Set at the entrance of the ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Mövenpick Resort Petra offers guests more than just luxury accommodations—it delivers a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. This 5-star resort, with its rich oriental flair and blend of natural stone, handcrafted wood, and vibrant Middle Eastern textiles, has long been a destination for travelers seeking comfort and culture. In 2025, the resort further solidified its international reputation by winning the revered International Sustainability Awards for its groundbreaking water conservation initiatives—an exemplary effort in one of the world’s most water-scarce regions.

Luxury Intertwined with Responsibility

At Mövenpick Resort Petra, indulgence is redefined through thoughtful hospitality. Guests are treated to fresh, flavorful cuisine, spa indulgences, and attentive service rooted in the brand’s Swiss heritage. From energizing gym workouts to tranquil moments at the Zara Spa or the poolside, every detail has been designed to create an immersive experience. Yet what sets Mövenpick Petra apart is its ability to offer luxury while maintaining a strong environmental conscience.

Water Conservation in a Water-Scarce Landscape

Jordan is one of the driest countries on Earth, with water scarcity presenting a significant ecological and social challenge. Mövenpick Resort Petra, fully aware of its environmental footprint, launched an innovative and impactful water-saving initiative between 2020 and 2022. The centerpiece of this program was the conversion of 90% of its rooms from bathtubs to walk-in showers—a significant step in reducing water usage.

The results have been nothing short of impressive. The resort’s water consumption dropped from 45 million liters in 2019 to 43 million liters in 2022. More remarkably, by the end of 2023, consumption had fallen to 33 million liters—a 25% reduction in just one year. This achievement not only reflects operational efficiency but also demonstrates how hotels can lead the way in sustainable tourism without sacrificing guest comfort.

Award-Winning Sustainability

This water initiative earned Mövenpick Resort Petra the International Sustainability Award 2025, under the category of “Sustainable Initiative.” The accolade celebrates the resort’s leadership in environmental responsibility, particularly in regions where natural resources are severely limited. In addition to this new honor, the resort has consistently received sustainability recognitions, including:

• Green Globe Certification (Platinum Status) for ten consecutive years
• Green Key Certification for environmental practices
• ISO 22000 Food Safety and Protection Management Certification
• Premium Safe Hotels Certification, adhering to Global Hotel Safety Standards (GHSS)

These certifications reflect the resort’s broad commitment not just to environmental goals, but also to health, safety, and holistic guest well-being.

Community Engagement and Global Recognition

Beyond operational changes, what makes Mövenpick’s initiative particularly inspiring is the widespread support it has received from both staff and guests. This stakeholder alignment ensures long-term success and encourages behavior change on a broader scale. The resort’s actions also serve as a model for the greater hospitality industry—proving that impactful sustainability is not just feasible but profitable and positively received.

The initiative is recognized internally by Mövenpick’s parent company, Accor, which operates over 5,400 hotels globally. As part of its global strategy, Accor highlighted the Petra resort’s water conservation measures in its sustainability showcase, further amplifying the resort’s leadership on the world stage.

Overcoming Challenges

Implementing sustainable initiatives in a volatile geopolitical and economic climate is not without hurdles. The resort faced reduced tourism and financial constraints due to regional instability, impacting available resources for large-scale improvements. However, by prioritizing key sustainability projects and adjusting timelines, Mövenpick Resort Petra has demonstrated resilience and steadfast dedication to its values.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth

Mövenpick Resort Petra has laid out ambitious plans to further enhance sustainability, including:

• Expanding conservation efforts to other parts of the property
• Introducing additional eco-friendly technologies
• Launching comprehensive guest and staff engagement programs on environmental practices
• Aiming for an additional 15% reduction in water consumption over the next three years

Through these steps, the resort intends not only to maintain its leadership in sustainability but to elevate the environmental standards across the region’s tourism sector.

Conclusion

Mövenpick Resort Petra personifies the power of purpose-driven hospitality. Its ability to merge five-star luxury with significant environmental achievements places it at the forefront of sustainable tourism in the Middle East.

For guests, Mövenpick Resort Petra offers an unforgettable experience at the threshold of ancient wonders. For the world, it offers a perfect example of how sustainability and luxury can, and must, go hand in hand.

Learn more by visiting https://all.accor.com/hotel/B4P3/index.en.shtml