Accor Announces 25 New Contracts For China In 2010

Paris-based hotel group Accor SA, recently announced that it had secured an additional 25 new contracts in the luxury to mid-scale segments in Greater China during 2010.

These twenty five new management contracts, which involve four of Accor’s brands — Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, and Mercure — were signed during 2010 and are in addition to the expansion of its Ibis brand in the country.These new contracts also extend the brands into second and third tier cities, such as in Guiyang, Changsha, Zhuhai, and Huizhou where Accor sees significant potential for growth.

Accor currently operates over 100 hotels in Greater China totaling 26,500 guest rooms across 42 cities.Having entered the China market in 1985, Accor now operates seven hotel brands catering for a full spectrum of guests from luxury to economy, accounting for an approximate 7% of the international branded hotel rooms in the country.

Of the 25 hotel management contracts signed in China in 2010, Pullman — its luxury brand — represents more than 50% of the total, or 13 hotels, followed by six Novotel properties, four Sofitel and two Mercure developments.

On December 31, 2010, Accor opened its 100th hotel in China — Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort and Spa. There are currently Nine Pullman hotels in operation in China, with 25 more committed to development and all to open by 2014.

According to Robert Murray, the senior vice president of Accor Greater China, the group intends toaccellerate its expansion in second and third tier cities.