Tag Archives: Accor

The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has signed a strategic partnership with Accor to nurture and develop Saudi talent within the hospitality industry. Through the “Tamayyaz by Accor” program, the collaboration seeks to offer fresh graduates and talented individuals a clear path for career advancement, expedite nationalization by identifying essential roles in each department, cultivate internal talent, implement onboarding programs, and design career growth plans. Upon completing the 6-month program, 256 trainees will be employed in their preferred departments within the hotels. To mark this partnership, the Ministry was represented during the signing ceremony by the Deputy Minister of Tourism for Human Capital Development, Engineer Mohammed Muin Bushnag, while Accor was represented by Jean-Jacques Morin the Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale and Economy division, in the presence of several officials. Engineer Mohammed Muin Bushnag, Deputy Minister of Tourism for Human Capital Development stated, “This partnership with Accor marks a significant milestone in our efforts to grow Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and create job opportunities for our citizens. With “Tamayyaz by Accor”, we are confident that Saudi talent will be well-equipped to succeed in the ever-evolving world of hospitality.” “Tamayyaz by Accor” encompasses three distinct tracks: Hospitality Specialist, Hospitality Operations, and Hospitality Leadership. The Hospitality Specialist track exposes local talent to the foundations of non-operating hotel departments such as Talent and Culture, Marketing, Finance, Business Development, and Guest Experiences. Meanwhile, the Hospitality Operations track targets departments like Food and Beverage, Front Office, Housekeeping, Culinary, and Engineering. The Hospitality Leadership track concentrates on fostering leadership skills by applying the Accor Leadership Framework. This track includes leadership shadowing, global leadership programs, and training initiatives funded by the Ministry of Tourism. Additionally, …

Ennismore and Banyan Tree Group and part of the Accor Group, have inked a landmark deal with Dubai Holding, to open Banyan Tree Dubai in November 2023. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Accor, signed the agreement with Amit Kaushal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding. Banyan Tree Dubai will replace the existing Caesars Palace Dubai and following a phased stage of brand related upscaling improvements, the repositioned resort will feature 179 rooms, including 30 suites and a brand-new four-bedroom villa with its own private entrance, pool and beach. A key focal point of the resort will be its wellness offering with the signature Banyan Tree Spa featuring its own reception, relaxation area, gym, indoor and outdoor yoga spaces, dedicated F&B space, private mini rainforests, hydrotherapy pools and treatment rooms. The resort will have five restaurants and bars, each carefully curated through a collaboration between Ennismore’s in-house F&B concept studio, Carte Blanched, and Banyan Tree Group, to offer guests a diverse culinary experience. Banyan Tree Dubai will also include 96 private residences comprising one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units with a dedicated lobby, outdoor swimming pool and access to the hotel’s facilities. As part of a long-term strategic partnership agreement between Accor and Banyan Tree Group signed in 2016, Banyan Tree Dubai will be co-operated by Banyan Tree Group and Ennismore, following a similar operational model applied in Banyan Tree La Cigale Doha, Qatar and Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Accor, said: “We are thrilled to be at the beginning of a promising development partnership between Accor and Dubai Holding, and the announcement of the opening of a stunning Banyan Tree …

According to a report from Accor, highly-personalised service is becoming the key differentiator for travel advisors. The report, titled ‘Tailor-Made Touch or Digital Efficiency?’, looks at the strategies, technologies and trends impacting leisure travel advisors in the recovery and beyond. It says that while continually digitally transforming their operations is of course vital, even more important is to develop the services and nurture the partnerships that can help them delight and connect with their customers on a level that is beyond what alternative intermediary models can achieve. The report, focused on the European market, outlines how the pandemic accelerated the transformation of the leisure travel intermediary market, with the widespread adoption of digital technology and many key players shifting their models in a bid to become platform businesses or b2b technology providers. It supports the notion that, used properly, technology from messaging platforms to payments and artificial intelligence can be travel advisors’ best friend, helping them to optimise their capacity with a wide variety of inventory; access powerful digital distribution channels; better understand their customers, market themselves and provide more sophisticated and efficient services. However, it argues that even more key to travel planners’ success as they evolve is the ability to get close to their customers, to provide the high-touch personalised service now expected by travellers. Saskia Gentil, SVP Sales, Europe & North Africa at Accor, explained: “Consumers increasingly value the ability of travel advisors to remove the stress from their trip, tailor it to their preferences, plan every last detail in a flexible way, and be the reassuring presence that takes care of problems when they arise. “The ability to provide this bespoke level of service is a …

