Latest news with #Sofitel
Hospitality Net
6 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Melbourne a ‘Sporting Chance' of Delivering Accor's Best Annual Performance since 2019
British & Irish Lions Tour and Ashes Test series tipped to deliver bumper second half of 2025 for Melbourne's hotel industry Surge in leisure demand soaks up record increase in city hotel supply Accor supports diversity in employment with new partnership Melbourne's reputation as the sporting capital of Australia is set to drive the strongest annual performance for Accor since 2019. Accor is Australia's largest hotel operator, with 51 hotels in Greater Melbourne and 13 hotels across regional Victoria. The city began 2025 by hosting the most successful Australian Open on record (1.2 million fans through the gates) and a record-breaking Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix (465,498 attendees across four days). Last month, Accor's hotels – including Sofitel Melbourne on Collins and Pullman Melbourne on the Park – were central to Melbourne's largest-ever international incentive event, with the city successfully hosting almost 16,000 delegates for the Amway China Leadership Seminar. Amway China's top sellers arrived in groups of 2,500+ delegates, each experiencing five days of business seminars, tours, and a gala dinner. The incentive generated $100 million in economic impact for the State. This momentum is expected to continue into the second half of the year, with Melbourne poised for a major uplift from two marquee events: the British & Irish Lions Tour in July and the Boxing Day Ashes Test at year's end. While Melbourne is not traditionally considered a rugby union stronghold, it stands to benefit significantly from the anticipated 40,000 international visitors travelling for the Lions Tour - the first since 2013. The MCG is expected to be at full capacity (100,000+) for the match, with many UK fans likely to extend their stay in the city for up to a week. The Ashes clash between Australia and England at the MCG also holds the potential to draw a record-breaking crowd, potentially surpassing the venue's Test cricket attendance record of 373,691 set during the 2023 Boxing Day Test against India. Events-driven hotel supply increase Melbourne's reputation for hosting world-class events has driven a substantial expansion in hotel supply, with the city accounting for the largest share of new hotel openings in Australia in recent years. Over the five year period between January 2019 and January 2025, Melbourne added 22 new hotels (more than 5,000 rooms). This represents an impressive 21% growth in hotel inventory. Accor and Ennismore – the Group's fast-growing lifestyle collective - have been at the forefront of delivering new hotels across Melbourne, including the Australian debut of the Hyde Hotels brand with Hyde Melbourne Place, The Sebel Melbourne Kew, and Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport. A major refurbishment of Mantra Melbourne Airport is also scheduled for completion in September. A strong development pipeline includes Mercure Melbourne La Trobe (opening early 2026), The Hoxton Melbourne (opening late 2027), and SO/ Melbourne (opening 2028). Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Williams, said Melbourne's proven track record in delivering major events was ensuring demand kept pace with the growing hotel supply. Melbourne is offering some of the finest new hotel product in a generation, which combines exceptionally well with the city's reputation as a dynamic leisure destination to keep building visitor numbers. Recovery in international, group, business and conference travel, combined with a packed events calendar, is seeing our occupancy forecasts tracking 7 per cent ahead of last year. Winter is traditionally a quiet time for Melbourne hotels, but not this year. Over the past four weeks, the average booking pace has increased 6 per cent on last year across Melbourne and surrounds. The fact that the British & Irish Lions rugby tour and the Boxing Day Ashes Test will draw substantial international, interstate and intrastate visitation gives us every confidence we're on track to deliver the strongest year for our Melbourne hotels since 2019. The AFL, meanwhile, continues to be a powerhouse for tourism, consistently drawing interstate and regional visitors throughout winter and significantly boosting hotel occupancy rates. As the official accommodation partner of the AFL, we recognise the league's pivotal role in sustaining the city's tourism and hospitality economy. While the Lions tour will roar through Melbourne for one week in July, the AFL delivers a season-long influx of fans - culminating in peak occupancy during the Grand Final weekend. Sporting events have become one of the most important demand drivers for our Melbourne hotels, but the benefits of hosting these international events go far beyond the actual event. They generate extended stays, repeat visitation, and global exposure for the city. The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and Australian Open are world-class events that attract a massive international audience. We continue to see guests prioritising these global events as non-discretionary leisure experiences, choosing to extend their stay and make the most of the city and State's attractions. Next year, Melbourne will diversify its sporting pedigree even further through Visit Victoria's multi-year agreement to host regular American National Football League games, which will attract a new and high yielding audience to the city. The strength of recovery