Following the acquisition of a resort in Thailand and the plans for expansion in Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts will launch a Regional Sales Office in Bangkok from 1 January 2007.

Christina Bartz has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing. She has assumed immediate responsibility for sales and marketing at the new Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach in Phuket and will subsequently begin managing the Regional Sales Office in January 2007.

In addition, a Regional Reservations Office in Singapore with toll-free reservation numbers will be available to customers from August 2006.

Christina Bartz, a German national, has over 25 years' experience in sales and marketing in the hotel industry and is equally conversant with both the Asian and the European markets. Milestones achieved during her career include a number of sales and marketing positions at Ramada International in Europe and Asia, Group Director of Sales & Marketing at Allson International Hotels & Resorts in Asia, Director of Sales & Marketing at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and Director of Marketing at Marco Polo Hotels in Hong Kong.

"We are delighted to welcome on board a professional with the extensive experience of Christina Bartz," commented Steven Nikolov, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. "Her main areas of responsibility will include promoting recognition of our brand in Asia, while simultaneously attracting Asian guests to our main markets of Europe, the Middle East and Africa."