Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, now fully owned by Accor, is a Swiss upscale hotel management company with a rich history dating back to 1948. Founded by Ueli Prager, the brand originated with a restaurant in Zurich, inspired by the efficient way seagulls pick up food (Möwe meaning "seagull" in German). The first Mövenpick hotels opened at Zurich Airport in 1973, and the company expanded internationally in 1976. Currently headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, Mövenpick operates over 80 hotels, resorts, and Nile cruisers in 27 countries, with additional properties under development, primarily in the Middle East and Asia.