Accor is one of the leading hotel operators across India, the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, with over 407 operating properties (88,554 keys) and another 222 (51,646 keys) in its development pipeline.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the group has adopted a proactive approach in providing solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of employees, guests and partners when visiting hotels.
One year ago, Accor launched the ALLSAFE programme, developed alongside Bureau Veritas, implementing the most stringent cleaning standards and operational procedures in the world of hospitality. To date, over 95% of the global portfolio has been ALLSAFE certified, including over 90% of the properties in India, the Middle East, Africa and Turkey.
Today, Accor continues to meet its goal of reassuring travellers as hotels reopen across the world. In line with the ALLSAFE initiative, the Accor Key concept has also been launched in 2021, to provide a contactless guest journey when staying at Accor properties globally, reassuring customers with a keyless door entry solution – where they will receive their room key virtually upon downloading a digital key app.
Also starting from April 2021, the ALL CONNECT partnership with Microsoft will commence; it will enable guests around the world to adapt to te new ways of working, which are expected to be an enduring legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic. As of today, 55% of Accor hotels with meeting rooms are already providing hybrid meetings solutions to their clients.
Ennismore
Recently, Accor has announced a partnership with Ennismore to form the world’s leading lifestyle operator in the hospitality sector, focusing on one of the fastest growing segments of the industry.
The collaboration merges both group portfolios with brands such as The Hoxton, Gleneagles, Mondrian, SO/ and more, with over 73 properties currently operating and a further 179 projects in the pipeline.
Openings
Rixos Premium Suites & Villas Magawish, Egypt (opened March 2021)
In Egypt, Accor has opened the all-exclusive – all-inclusive Rixos Premium Magawish Suites & Villas in Hurghada, on the Red Sea Coast. This luxurious 5-star property of over 255.000 sqm features first-class suites and villa facilities, meeting halls, vast food and beverage options, world-class leisure, sports, entertainment facilities, and a spa – making it a destination in itself.
The new Rixos has it all – 30 pristine pools, beach cabanas, an exclusive sports club, an in-house ranch, the Rixy Kids Club and the Anjana Spa with a Turkish Hammam.
SLS Dubai (Opening April 2021)
Accor is introducing the first SLS-branded hotel in the region with the brand-new SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences. This striking property is split between 254 rooms and 371 branded residences, designed by award-winning architect Aedas and interior designer Paul Bishop, making it a unique cabinet of curiosities that never ceases to delight.
Located in the Downtown district, the SLS hotel features an intimate address, with the promise of additional privacy and discretion. Guests can enjoy the two infinity pools situated atop of the 75-storey tower, offering a 360-degree aspect of Dubai, which is among the highest, not just in the city, but globally.
Banyan Tree Doha (Opening Q2 2021)
Accor is also growing its portfolio in Qatar with the opening of Banyan Tree Doha, scheduled for Q2 in 2021. An elegant urban sanctuary in the vibrant city, the hotel has been designed by renowned interior designer Jacques Garcia.
Located in the heart of Mushaireb, within the Doha Oasis project, one of the most fascinating destinations in the city, Banyan Tree Doha offers direct access to a signature department store, an indoor experiential theme park and an exclusive cinema multiplex.
Raffles Udaipur (Opening Q2 2021)
In India, Accor is opening its first ultra-luxury property with Raffles Udaipur; it will feature 101 rooms, a 1000 sqm Raffles Spa, a rooftop restaurant, a swimming pool, and sprawling gardens, as well as the famous Raffles Long Bar and Writers Bars on a 21-acre private island amid Udai Sagar Lake.
Also known as the “Venice of the East”, Udaipur is located in the western part of Rajasthan, which is famous for its rich cultural herniate, lakes, temples and luxurious palaces.
25hours Hotel Dubai (Opening Q3 2021)
Another opening in Dubai is the 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. Guests visiting this property will find themselves immersed in a unique environment, where tradition meets modernity: weaving the tales of nomadic peoples into a creative and contemporary narrative.
Strategically situated directly adjacent to the Dubai World Centre in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) with a view of the Emirates Towers, the hotel will feature 434 rooms and suites with four different room styles over eight floors. Guests will also benefit from creative breakout areas with co-working spaces, a coffee area and a vinyl player, and a Walkman area.
Raffles Bahrain (Opening Q3 2021)
Accor’s pipeline also counts the opening of Raffles Bahrain; the brand-new property will be positioned as the ultimate luxury retreat thanks to its facilities, complemented with the strategic location in proximity to major venues and attractions including the Bahrain International F1 Circuit, the new Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre, Al Areen Wildlife Reserve, Bahrain Sailing Club and the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark.
The property will feature 78 pool villas as well as the region’s largest spa and hydrotherapy facility and landscaping, inspired by Arabian palace gardens. These major enhancements will transform the property into an exclusive and opulent oasis which immerses guests in Raffles’ bespoke well-being experiences.
Evolvin’ Women
Accor has announcied its partnership with Evolvin’ Women, a social enterprise focused on improving the employability of women from developing countries and helping businesses in the Middle East and Africa achieve a greater level of diversity and inclusion through socially responsible initiatives.
Through this cooperation, the group is offering 25 placements across 21 hotels in the UAE to provide life-changing opportunities for women from Rwanda who aspire to build a career in hospitality.
Participating hotels include Fairmont the Palm, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Novotel Expo Centre, Grand Mercure & Ibis Styles Airport and Mövenpick Grand Plaza, in which the selected women will be placed into diverse open job opportunities such as Reservations, Food & Beverage and room divisions.
The opportunity will have a duration of two years, where the women will follow a training partially held online, complemented with a work placement in a UAE hotel where they will be familiarised with face-to-face career development training, receiving support from the hotel and group’s community mentors.