across various market sectors this year is very encouraging, and given there is further potential to increase both international tourism and business travel, the outlook offers real optimism for the hotel sector – even against the backdrop of cost-of-living pressures and international trade uncertainty. Mr Williams Supporting diversity in employment - Diversity Pathways project launches in Melbourne Mr Williams said the significant expansion in hotel supply was creating exciting opportunities for hospitality professionals, with strong demand for qualified and passionate people to support the opening of new hotels across the city. The recruitment and development of hotel and hospitality staff remains a priority for the industry. Our preference at Accor has always been to grow from within the organisation, but the pace of hotel expansion in Melbourne has been unprecedented and we need governments to support skilled migration, while also investing in tertiary and trade education for the hospitality industry. One solution is to attract new entrants to the industry and, to help achieve that, Accor has partnered with Flinders University's Centre for Social Impact to launch the Diversity Pathways project in Melbourne, commencing this month. This is a six-phase initiative designed to boost employment opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities in the hospitality sector. The program will see Accor hotels and lounges in Melbourne, and later across the country, take part in a tailored mentoring program, supported by experts in disability employment, hospitality and Disability Employment Services (DES). Accor has long been a leader in developing programs to address diversity and inclusion barriers to attract, retain and grow our teams, and this new partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering more inclusive and diverse workplaces across the industry. Mr Williams From luxury to economy, Accor operates more than 400 hotels in the Pacific region under renowned brands such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore's Hyde and SO/. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Naomi Hammond Communications Manager - Pacific +61(0) 434 738 380 Accor
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- The Advertiser
Inside Barcelona's wild new hotel where art, tapas and glamour collide
About 16 million tourists visited Egypt last year - that's 6 per cent more than in 2023 and a whopping 21 per cent more than pre-pandemic numbers. And the trend is about to continue with the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, scheduled for July 3. Looking for ideas as to where to stay if you find yourself in the ancient capital? Check into the brand-new Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, the biggest Sofitel hotel in the world, naturally. Expect sweeping views of the Nile, a rooftop pool, and interiors that blend French elegance with Egyptian flair.
What's On
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
The What's On Lock In is taking over Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort RAK this June
An all-inclusive weekend of sun, food, and fun… The What's On Lock In is back, and this time it's taking over the stunning Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort in Ras Al Khaimah on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 for an exclusive two-day escape you won't want to miss. What's a Lock In? If you've never been to a Lock In, here's the magic: for just Dhs899 per couple, you'll unlock a curated staycation experience that includes all your meals, drinks, entertainment, and access to everything we've planned. You'll check in on Saturday, explore a welcome lounge full of hand-picked brands and pop-ups, soak up the sun by the beach or pool (or both), an optional workout, a themed brunch followed by an afterparty. Here you can let the day unfold your way – whether that's chilled and easy or full of energy. Wake up on Sunday to a laidback breakfast, more good times, more activities, some poolside fun, and a proper dose of weekend recharge before you checkout – all in a picture-perfect setting. We've taken care of everything. All you have to do is show up. Is there a better staycay deal than the What's On Lock In? That would be a hard no. You can book here. Here's a look at the itinerary: Saturday, June 14 10am Your weekend kicks off when you arrive to the hotel at 10am. Then there's a quick orientation session at the briefing area in the hotel lobby where you'll meet the team, be handed your wristbands and itinerary and then you are free to check out all the fun activities we have lined up for you. 10am to 1pm Getting ready with some beauty activations, some relaxation, an optional fitness activity, and other hotel activities. Here's what you can expect: In-room treat: UKLASH eyebrow and eyelash serum gifts will be waiting for you in your room – a little something to kick off your glow-up. @uklash Weekend warm-up by IHITRESET: A 45-minute pre-brunch sculpt session designed to energize, sweat out, and get you glowing for the weekend. Expect a blend of strength, stretch, and just the right amount of sweat. @ihitreset Blowdry by Artilla: A glossy refresh – hair first, bubbles later. Enjoy a special blow-dry by Artilla Hair Salon – perfect for getting brunch-ready with a quick blowout that'll keep up with your sparkle. @ The Charm Bar by Aglaiia: Tap into your playful side with a charm-making experience that celebrates creativity, self-expression, and hands-on fun. With over 15,000 charms and 1,500 unique designs, there's something