Three Global Management Updates From Accor

Accor signs Sofitel Legend and Grand Mercure at UNESCO site in the heart of Wuxi

Accor, a leading hospitality grouphas announced the signing of two new flagship properties on the banks of the Wuxi Ancient Canal – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Wuxi in Jiangsu Province, China. Sofitel Legend Wuxi and Grand Mercure Wuxi will be developed by Accor in partnership with Wuxi Liangxi Culture & Tourism Development Group. The two projects will support infrastructure growth in Liangxi District and raise the bar for luxury and premium hospitality experiences in the affluent and historic city.

“We are immensely pleased to create this powerful hotel combination that will create a diverse hospitality experience with prestigious luxury and premium offerings, while further strengthening Accor’s presence in Jiangsu Province and the Yangtze River Delta,” said Gary Rosen, CEO, Accor Greater China. “Sofitel Legend will welcome guests with French inspired luxury while unfolding the rich legacy and stories of this ancient region. Grand Mercure is a brand with deep roots in China, where visitors will appreciate its immersive experiences that beautifully embrace national culture and stimulate the senses. These extraordinary brands will significantly elevate the hospitality experiences available to visitors in the heart of Wuxi.”

Sofitel Legend Wuxi will reside alongside the Qingming Bridge and vibrant Nanchang Street, overlooking the UNESCO site. The landmark luxury hotel will feature 75 spacious guestrooms across six floors, a hidden garden oasis, and a sumptuous blend of Jiangnan culture and the brand’s French sophistication. Next door at 1 Yongfeng Road, the former Nanchang District Government Building will be transformed into Grand Mercure Wuxi, with 200-guestrooms, 13-storeys, and a discerning and cultured guest experience.

“We are honored to bring the Sofitel Legend brand to the heart of Wuxi, a city of remarkable cultural depth and economic vitality. Nestled along the UNESCO-listed Ancient Canal, Sofitel Legend Wuxi will embody the timeless elegance and storied legacy that define our most iconic addresses. This project is a powerful expression of our commitment to celebrating local heritage through French-inspired hospitality. We are proud to collaborate with Wuxi Liangxi Culture & Tourism Development Group to shape a new chapter for luxury travel in Jiangsu Province.” Said Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems.

Perched on the shores of Taihu Lake, Wuxi attracts millions of visitors, drawn to the area’s rich resources, strong economy, popular cuisine, and profound cultural heritage. The Wuxi Ancient Canal is an integral part of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, a vast waterway connecting the north and south of the country that shaped the development of Wuxi as a commercial region. Today, Wuxi shines as an economic jewel of the Yangtze River Delta. With a per capita GDP ranking among the highest in China, the city is a thriving manufacturing base, empowered by tech innovation and home to over 3,000 Internet of Things (IoT) companies. Within easy access of Suzhou and Shanghai, visitors invariably travel through the Liangxi district, the political, economic and cultural center of Wuxi, with its commercial and transport center, subway hub and connections to the airport and railway stations.

“The development of these two distinguished hotels will bring fresh energy and inspiration to Liangxi District. We are especially pleased to work with Accor and benefit from their global operational experience and local cultural resources,” said a representative of Wuxi Liangxi Culture & Tourism Development Group. “The renowned Sofitel Legend brand is ideal for the culturally rich Liangxi District and Wuxi as a whole, and will be of strategic importance to both parties, while the addition of Grand Mercure will be a perfect complement to further enrich the comprehensive experience of  business and cultural tourism we are building – supporting Wuxi on its path to becoming a culturally and economically important global destination.”

Sofitel Legend weaves a tapestry of unparalleled destinations and timeless landmark addresses, handpicked with care. Sofitel Legend Wuxi will be the brand’s second address in the country, with its first Chinese destination at Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel in Xi’an. Globally, the brand’s portfolio includes: Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi, Vietnam; Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan, Egypt; Sofitel Legend The Grand in Amsterdam; Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama City, Panama; and Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in Cartagena, Colombia. An additional three properties are currently in development in Prague, Czech Republic; Giza, Egypt; and Jaipur, India.

