Mövenpick Resort Aswan: Island of Sustainable Hospitality

By its nature, the hospitality industry is a large consumer of resources. At Mövenpick Resort Aswan, the aim is to reduce and optimize consumption through the use of basic measures, such as energy efficient lighting, water consumption reduction and better management of waste and chemical use.  As a Green Globe certified hotel since 2012, the resort has emphasized preserving their island home and its virgin nature wherever possible.

This is done through different approaches as Yahya Kotub, General Manager, Mövenpick Resort Aswan explains, “Going green is becoming a part of our team’s DNA. At Mövenpick Resort Aswan we strive to optimize the use of resources and expand our responsible efforts to reach our entire local community. We make sure that we are always working in an ethical and considerate manner, both environmentally and socially.”       

40,000 m2 Resort Farm
Being built on its own island the resort takes advantage of its massive plot of fertile soil situated by the river Nile. The 40,000 m2 farm is a great source of fresh produce used in the resort kitchen. The hotel team have successfully planted more than 3000 fruit trees with a target to reach 5000 by next year. From mangoes to papaya and dragon fruits to citrus and many more. The farm also produced more than 3500 fresh flowers for hotel decoration over the last year. Guests are welcomed with the homemade drink from Hibiscus and Doum trees and very much enjoy the unique taste, often asking for more.

 Bird Watching Awareness Campaigns
Birdwatching is one of the main attractions to the city of Aswan. The resort bird watching station is the perfect place to enjoy migrating birds around the island without interrupting their behavior or interfering with them in anyway. The station provides educational materials about the proper methods for bird watching and the resort’s cooperation with international conservation organizations helps with organizing workshops and training sessions for a sustainable and nature friendly experience.  

Environmental Responsibility and Community Services
Mövenpick Resort Aswan has been working hard to eliminate the use of single use plastics and non-biodegradable items at the property. Plastic straws, plastic stirrers, takeaway bags and single use plastic cups and mugs in rooms have all been replaced with environmentally friendly alternatives. A project to replace key cards is in process and will be fully implemented soon.

Mövenpick Resort Aswan works to enhance equality, equity, and diversity. The resort is proud to have an equal opportunity work environment where everybody is welcome to apply and join the team. Over 95% of the workforce in the resort are from the city of Aswan and surroundings.

Staff members frequently co-ordinate social responsibility activities to improve the quality of life in the local community. This includes the annual Kilo of Kindness initiative which provides school supplies and nonperishable food items to the less privileged.   

In addition to these activities, Mövenpick Resort Aswan has managed to reduce its energy and water consumption year after year. Energy and water saving measures are routinely implemented such as the gradual transitioning to LED light bulbs in guest rooms. A project to have a solar energy station is underway to provide a clean energy source on the island.

Contacts: 

Yahya Kotub
General Manager
Mövenpick Resort Aswan
Elephantine Island 81111
Aswan
Egypt
Phone: +20 97 2454455
Fax: +20 97 2454485
Yahya.Kotub@movenpick.com
movenpick.com

Bradley Cox
Director Communications
Green Globe Certification
1223 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 925
Santa Monica, CA 90403 / U.S.A.
Phone: +1-310-337-3000 ext. 105
Skype Direct +1 760 536 6581
Mobile +61 400 848 746
bcox@greenglobe.com
www.greenglobe.com

About Green Globe Certification

Green Globe 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 is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries.  Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For information, please visit www.greenglobe.com