event organisation at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has also been completely streamlined with ‘Thought-through service’ - the creation of quality events that are custom-made to match individual requirements. The process is now supported by dedicated Meetings Consultants that provide a one-contact start-to-finish service, as well as Meeting Concierges that resolve any challenges during an event.

Finally, ‘Inspirational environments’ have been created through the transformation of meeting spaces into unique locations that can accommodate tailored event concepts or be personalised to individual requirements. Whether the setting is an ancient amphitheatre in Petra or intimate historic ‘Cave’ vaults in a restored water tower in Hamburg, the Meetings & Events programme reimagines event space in an unforgettable way.

Additionally, new online tools have been introduced to provide customers with fast easy ways of accessing information. Requests for meeting space availability, pricing and creative ideas can be done at the click of a mouse through the new user-friendly Meetings & Events’ online RFP (request for proposal) section, in partnership with Active Network | StarCite, while 2D-interactive floor plans allow event planners to carry out feasibility checks of possible room set-ups. There is also a tips & tricks section that offers invaluable advice to event planners.

The programme follows MICE customer research by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts that underlined the importance of one-click solutions, consistency, fast feedback and a warm personal approach to customised event solutions.

“Whatever the occasion, we are here to listen and adapt individual solutions to meet customer requirements,” said John Griffin. “The Meeting & Events programme highlights our constant commitment to product improvement and customer satisfaction.”

About Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts: 

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, an international upscale hotel management company with over 16’000 staff members, is represented in 24 countries with 71 hotels and resorts currently in operation. More than 30 properties are planned or already under construction, including this year’s openings in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Abu Soma (Egypt), Ankara (Turkey), Chiang Mai and Koh Samui (Thailand), Palawan (Philippines) and Dubai (UAE). 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%).