LOS ANGELES, California – Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba is a 5-star contemporary resort located on the shores of the southern Red Sea in Jordan. The resort has its own private beach where guests can enjoy water sports or go diving and marvel at glorious coral reefs, teeming with spectacular marine life. There are more than 3,000 square meters of pool space at the property that features a water slide, kids' pools and Jacuzzis. Cultural and historical sites including the ancient city of Petra are situated nearby. And visitors can explore shops and venues offering the best of Jordanian traditional arts and crafts including Taybeh Village with its Nabataean pottery and the Wadi Mousa Silver Production Centre.

Green Globe congratulates Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba on its recent re-certification for the fourth year running in acknowledgement of its dedication to sustainable practices.

Beat Peter, General Manager at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba said, "Our successful re-certification by Green Globe is an honor that underlines our full commitment to sustainability. We have consistently aimed to improve our operations over the years. This year's projects, for instance, included the installation of an additional 150 solar panels to increase our capacity in heating water through using natural energy, setting-up additional softener tanks to ensure durability of our equipment, completion of Phases 3 and 4 of the LED Light Project where ordinary light bulbs were replaced with LED lights, and the Pool Maintenance Programme where water leaks were repaired thereby reducing water wastage."

The property uses the Hotel Optimizer management system designed by Green Globe's preferred Middle East Partner FARNEK to record and monitor all energy and water consumption. In total there are now 400 solar panels installed that are used to partially heat water in the pools and spa. In addition, other energy saving initiatives include motion sensors which are utilized for outdoor lighting and at parking lots. Also, air conditioning units in guest rooms automatically switch off when balcony doors are open.

"Moreover, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba continuously seeks ways to better protect the environment, and included in our future plans is the installation of a Variable Frequency Device to our water pumps in order to regulate fuel and energy consumption, and the RO system to save on water consumption," added Mr. Peter.

To further conserve water the resort has a unique 'backwash process' which re-uses the water of the swimming pools and Jacuzzis for irrigation. Also, native plants such as cactus are used in landscaping to minimize water usage. Furthermore, dual flush toilets and low flow aerators on faucets and showers are installed in guest rooms and public areas. While kitchens also have low flow water taps installed.

To contribute to regional economic development high demand produce such as bread, dairy products, vegetables and fruits, eggs and olive oil are locally sourced. And to support community based businesses and craftspeople locally produced souvenirs are given to guests. In addition, Jordanian tourism, culture and arts are promoted through the Info Channel in guest rooms and the Concierge Brochure.

The management and staff at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba actively participate in various CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives throughout the year including the Shine program, King Hussein Cancer Foundation, Hands Across the Sand and regular beach clean ups.

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).

Green Globe is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .

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 83 hotels, resorts and Nile cruisers currently in operation. Around 20 properties are planned or under construction, including Chiang Mai (Thailand), Bali (Indonesia) and Nairobi (Kenia). 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 central Switzerland (Baar), Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is

passionate about delivering premium service and culinary enjoyment – all with a personal touch. Committed to sustainable environments, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has become the most Green Globe certified hotel company in the world. The hotel company is owned by the Mövenpick Holding (66.7%) and the Kingdom Group (33.3%). For more information please visit www.movenpick.com.