Grand Mercure is present in over 10 countries with a portfolio of 80+ hotels. Each hotel is unique and authentically reflects its destination by embracing the local way of life, infusing age-old traditions with modern flair. Guests are invited to connect with the destination’s national heritage through locally inspired dishes, beverage ceremonies, wellbeing traditions, and thoughtful design. The brand is ambitiously growing, with a portfolio of nearly 30 Grand Mercure hotels open and operating in Greater China – accounting for over a third of the brand’s global portfolio – along with 50+ addresses in development. Read more here

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Accor, ICD (Investment Corporation of Dubai), and Valor Hospitality Strengthen Partnership with Six-Hotel

INTRODUCING A 999-KEY CLUSTER UNDER NOVOTEL, IBIS STYLES, MERCURE AND ADAGIO BRANDS, THIS STRATEGIC EXPANSION INTEGRATES THREE EXISTING PROPERTIES WITH THREE NEWLY ACCOR BRANDED HOTELS TO BE MANAGED BY VALOR HOSPITALITY

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, Valor Hospitality Partners, a global pioneer in hotel management, and ICD (Investment Corporation of Dubai), the principal investment arm of the Government of Dubai, have strengthened their partnership with the launch of a six-hotel cluster in Dubai Deira Waterfront as part of the Deira Enrichment Program.

Under the new agreement, the six-hotel cluster with 999 keys will be managed by Valor Hospitality Partners. This expansion integrates three well-established Accor properties under the ibis Styles, Aparthotel Adagio, and Mercure brands, along with three new properties that will be branded as Novotel, ibis Styles, and Mercure in Dubai.

The cluster officially opened 1 April 2025, further solidifying Accor’s position in Dubai’s hospitality sector, addressing the growing demand for quality midscale and economy accommodations, expanding Valor’s current management portfolio in the UAE, and further cementing a commitment to operational excellence and financial efficiency.

With a diversified portfolio, this expansion caters to distinct traveler needs, with Adagio meeting the demand of extended stays, Mercure delivering locally inspired experiences, ibis Styles providing design-driven affordability, and Novotel seamlessly blending business and leisure.

“Focusing on strategic, sustainable and exponential growth is the driving force of our partnership with ICD and its wholly owned property developer Ithra Dubai,” said Julien Bergue, Co-Founder & Managing Partner - Middle East, AMEA at Valor Hospitality Partners. “This intensifies our firm commitment to the UAE and Dubai Hospitality Sectors, both well known for their innovation and excellence. The project also reflects our belief in our new slogan, ‘A Whole World of Local,’ which underscores our dedication to being closely connected to our partners and communities in the UAE, the Middle East, and wherever we operate.”

For Accor, the expansion aligns with its long-term vision for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. “Strengthening our collaboration with ICD reaffirms our commitment to sustainable growth with trusted partners. By integrating these properties under the Accor umbrella, we are reinforcing our alignment with the UAE’s vision to enhance tourism and hospitality infrastructure in key districts. This expansion also reflects the increasing demand for quality midscale and economy accommodations in Dubai, catering to a diverse range of travelers.” said Paul Stevens, Accor’s Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy brands for Middle East and Africa.

The partnership between Valor Hospitality Partners, ICD, and Accor exemplifies the synergy of global expertise and deep local market insights. By optimizing financial performance and driving sustainable growth, this collaboration sets new benchmarks for Dubai’s hospitality industry, ensuring each property thrives in its unique context.

Aligned with the UAE’s sustainability and economic diversification goals, Accor and Valor Hospitality Partners integrates eco-conscious practices and community development throughout its operations. From resource conservation initiatives to skill development, Accor and Valor remain dedicated to fostering local talent and supporting national employment objectives.

This strategic agreement marks a significant milestone for all three partners, strengthening their collaboration in one of Dubai’s most dynamic districts. As demand surges for midscale and economy accommodations, the portfolio is poised to serve a growing segment of travelers seeking quality stays at competitive pricing.

Accor operates over 290 properties in the Middle East across all its brands, with plans to expand further, adding +130 new addresses by 2028.

From acquisition advisory to innovative food and beverage concepts, Valor provides comprehensive solutions that bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. Its holistic approach spans hotel management, branded residences, asset management, branding, and luxury lifestyle services, including golf, spa, and fitness management. Read more here

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Accor will bring luxury hospitality to both city and country in the culturally rich region of Rajasthan

HERITAGE, GLAMOUR, AND ETHEREAL BEAUTY WILL CONVERGE IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE CITY OF JAIPUR AND RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Accor and Sukhani Ventures has announced plans to bring two of Accor’s most storied luxury brands – Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Sofitel Legend – to the vibrant region of Rajasthan in Northern India. Raffles Ranthambore will be a 63-villa ultra-luxury resort residing among the famed Ranthambore National Park, appealing to families, intrepid adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts. A mere 130 km away, Sofitel Legend Sukh Bagh Jaipur will be a 300+ key urban oasis in the Kukas Amer region of Jaipur, ideal for events, weddings, and corporate retreats. Raffles Ranthambore is expected to open by mid-2027 and Sofitel Legend Sukh Bagh Jaipur by late 2028.