The first standalone residence in the Ennismore portfolio outside of The Americas is set to open in 2026, featuring panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline. Highlights include a Small Little Secret Club, an exclusive clubhouse for homeowners with private F&B concept, chef’s table, entertainment lounge, infinity pool and a boutique fitness studio with treatment rooms. These 113 prestigious homes were 100% reserved within 30-days of their release. Accor provided an update on the progress of its fast-growing, branded residences business line. Currently, Accor is welcoming residents home at some 40 branded residence communities around the world, with another 100+ projects under development, across 20 distinct brand collections. By 2027, the company expects to have more than 150 branded residences in operation, an increase of more than 300%. These properties are supported by Accor One Living, the company’s industry-first platform focused on the development, design and operation of mixed-use projects and branded living communities. Through Accor One Living, homeowners, guests, and partners are connected to Accor’s diverse ecosystem of brands, expertise, and solutions – creating a constant flow of new opportunities to live, work, and play. “The intersection of private residences and lifestyle brands is one of our most compelling areas of growth right now – two areas in which Accor leads the global hospitality industry and is continuing to push forward,” said Jeff Tisdall, Chief Business Officer, Accor One Living. “Around the world, we are seeing strong demand for homes that are anchored by the comforts and promises of a beloved brand experience, providing a sense of belonging and community. This is particularly true for our lifestyle brands, where we see an important and growing segment of …

Rua Al Madinah Holding company signed an agreement with Accor for the operation of multiple premium and luxury hotels within Rua Al Madinah Project, which is currently underway, at the area just east of the Prophet Mosque in Madinah. Under the terms of the agreement, Accor will operate three hotels which would add over 1,000 hospitality units to the city of Madinah, which include 142-keys Fairmont and 120-keys Fairmont residence, in addition to 466-keys Swissôtel hotel and 328-keys Novotel hotel. “We are delighted to partner with a leading hospitality group that’s known in the world over for its bespoke and inimitable style,” said Al Juhani, Rua Al Madinah Holding Company CEO. “The three new brands will enhance the appeal of the project’s master plan and help us offer a broad selection of hospitality options to the city’s visitors, providing something for everyone that meets their need and budget and enrich their experience.” Rua Al Madinah Holding aims to enrich the experience of all visitors to Madinah and contribute to the achievement of Vision 2030’s goals of raising the holy city’s hospitality capacity to be able to accommodate 30 million visitors by the year 2030. The signing took place on the sidelines of Future Hospitality Summit, in Riyadh from 7-9 May. The agreement was signed by Ahmed Al Juhani, Chief Executive Officer of Rua Al Madinah Holding company, and Duncan O’Rourke, Accor’s CEO for the Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division for Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. As one of the world’s largest hospitality groups, Accor operates more than 5,300 properties in over 110 countries.

Accor plans to open three properties in the upcoming project by Rua Al Madinah Holding Company in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The project includes a 142-key Fairmont hotel and 120 Fairmont branded residences, in addition to a 466-key Swissôtel and a 328-key Novotel. The Group is collaborating with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The company undertakes holistic development projects that feature modern urban planning to elevate the experience for visitors from around the world and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Madinah. Rua Al Madinah project is aimed at transforming the city into a modern Islamic and cultural destination. Rua Al Madinah Project’s master plan covers over 1.5 million square meters of space with direct views of Al Masjid al Nabawi, known as the Prophet’s Mosque, and will include 47,000 hotel rooms, with the master plan constituting 63% of open spaces and 37% of built area. The project has been designed according to the highest international standards and offers many integrated transportation solutions, including nine bus stops for visitors and underground parking. Duncan O’Rourke, CEO Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia-Pacific for Premium, Midscale & Economy brands at Accor mentioned: “We are very proud to sign the first Swissôtel property and strengthen our Novotel offering in the Holy city of Madinah. Through these signings our primary goal is to support the diverse offering at the master development of Rua Al Madinah, while continuing a long-term relationship with PIF and accordingly Rua Al Madinah Holding Company.” Since the announcement of the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, Accor has played a key role in the development of tourism, …

Accor signed a master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality, the Saudi startup company redefining Arabian hospitality in both local and international markets, to develop and franchise 18 hotels across second-tier cities within Saudi Arabia over the next ten years. The agreement will see Amsa Hospitality, the Hallmark of Arabian Hospitality, develop a range of Accor’s economy and midscale brands, including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mercure Living, Novotel, Novotel Living, and the recently launched Handwritten Collection, while also acting as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets. Speaking at a press conference at Arabian Travel Market, Mohammad Alathel, Amsa Hospitality’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Amsa Hospitality is committed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 success, a vision that set the path for our development locally, regionally and globally. “As such, we are attached to the Kingdom’s ambitious plan for the development of the country’s second-tier cities. Such an enterprising strategy must be accompanied by quality hospitality, offering the best international standards. “Committed as we are, we believe that Accor is the finest hospitality company to deliver the high level of guaranteed quality we are looking for, together with their wide choice of brands, giving us the ability to propose the optimum hospitality regarding each city environment. “This long-term partnership between Amsa Hospitality and Accor will bring first-rate modern hospitality – a know-how Accor is renowned for – together with Amsa Hospitality’s commitment to bringing centuries-old Arabian traditions of welcoming and generosity to today’s world, true to our ‘Hallmark of Arabian Hospitality’ motto.” As part of the agreement, Amsa Hospitality will be responsible for hotels in several cities in Saudi Arabia, including Ha’il, Jubail, Taif, Al-Ula, Tabuk and Jazan, …

