Accor celebrates 25 years in Australia
25 years after AccorHotels launched in Australia with the opening of Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour in July 1991, the French hotel giant continues to play a role in the future of the evolving precinct.
It will open the new-build Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour in 2017 as part of the precinct’s ongoing $2.5 billion transformation project.
Chairman and chief executive AccorHotels Asia Pacific Michael Issenberg described its Australian expansion from one hotel to more than 200 over the 25 year period as an “incredible journey”.
“We have continued to innovate and expand our business over the years, by introducing new hotel brands including Mercure, Sofitel and Pullman and acquired hotel companies to fuel our growth,” he said.
“Along the way we played a role in establishing key tourism hubs such as Darling Harbour and Sydney Olympic Park and set new benchmarks in corporate social responsibility.”
Meanwhile, chief operating officer AccorHotels Pacific Simon McGrath highlighted the “thousands” of people who have built hospitality careers with Accor over the years as “testament” to the company’s growth.
“Our nation-wide reach has given staff opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience working across a variety of brands and destinations. We’re also extremely proud of our work in the Indigenous space, providing great employment and training opportunities for Indigenous Australians,” he said.
“Embracing new technologies and innovation remains key to our success, and our digital strength is complemented by continual enhancements to our loyalty programs. People have always been at the very core of everything we do and our obsessive focus on the guest has never been stronger as our network continues its rapid growth, edging towards our 250th hotel in Australia.”
To mark the 25-year milestone, Accor will implement a range of activities and celebrations throughout 2016 including brand campaigns along with a variety of initiatives and events to thank supporters, staff, hotel partners and loyalty members.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
accor darling harbour hotels michael issenberg simon mcgrathLatest News
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