The CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, on the recovery of the luxury hospitality sector and opening a new property in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Mark Willis, CEO of Accor. Photo courtesy: Accor
Large, ultra-luxury hotels in India and around the world have suffered heavy losses in the last 18 months due to Covid-19-related travel restrictions and lockdowns.
Many hotel employees lost their jobs and a few hotels shut shop for good. Industry experts believe there might be a few more casualties in the next few months.
In such uncertain times, global hospitality group Accor will be opening an ultra-luxury resort Raffles The Palm Dubai at the end of this year. The 389-key property will be situated within a 100,000 sqm landscape on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah.
The French hospitality group, which is the largest in Europe, owns, manages and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties, and has 5,000 hotels and 10,000 food and beverage venues in 110 countries. It has over 40 brands including Raffles, Pullman, Sofitel and Ibis among others.
Accor also has a diverse portfolio in India with 52 properties in 22 key destinations in India. Its brands here include Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Novotel and Ibis.