Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, has added India and Turkey to its Middle East & Africa region. The newly expended region will now comprise of a portfolio of more than 84,000 rooms across 400 hotels.
This regional expansion brings an increased pipeline of over 112 properties, scheduled to open in the coming 24 months, bringing the overall number of keys close to 110,000 rooms, making it the largest international hospitality operator in the region.
“Our expanded portfolio of more than 35 brands across the entire market spectrum – economy, midscale, upscale, and luxury – is a catalyst for growth in the region; it means we have a range of hospitality options for every project in every destination,” said Mark Willis, Chief Executive Officer, Turkey, India, Middle East & Africa for Accor.
He added: “The addition of Turkey and India to our already diverse region means that we will be able to consolidate the existing relationship and work that has been accomplished over the years and centralize it into a collective effort. It is in a strategic but natural move that we are integrating India and Turkey to our portfolio with long term plans in sight for the future of the region”.
The group’s portfolio in India features some of Accor’s key mid and economy hotel brands, such as ibis and Novotel, but also the iconic Fairmont Jaipur and Sofitel BKC in Mumbai from the luxury segment. In the beginning of 2021, the group will be introducing the Raffles brand into the country with the first Raffles in Udaipur. The property will be located in the western state of Rajasthan, also known as the “Venice of the East” and famous for its lakes, temples and palaces.
“The integration of India into our region is a great opportunity to contribute to the group’s strategic development in the country, more specifically, with the expansion of our luxury portfolio. With the introduction of landmarks such as Raffles, Fairmont and Swissotel in the pipeline, combined with the rich cultural and historical heritage offered by the country, travelers will certainly find their fit whether traveling for leisure or business”, commented Mark Willis, CEO Turkey, India, Middle East & Africa.
In Turkey, Accor is looking to strengthen its existing portfolio of 54 properties in the country with 10 properties in the pipeline. Since joining forces with Turkish grown brand Rixos in 2017, it has been a priority for Accor to work together to take on new opportunities to strengthen the brand’s footprint in the Middle East and wider region. With the integration of Turkey, the region will see an addition of 11 Rixos properties to its footprint, which already counts with 8 hotels and resorts across the UAE and Egypt.
“We have seen Turkey becoming an increasingly popular destination for UAE residents and citizens, as well as other Gulf nationals”, said Mark Willis. The country’s proximity combined with easy visa formalities makes it attractive for in and outbound travel in the region”.
As Accor continues to welcome guests into its hotels across India, Turkey, Middle East & Africa, their priority remains the safety of guests and team members. With this in mind, the ALLSAFE program continues to be implemented throughout the region with an astounding 70% ALLSAFE Certified properties to date and the aim to reach 100% certification by the end of 2020.