Accor announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with the leading Georgian development company Archi to open the first Mövenpick in Georgia on the Black Sea coast in 2028. Mövenpick Kobuleti will deliver the best of Swiss hospitality, high-end gastronomy, exciting family offerings and children’s’ facilities thanks to the Mövenpick Family brand program as well as additional privileges and access to the global ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program. “We are thrilled to present our premium Swiss brand Mövenpick on the Black Sea coast in Georgia. Kobuleti is rightfully considered one of the best resorts for a relaxing family holiday. It has a unique combination of the mild subtropical climate, clean well-maintained beaches and ancient architectural monuments, and of course, we couldn’t pass by this destination. We are confident that the new opening will make a significant contribution to the resort’s popularity among international travelers and residents. The tourism market in Georgia is one of the most promising in our region, and Accor aims to take a leading position in it. We are grateful to our partners for their trust and are looking forward to bringing this wonderful project to life,” – notes Alexis Delaroff, COO of Accor New East Europe. The new hotel will occupy several floors in one of the high-rise buildings on the eastern coast of the Black Sea within walking distance from a well-equipped beach with small pebbles. Kobuleti resort is perfectly suited for a comfortable family vacation, thanks to its long coastline, fresh air and mineral springs. For travelers who prefer sports activities and experiences, there are facilities for paragliding, jet skiing, paddle surfing, kayaking, and flyboarding. The exclusive Mövenpick Kobuleti will offer 120 …

Accor lands key addition to the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio with signing of Fairmont Dubai Skyline. Set to open in 2024, Fairmont Dubai Skyline will become the third Fairmont property in Dubai and seventh in the United Arab Emirates. Group is partnering with RSG Group of Companies, a multi-billion-dirham organization spanning the Middle East, USA, and South Asia, across diverse sectors including Real Estate, Automotive, Industrial Equipment, Investments and Property Development. Abu Sabah, Founder, Owner and Chairman of RSG Group of Companies mentioned “Over the past decade, RSG has developed unique residential and commercial properties that are synergistic with Dubai’s standards of quality and lifestyle. We are very excited to launch our first luxury hospitality project, Fairmont Dubai Skyline, in partnership with Accor and are committed to upholding the iconic legacy of the distinctive Fairmont brand into its second century.” As with every Fairmont property around the globe, Fairmont Dubai Skyline will be located in a unique destination, Dubai’s world-renowned Sheikh Zayed Road, and will offer awe-inspiring architecture through asymmetric balconies, which will be cleverly lit upon nightfall, with a spiralling 4.5 kms of lighting to give an illusion of movement. Exceptional living spaces and high-end designer furnishings will be curated by award winning masters such as Kristina Zanic Consultants, with a breath-taking magnificence that will continue to captivate and delight guests overtime. Fairmont Dubai Skyline will become the first high rise on Sheikh Zayed Road after Downtown Dubai, offering unhindered views of Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Blue Waters and Ain Dubai. “This is a true milestone for us in the region and for Fairmont Hotel and Resorts to introduce such a unique building in one …

ALL-Accor Live Limitless and Qatar Airways Privilege Club are pleased to announce the enhancement of their strategic partnership to provide new ways for members to accelerate point collection and fast track their tier status upgrades, solidifying the first venture of its kind in the Middle East and Africa region. Previously members could only earn points or miles with one program per booking, which could then be transferred between programs as per their preference. As part of the enhanced partnership, eligible customers who are members of Qatar Airways Privilege Club and ALL – Accor Live Limitless, will have the opportunity to earn simultaneously Avios from Privilege Club and ALL Reward points on eligible hotel bookings and Qatar Airways operated flights by linking their membership profiles. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “At Privilege Club we are constantly striving to achieve excellence by providing our members with a loyalty programme that sets the highest standards for our members. To achieve this, we have taken the strategic decision to enhance our partnership with Accor, expanding benefits for both Privilege Club and ALL – Accor Live Limitless members and granting opportunities for tier fast-track. We look forward for our members to enjoy the benefits of this partnership enhancement in some of the world’s leading hotels, as well as introducing members of ALL to our award-winning services.” Mehdi Hemici, Chief Loyalty and Partnerships Officer for Accor commented “We are thrilled to elevate our existing partnership with Qatar Airways by offering additional benefits to our joint members. Through a seamless web or app customer journey, members of ALL and Qatar Airways Privilege Club can easily enroll and get rewarded for each flight and hotel …