French hospitality major Accor is betting big on the rapidly-growing Indian market. Having put up six properties this year alone, the hotel chain is now looking to add 30 new properties to its portfolio in the next 3-5 years. Some of these properties will also come up in tier II & III cites like Bhopal, Indore, Mohali, Bhubaneswar and Amritsar which, post the Covid pandemic, have shown good traction. Of these properties, Raffles Jaipur, with 50 suites is set to open in 2024 and Fairmont in Mumbai, Agra and Udaipur will be operational in 2025. Keeping in mind the potential the Indian market presents, the hotel chain is also considering introducing more brands in the country to cater to different segments of customers. Currently, Accor, which entered India in 2004, operates 61 properties under nine brands across India throughout luxury, premium, mid-scale and economy segments, with brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, ibis and ibis Styles. Accor boasts a substantial presence in India with an impressive total of more than 11,000 keys across major cities. The Novotel and ibis brands from the Accor portfolio in India have an extremely high brand recall and a strong focus on the meetings and conventions market, as well as the weddings and social event market. Globally, Accor operates over 5,500 properties under more than 40 brands in more than 110 countries. Founded in 1967, Accor has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, from luxury to economy, as well as lifestyle. “The Indian market has turned around in a big way after suffering severely during Covid challenges. We are currently enjoying an average occupancy of over 70 per cent, with strong micro and macro indicators in place and we are quite bullish on this market to expand our network further with our local partners,” says Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President of Operations – Accor India & South Asia. Accor has launched six properties so far in 2023, with Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre being the most recent one. Other properties include Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle, Novotel Mumbai International Airport, ibis Mumbai and Thane, Grand Mercure Agra Fatehabad and ibis Styles Goa Vagator. In total, there is an addition of 860 operational rooms to the existing portfolio. In October this year, Accor launched its second ibis Styles hotel – ibis Styles Goa Vagator in Goa. Nestled between medieval forts, scenic beaches and the most sought-after tourist attractions of North Goa, the 142-room hotel offers a true Goan vibe blended with a playful and vibrant design. The property is designed as a resort, with a vibrant theme of pastel hues blended with local culture which makes for a unique interior design. Strategically located a short ride from Goa’s MOPA airport, in close proximity to Goa’s premier nightlife, famous restaurants and most popular cafés, it offers a blend of historical charm and modern comforts. A significant milestone “This newest addition to the ibis family marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality. Anticipating a substantial influx of both domestic and international tourists this season, the hotel promises a distinctive and immersive experience tailored for business and leisure travellers alike. With a focus on creating a welcoming environment for families, the property boasts bold design elements and an inclusive atmosphere,” avers Dhawan.
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Accor’s second ibis Styles property in Goa