“We feel honored to partner with Accor to bring these extraordinary resorts to Rajasthan – iconic locations that will be compelling destinations in their own right,” said Mr. Vikram Sukhani, Chairman and Managing Director, Sukhani Ventures. “For a truly one-of-a-kind luxury experience, Raffles Ranthambore will blend a sense of glamour with the spirit of adventure alongside the brand’s legendary service, while Sofitel Legend Jaipur is set to bring its own unique history to the Pink City. We are excited to create two distinct hospitality offerings in one of the world’s most vibrant destinations and look forward to exploring more opportunities for continued growth in the years to come.”

Raffles Ranthambore will reside among the noble landscape of Ranthambore National Park. Graced with serene lakes and savannas, palaces and ancient ruins, the former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur have been transformed into a globally renowned wildlife reserve. Animal enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurers are drawn to the park, keen to catch a glimpse of Royal Bengal tigers or soaring eagles in action. Raffles will bring its signature elegance to the new resort, with the brand’s legendary butler service, signature Long Bar, and distinct connection to the local culture. Among the resort’s 63 villas, guests will discover 15 luxury tented experiences, along with family suites, and a majestic honeymoon suite. IDEAS Architects and celebrated designer Jeffrey Wilkes have been appointed to create a palatial experience that will effortlessly blend the glamour and wonder of safari with the magical world of Raffles. 

“We are thrilled to grow our presence in India, working with Sukhani Ventures to bring Raffles’ inspirational spirit to the breathtaking landscape of Ranthambore. This extraordinary destination, where history and wildlife intertwine, provides the perfect setting for our legendary hospitality. With bespoke programming, highly-personalized service, and a design that pays homage to the grandeur of the region, Raffles Ranthambore will offer an unforgettable experience—one that blends a sense of adventure with the enchanted glamour our guests cherish," said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.        

Known as the ‘Pink City’ for its historically welcoming hue of painted facades, Jaipur has long been one of the most popular destinations in India and forms the Golden Triangle tri-city tourist itinerary with the cities of Agra and Delhi. Sofitel Legend Sukh Bagh Jaipur will welcome guests and locals to the city’s Kukas Amer region, an area popular for society and business events, weddings, momentous occasions, and corporate meetings. Sofitel Legend will create an elevated guest experience accented with French zest, merging the rich tapestry of Jaipur culture with modern luxury to create a sumptuously residential atmosphere. With 21 acres of meticulously planned gardens, winding bridle paths, and luxurious pools, the resort will offer 260 guestrooms and 41 suites. More than 6,500 sqm of event space and expansive lawn areas will allow the hotel to host multiple large-scale events with intimacy, elegance, and sophistication.

“The signing of Sofitel Legend Sukh Bagh Jaipur marks a key moment in our growth as our third Sofitel and the first Sofitel Legend in India. This hotel will reflect the French elegance and cultural storytelling that defines our legendary collection of living legacy hotels, where history is made. From Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi to Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, our hotels have welcomed visionaries and become part of their cultural landscapes. With its rich history and artistic charm, Jaipur offers the perfect backdrop for our next chapter. We are proud to partner with Sukhani Ventures to bring this vision to life, creating a destination that blends Jaipur's royal heritage with Sofitel Legend’s distinctive luxury,” commented Maud Bailly, CEO, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems.

Currently, Accor has more than 70 hotels operating in India across a diverse array of brands. Raffles Ranthambore will be the brand’s third destination in India, joining Raffles Udaipur and the newly opened Raffles Jaipur. Other recent Accor openings include Fairmont Mumbai; Pullman Chennai Anna Salai; Novotel New Delhi City Centre; Mercure Lucknow Gomti Nagar; and ibis Mumbai BKC.  A key opening for Accor in 2025 is Fairmont Udaipur, while further along the horizon, travelers can look forward to Sofitel Jaipur Jawahar Circle (2028); and Raffles and Fairmont Goa (2030). Read more here

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