GLOBAL LEADERS
Photo credit: Bruno Levy
Sébastien Bazin Chairman and CEO, Accor
Travel industry rebounds as guests seek out authentic and meaningful experiences.
“We cannot create the hospitality of tomorrow without first ensuring it rests on sustainable foundations.”
Sébastien Bazin, Accor
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OUR WORLD IS changing at an unprecedented pace. Accor has done an incredible job in adapting to the rapidly changing guest, partner and talent expectations and I have total confidence that Accor will continue to redesign and reimagine hospitality in 2022. Last year, we celebrated the 30-year anniversary of Accor’s history in the Pacific region. In November alone, we won the naming rights for Stadium Australia and announced plans for a new strategic loyalty partnership with Qantas, the first of its kind in the Asia Pacific region. Our journey here began with one brand, today this number has grown to 17. What’s more, with a portfolio of almost 400 hotels and more than 30 in the pipeline, Accor has become the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand. We are on a growth trajectory, and I am truly excited for what 2022 will bring. In fact, despite the ongoing uncertain environment, last year the Group saw a strong improvement in global demand. None of this could have been achieved without the strength of our people, who are without doubt our greatest asset. I am convinced that this momentum will only continue to build. The desire to travel, to make new connections and to enjoy new experiences has never been stronger. This momentum is notably being fuelled by the lifestyle segment, which is proving to be one of the most resilient. The rebound is accelerating, and I expect this pace to be maintained into this year. Guests are increasingly looking for authentic and meaningful experiences. These hotels are destinations in their own right and when
combined with their bespoke F&B offerings, they become the heartbeat of the community in which they operate. It’s all about serving guests beyond the hotel room and providing an augmented hospitality experience, which is at the heart of Accor. In the Pacific region alone, we have plans to launch new lifestyle brands with Mondrian, 25hours and SO/ in the coming months. I also firmly believe that ‘workspitality’ will continue to grow as a concept, and we are focusing on developing this. What I mean here is either co-working, hotel office (where you enjoy a hotel room during the day) or hybrid meeting services. Our hotels are creating spaces that are lively, flexible, community-based and creative, while also
Sofitel Adelaide opened in November
