Petra, Jordan, 21 March 2016

In a young year that has already seen gender equality discussed in January at the World Economic Forum in Davos and the United Nations International Women's Day being celebrated earlier this month, Mövenpick Resort Petra has become the country's first resort to appoint a local woman as Hotel Manager.

Determined, experienced and passionate about hospitality, Rania Bawalsa now sits at the helm of Mövenpick Resort Petra as the award-winning property's new Hotel Manager. Bawalsa's journey to the top as the first-ever Jordanian woman to hold such a prestigious position is a celebration of drive, determination and dedication. Her appointment is also a testament to Mövenpick's recognition of the importance of participation of women in the workforce, which it believes is critical to building stronger economies and societies.

Bawalsa's career in the hospitality industry began two decades ago in 1996 as a housekeeping coordinator for Le Méridien Amman Hotel. The enthusiastic Jordanian moved on to join Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts as executive secretary for the General Manager's Office at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, where she honed her pre-opening and development skills. Her career then took her to Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel & Towers, where she was eventually promoted to food and beverage manager. In 2010, she accepted the role of communications manager and personal assistant to the hotel manager of Mövenpick Resort Petra and Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel.

Known as an individual who inspires and motivates her colleagues, Bawalsa is looking forward to build on her solid experience. "It has always been a dream of mine to run a hotel and I plan to take this exciting challenge very seriously," she says. "It is an incredible honour for me to be Jordan's first woman to hold such a senior position in our beautiful country. Setting an example for aspiring young females in the Kingdom will be part of my mission."

As Mövenpick Resort's Petra's hotel manager, the young female leader seeks to inject a new wave of excellence into the resort, focusing on service and superior experiences for guests and team members. "We have always made it our priority to make every visit, every experience and every second of a guest's stay truly remarkable on all levels," Bawalsa continued. "Of course, the gorgeous rose-red city of Petra also serves as an ideal backdrop to make dreams come true."

On the historic occasion, Michael Nugent, regional director of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Jordan said it was a well-deserved promotion. "Her remarkable efforts, achievements and vision are completely in line with Mövenpick's ideals. I have no doubt that her personable approach and often contagious energy will take Mövenpick Resort Petra to new heights."

Elaborating on his confidence in his team, Nugent further added: "At all five of our splendid properties in Jordan, we aspire to reward employees - female and male - whose tireless devotion is an inspiration to us all. We owe our success to their incredible work." The five properties are Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba, Mövenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba, Mövenpick Resort Petra and Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel.

For further information please visit: www.movenpick.com/Petra

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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 those in Chiang Mai (Thailand), Bali (Indonesia) and Marrakech (Morocco).

Focusing on expanding within 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 with headquarters in central Switzerland (Baar), Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is passionate about delivering premium service and culinary enjoyment - all with a personal touch. Committed to supporting sustainable environments, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has become the most Green Globe-certified hotel company in the world.

The hotel company is owned by Mövenpick Holding (66.7%) and the Kingdom Group (33.3%). For more information, please visit www.movenpick.com.

© Press Release 2016