AccorHotels Group is consolidating its international presence by reaching the milestone of gaining a presence in 100 countries.
The company has established itself as the leader in Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East 50 years after opening the first Novotel in France.
The group’s portfolio included almost 4,300 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 2017.
The pipeline for the next five years includes 870 hotels, 79% of which are located in high-growth markets.
The growth plans include expanding the 25-strong brand portfolio and hotel acquisitions.
A total of 30 luxury and upscale properties opened last year, with figures doubling over 2016. Another 60 were signed during the year, mainly in Asia-Pacific (59%) and Africa-Middle East (24%).
The portfolio is expanding in the lifestyle segment, with 15 SO/ hotels projected by 2022, and in resorts with Banyan Tree and Rixos.
The development of hotel residences and private properties under the luxury and upscale brands is also a major focus with more than 50 projects being developed.
Chief development officer Gaurav Bhushan said: “Our development strategy is very simple – to remain the leader in the markets where we are dominant and to accelerate growth in emerging markets.
“The group’s extensive portfolio of brands and its acquisition and innovation policy therefore play a key role in our development.
“We signed some flagship projects in 2017, including Raffles hotels, in London and Dubai in particular.
“The SO/ brand is also taking off in the luxury segment, while MGallery is the fastest growing brand in this segment.
“The signing of the Mercure Dubai (1,115rooms), which is set to become the largest Mercure in the world, and the current renovation of ibis Barcelona are also examples of our continued fast paced growth and innovation in the midscale and economy segment.”
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