FTTSA adds Mercure Hotels to its portfolio
31. Mar, 2009
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All four Mercure hotels, Bedfordview, Midrand, Nelspruit, and Randburg, stand out for exemplary corporate social responsibility initiatives including skills development, working to prevent child sex tourism and comprehensive HIV/AIDS awareness raising programmes.
The Mercure network in South Africa pursues a policy of procuring products and services from BEE-compliant and Fairtrade suppliers including Thandi Wines and Bean There Coffee.
With respect to environmental management, Mercure hotels monitor and take steps to reduce energy and water consumption. Eskom and Mercure are “sharing power to save energy” with the recent launch of a joint campaign to raise awareness on energy challenges in South Africa. Thus Mercure properties take active measures to inform guests of easy steps that can be taken to save energy and make a difference.
“We are proud of the FTTSA certification of all four Mercure hotels in South Africa as a demonstration of our commitment to sustainable development. We will continue to value this certification and what it stands for through sustainable and ongoing fair business practices.”
Laurence Mnqali, Director of Sales & Marketing, Mercure Hotels in South Africa
Mercure hotel Bedfordview
The 3-star Mercure hotel Bedfordview is located just a short 10 minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport and is situated directly opposite the Eastgate Shopping and Entertainment Centre, boasting over 260 shops, restaurants, banks and cinemas. The hotel has 120 air-conditioned, self-catering, 1 or 2-bedroomed spacious suites and studios.
Mercure hotel Midrand
Mercure hotel Midrand is a 3-star, 92-room hotel situated 30 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport and 20 minutes from the Sandton Convention Centre and within walking distance of Gallagher Estate and Convention Centre.
Mercure hotel Randburg is on the outskirts of Randburg adjacent to the Brightwater Commons Shopping Centre (previously known as the Randburg Waterfront). This 3-star hotel is situated in close proximity to Johannesburg and has 104 rooms, breakfast restaurant, bar and 2 conference rooms.
Mercure hotel Nelspruit
This is also a 3-star hotel situated in Mpumalanga’s business centre of Nelspruit, 25km away from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. It is located within easy access to Kruger National Park and has 104 suites and studios. All suites are equipped with a kitchenette.
Commenting on Mercure South Africa’s achievement, FTTSA Executive Director Jennifer Seif stated that “the feedback and advice provided to business owners and managers through FTTSA’s assessment and certification services affords groups like Mercure with valuable information that can be used to monitor and benchmark sustainability, quality and empowerment at group level. FTTSA is confident that the Mercure example will encourage additional hotel and lodge groups to strive for FTTSA certification in future.”
*****
Within Accor, Mercure represents professional hotel know-how at the service of a personalised stay. The 681 Mercure hotels around the world cater to both business and leisure travellers, responding to all expectations. Comfort, quality of reception and the art of welcoming have made Mercure’s reputation in 51 countries around the world. More detailed information on Mercure hotels available on www.mercure.com
FTTSA certification is an independent endorsement of fair and responsible tourism practice in South Africa. It is based on adherence to specific criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice, and respect for human rights, culture and the environment. Certification is offered on a voluntary basis to providers of tourist accommodation, activities and attractions.
My name is Muzi Mohale a full-time travel blogger, your host at Travelwires.com responsible for all editorial on this blog. I blog about the travel and tourism industry in Africa. Apart from blogging about tourism, I also run 
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[...] FTTSA endorses the idea that tourism businesses should strive to be sustainable through activities such as responsible use of resources, local purchasing and employment and community social investment (CSI) to name a few. Owner James Peech continues to create a sustainable and carbon-neutral environment for guests and staff through innovative environmental management, ongoing community investment initiatives and local procurement. [...]