for every style – whether you're into classic, bold, or modern looks. Choose to have your piece assembled by the Aglaiia team or dive into the DIY experience with expert guidance on hand. @thecharmbarofficial Live Illustration Station: For the art lovers – stop by for a one-of-a-kind sketch, created on the spot by artist Fatima Raza. A charming way to capture the moment and take home a little piece of the weekend. @insipiddyarts LINKED by Jewelry: This pop-up is all about timeless personalization. Guests can create their own custom jewellery pieces –minimalist, meaningful, and made to last. LINKED by Jewelry specializes in permanent jewellery designed to be cherished every day, adding a personal, lasting touch to your style. Each piece is made to be cherished – delicate, enduring, and uniquely yours. @ linkedbyjewelry Relaxation at Sofitel Spa: A 10-minute foot massage and cucumber eye refresh awaits at the Sofitel Spa's Clarins Relaxation Lounge. A moment to pause, awaken your senses, and restore your glow before the rhythm of the day begins. Time-slots: 10.30am, 10.50am, 11.10am, 11.30am, 11.50am, 12pm, 12.20pm and 12.40pm 1pm to 4pm Brunch in full white swing Le Brunch En Blanc at Réunion brings the vibes with an all-white-themed brunch, house beverages included, plus the option to upgrade to a Champagne package for Dhs200 per person. Dressing in head-to-toe white for Le Brunch En Blanc isn't just encouraged, it's the rule, and trust us, you'll want to lean all the way in. Think of it as your ticket into the vibe – crisp, chic, and part of the magic, so dress to impress (in white, of course). Expect more than just great food – TEPfactor is bringing the fun with surprise games to keep the energy high. @ 4.30pm to 7pm Sundowners in White at WAKA Dressed in white. Five drinks on the house. DJ Timo Higgs spins deep, groovy house beats while the Cuban Duo brings vibrant Latin rhythms. Set by shimmering waters, WAKA captures the spirit of Polynesia – a laid-back where culture, connection, and music come alive. 7pm onwards Free time to enjoy other areas of the hotel, such as swimming at the Lagoon pool, and other activities. Additional activities for an extra charge: Veritas Bar for a cigar or cocktails. WAKA special tapas and light bites menu for a late night meal – kitchen will be open until 10.30pm East dinner available until 11pm Citron has a special promo with 50% off items on the display after 6pm. Late check out package until 6pm for an additional Dhs350 in clud in g 2 house beverages (per room) Also, the hotel gym is open 24/7 for guests who'd like to fit in a quick workout anytime during their stay. Sunday, June 15 6.30 to 11am Ease into your Sunday with breakfast at East Restaurant – no rush, just great food, coffee, chill vibes, and an easygoing way to welcome a new day. 8.30 to 9.15am Ease into your morning with intention. Set by the spa pool, this gentle Hatha yoga session is designed to restore both body and mind after the night before. Through calming stretches and mindful breath-work, you'll release tension, regain balance, and leave with a quiet, radiant glow. A restorative ritual, thoughtfully hosted by Sofitel Spa with Clarins. 2pm Checkout at the hotel lobby, with an option for late check-out. The participants will enjoy 20% off on any additional F&B spend or SPA treatments over the weekend. Want to join us? Book here Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, Vienna St, Al Jazeera Al Hamra-Qaryat Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah. Tel: (0)7 209 6000. @sofitelalhamra Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
The Star
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Game-changing food: Top chef Georgiana Viou blends cuisine across continents
Georgina Viou calls herself a 'UFO', championing free and daring cuisine straddling two continents, from Cotonou's lively street markets to the kitchens of her Michelin-starred restaurant in Nimes, southern France. In the alleys of the historic Saint-Michel market in Benin's bustling economic capital, unchanged since her childhood, Viou goes from stallholder to stallholder. At one she buys bright purple aubergines 'like in the south of France', at another four spices and smoked long peppers – which are often used in traditional medicine. 'I'm sure that apart from the preparations they make to treat themselves, the people here have never thought of putting that in food,' said Viou, 47, who runs L'Ami restaurant at Cotonou's luxury Sofitel hotel. 'I try to look at these products differently.' Viou blends West African staples with French ingredients, fusing two cuisines and cultures together in her food. — AFP L'Ami opened its doors this year, offering 'French bistronomy with a local touch' such as pesto risotto with tchayo (African basil), red mullet with local nere mustard and hibiscus pavlova. Viou, in her trademark felt fedora hat, is keen to push boundaries and blend her two worlds. 'It's also interesting for me to win over my public. Little by little, we'll move towards things that get a bit closer to our culinary heritage, while keeping French cuisine as the technical foundation,' she said. 'I once made a shrimp tartare with raw okra. I know Beninese people called it a scandal,' she added. 