Accor revs up its presence across Asia

The travel industry is back at full throttle - as evidenced by new signings across Asia from the Accor group.

Accor announced the signing of six significant projects (new builds and acquisitions) in the first quarter of 2024, reinforcing its commitment to growth and innovation in key markets across the continent. 

Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for Accor in Asia, said: "Each signing highlights our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences and expanding our presence in key markets regionally.

"These new signings encompass a diverse range of properties, including hotels and serviced apartments, as well as the world's largest Pullman property, marking a momentous stride in our effort to innovate and diversify our offerings. These projects reflect our dedication to pioneering the future of hospitality."

Which is some serious hype. 

The recent signings include:

Mövenpick Vung Tau (Vietnam) (top image) will open its doors in 2027 and is an hour's drive on the new highway from Long Thanh international Airport. It will offer 433 guest rooms

Pullman Living Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 and Pullman Residences Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 (Thailand), which comprises a 200-key hotel and 225-apartnemt residential complex.

Novotel Living Bangkok Don Muang (Thailand), with a combination of an 80-key hotel and 112-key serviced apartments, spread across 19 floors just five minutes away from Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport.

Novotel Tangerang BSD City (Indonesia) in the heart of the Bumi Serpong Damai City Central Business District in Greater Jakarta with 285 rooms.

ibis Styles Ambassador Jeonju City Center (South Korea), which is Accor's first hotel in Jeonju. The 81-key property will undergo a soft refurbishment during the first half of 2024 with a plan to re-open its doors to guests later this year.

Pullman Mactan Cebu Hotel & Residences (Philippines) is set to become the world's largest Pullman property when it opens in 2028. It will have 200 guest rooms and suites alongside 900 branded residences.

In Japan, meanwhile, the Accor Juggernaut has announces the opening of 22 hotels with over 6,000 rooms, doubling the group's footprint in Japan.

The hotels, comprising 12 Grand Mercure and 10 Mercure hotels, range in location from the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido to the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa.

Hotel industry big guns splash the cash

The hotel industry has been spending millions of dollars on upgrades and refurbs as travel numbers rocket towards pre-Covid figures.

Accor Pacific, the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, this week announced that its partners have invested more than $300 million in hotel renovations and refurbishments since the beginning of 2022.

"This significant investment demonstrates Accor Pacific and their partner's commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and maintaining the highest standards of quality across its portfolio," the company said in a statement.

The upgrades have taken place in various locations throughout the Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and French Polynesia.


The investments aims to enhance guest satisfaction and elevate property amenities.

"We are proud to announce this substantial investment in hotel renovations and refurbishments," said Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry.

"It reflects the commitment of our partners to invest in Accor's brands, which continue to deliver outstanding guest experiences. These renovations will not only enhance the overall guest experience, but also contribute to the economic growth and development of the local communities where Accor hotels, apartments and resorts are located.

“The renovations have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, who have noted the enhanced comfort and improved facilities. Accor continues to prioritise guest satisfaction and aims to provide exceptional experiences that exceed expectations.”

Among the notable projects completed is the highly anticipated refurbishment of Manly Pacific - MGallery, located in Manly, Sydney (top image). The extensive renovation showcases the hotel's commitment to contemporary design and luxurious comfort. The updated property now offers state-of-the-art facilities, modernised guest rooms, and improved amenities, ensuring an unforgettable stay for guests.

Peppers Waymouth Adelaide also unveiled a new look earlier this year. The 202-room flagship Adelaide hotel renovation includes 17 floors of reappointed guestrooms, as well as the addition of two new luxury suites and two dedicated family rooms.

The hotel also added a new restaurant - TUTTO Cucina + Bar - with an open kitchen and wine cellar to its ground floor, plus a new high-end private dining room / boardroom, guest library lounge and enhanced conference rooms located on level one of the hotel.

Following a multi-million dollar transformation, the five-star Swissôtel Sydney has unveiled its new lobby bar Arches on Market, and European-inspired rooftop pool.

The Playford - MGallery, Adelaide's original five-star boutique hotel, recently received a $25m makeover including guest rooms, function spaces, reception and a new stand-alone restaurant and bar, Luma.

Accor brands across the Pacific region include: Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore's SO/ and TRIBE.