While the global financial crisis is forcing many of the world’s hoteliers to reduce their workforces, Movenpick Hotel Saigon is committing to the employees who can demonstrate a strong grasp of the brand and what it stands for. Last week, the five-star property called all of its 396 workers into a classroom, where everyone from the general manager to executive chef was quizzed on Movenpick Hotels & Resorts’ philosophies.

The test was part of the company’s ‘Go For Excellence’ program, which is designed to deliver on the customer service promise of an unrivalled experience - a belief the Swiss chain has subscribed to since it commenced operations almost four decades ago.

“The goal of the campaign is to foster maximum understanding of the product,” said Hubert Klemenz, Movenpick Hotel Saigon’s general manager. “Movenpick Hotels & Resorts takes great pride in offering guests precision-like quality. Those who did well on the exam realize what that means, and they will continue to be part of this team.”

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts thinks highly of Vietnam’s people and tourism potential. Since July 1, the hotelier has renamed and refurbished not one but two properties here - Movenpick Hotel Saigon (formerly the Omni Saigon) and Movenpick Hotel Hanoi (formerly the Guoman Hotel).

The enterprise began its Asian expansion in 2006, when it signed a management agreement with a hotel in Bangalore, India, and assumed operations of a holiday resort in Phuket, Thailand. Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has four more properties under construction or in development in the region.