'People don't necessarily get me, they don't necessarily understand. But that's OK... that's my personality, this thirst for freedom but freedom in every sense of the word.' Inspiration Born in Benin in 1977, 'Gigi' as her friends call her, was inspired by her mother, who ran a small 'maquis' or popular restaurant in Cotonou. She described her as 'my foundation, my origin' in her recent book Oui, Cheffe ! Du Benin A L'etoile Michelin, Itineraire D'une Battante (Yes, Chef! From Benin To Michelin Star: Journey Of A Fighter). In the book, which came out in March, she also recounts difficult moments in her life: a rape at aged 14, secret abortions during her studies, divorce as an adult. When she arrived in France in the early 2000s, she first enrolled in applied foreign languages at the Sorbonne university in Paris. But it was in the southern city of Marseille, where she arrived in 2004, that her passion for cooking gradually became her vocation. Viou, who has three children, entered several amateur contests before taking part in the Masterchef competition on French television in 2010, then opened a cooking workshop. Recognition from the industry came at Rouge, her restaurant in Nimes, which was awarded a Michelin star in 2023. Pass it on In the kitchen when AFP visited, she replaced the usual meat dish on the menu with red mullet stuffed with black pudding topped with afiti – fermented nere seeds. Once crushed, the beans give off a strong smell similar to Maroilles, a cow's milk cheese from northern France. 'It's a sort of umami. Once you have that, of course you can add fish or meat. But if you don't, it doesn't matter because it's already going to strongly flavour your dish,' said Viou. She then took a blowtorch to add a 'smoky' touch, which she describes as being in her 'DNA' as she grew up 'with the smell of charcoal and smoked fish'. A dish of fermented mushrooms, seaweed and buckwheat with fermented mushroom juice, served at Viou's restaurant. — Georgiana Viou/Instagram As a side, she offers fonio, a popular grain in west Africa which she takes out of a plastic bag roughly closed with sticky tape, brought straight from her last trip to Cotonou. For the sauce she added onion, garlic, pastis and fish guts. 'That's Marseille!' she said of the city that has inspired her for the last two decades. 'I grew up for 20 years with flavours, aromas, ways of cooking that are etched into me. Coming here to Nimes, I felt that it was time to bring those things back and put them into what I'm doing,' she added. The Michelin star isn't the be-all and end-all for her, though. 'If this star is just for me to put there and brag about saying, 'Ah, I'm so great, I'm a star', I'm not interested,' she said. 'I now want to pass on to other people what I've learned.' That transfer of knowledge is what she intends to do in her home country. 'We don't have a... proper hospitality school, we can't buy tickets to leave. That's OK, I'll come to you. I'll show you a bit of what I know how to do,' she said. – By JOSUE MEHOUNEN with VIKEN KANTARCI/AFP
Arab News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Sofitel launches limited-edition croissant collection
Sofitel has unveiled a limited-edition collection of its signature elevated croissants, available in seven properties worldwide. The exclusive collection, La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms, features seven indulgent floral-flavored croissants which pay homage to the tradition and art of elaborate French floral arrangements in hospitality. The buttery delights give guests and locals the opportunity to discover native flavors; from Mexican dahlia to Beninese hibiscus and Korean cherry blossom, to be enjoyed exclusively in seven Sofitel locations globally, for four months. Inspired by the excellence and beauty of haute couture, La Haute Croissanterie concept was launched to elevate the art of croissant-making. Rooted in a perfected traditional French recipe and using precise proportions of pure butter and high-quality flour, croissants are enhanced with exclusive local ingredients of the highest quality — from Middle Eastern za'atar to Piemontese hazelnut praline and Korean Gochujang. Drawing inspiration from the timeless floral artistry of French luxury hospitality, La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms marks the brand's very first limited-release collection, turning croissants into a gastronomic adventure where guests can experience local cultures like never before, designed by Sofitel's pastry chefs from across the world and crafted using local flowers woven into the buttery layers. Saffron and its violet-hued flower is considered one of the most valuable spices in the Middle East. This two-toned croissant features a round crust that's filled with a pistachio sponge cake and saffron creme brulée — a creation synonymous with velvety luxury. Available in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk from 32 dirhams ($8.7). 'Creating La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms allowed us to elevate everyday experiences for guests by infusing creativity and flair into our pastries, using unconventional tastes to bring flavors from native flowers from around the world. The tradition of gifting flowers to celebrate special occasions is enjoyed across the world, so La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms felt like the perfect opportunity to treat those who mean most to us with a creative and delicious twist on the floral bouquet,' said Anne-Cécile Degenne, corporate executive chef, Sofitel. La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms will be available for four months in seven Sofitel properties globally, starting from May. It marks the beginning of a series of limited-edition La Haute Croissanterie collections, with each to capture a unique and different theme, whilst honoring the elegance and excellence of traditional croissant making.
