To support the growth plans of the Swiss-based international hotel group, the Executive Committee of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has been expanded to include a new member.  As of September 2007, PHILLIP B. MERTENS joined the committed as the Senior Vice President Development & Facility Management.

Philip B. Mertens is well known in the hospitality industry for his experience in feasibility evaluations, strategic planning and project development.

A dual citizen of Germany and South Africa, Mertens was born in Namibia and is a Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate of the University of Denver, USA.  Following graduation, he held a number of senior leadership and consulting roles in Asia-Pacific with Ernst & Young, Horwath Asia Pacific and Holiday Inn.  In the Middle East, Mertens has been Director of Development and Strategy for Qatar National Hotels. Most recently, he was Development Director for the Sorouh Real Estate Company in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

"With some 30 hotel projects currently in development or under construction in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia, it is important that an Executive Committee member has a hands-on involvement and global overview of projects, which enable consistent spearheading and coordination of all relevant processes", stated Jean Gabriel Pérès, President & CEO Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. "In Mertens, we have found the right candidate for this position. He will play a central role in the realization of our expansion targets."

Development at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts means building and maintaining long-term owner-operator relationships. Through professional service during the development process and by reaching sustainable and realistic agreements we aim to exceed our partners’ expectations.

Development Strategy
At Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, development strategy is geared towards expansion of the group’s regional and international presence. Our target, by 2010, is to increase the hotel chain to approximately 100 hotels, with a geographical focus on Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. We forecast organic growth of eight to ten hotels each year, predominantly in the form of management contracts.

We focus specifically on developing:

Mövenpick Hotels
These upscale hotels, which are primarily situated in city centres, good suburban locations, or close to airports, offer business travellers comfortable accommodation with all the amenities they require for their professional activities.

Mövenpick Resorts
Our resorts are in the first-class or premium category. Comprehensive conference and recreational facilities, together with restaurants and a relaxed environment, create a pleasant atmosphere for both business and leisure. Diving, golf and tennis, or excursions to nearby attractions, are just some of the vast range of activities available to help guests unwind.

Mövenpick Residences
Our first-class residences provide the same comfort and amenities found in our hotels. The apartments are specially designed for longstaying guests and offer ample space and additional amenities. We aim to develop our Mövenpick Residences primarily in city centres.

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HOTEL OPENING 2008/2009
Crete, Greece
Istanbul, Turkey
Dusseldorf, Germany
Yanbu, Saudi Arabia
Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Accra, Ghana
Oceana Resort, Dubai
Deira, Dubai
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Ajman
Sentosa Island, Singapore
Dubai Pearl
Luguna Tower, Dubai
Ibn Battuta Gate, Dubai
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Bangalor, India
Salalah, Oman