Accor and LVMH have entered right into a strategic partnership to speed up the event of Orient Express, a legendary House synonymous for greater than a century with essentially the most unique journey experiences.
Since the inaugural voyage of its prepare in 1883, Orient Express has been taking the invention of the world to new heights for purchasers looking for distinctive and refined adventures. A logo of magnificence and audacity, Orient Express embodies a life-style that encapsulates the extraordinary and enchantment.
Following its acquisition by Accor in 2022, Orient Express is growing new iconic ventures for trains, inns and crusing ships whose exacting requirements will mirror a rare positioning inside the journey world. The renaissance of an historic prepare and the launch of the primary Orient Express crusing ship in 2026 would be the subsequent steps on this renewed impetus. In parallel with these launches, Orient Express will open its first inns in Rome and Venice whereas persevering with the selective improvement of its international locations.
Under the phrases of the agreements signed at this time, LVMH shall be becoming a member of forces with Accor by a strategic funding within the Orient Express model, within the firm that may function the long run inns and trains, and within the entity that may personal the 2 crusing ships. The first ship is presently below building at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France, and the 2 teams will proceed to look collectively for a 3rd companion for this new enterprise.
By contributing to the revival of this iconic model, LVMH will add its distinctive experience in high-quality services, illustrated particularly, on the planet of journey, by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express prepare and the 5 different trains additionally operated by Belmond around the globe. These extraordinary experiences mirror the operational experience and creativity of LVMH Hospitality Excellence on this subject.
Within its Luxury and Lifestyle division, Accor brings collectively the main assortment of luxurious manufacturers with a century-old legacy within the resort and positive eating sectors. The exceptional heritage and historical past of a number of of those manufacturers, together with Raffles, Fairmont and Potel & Chabot, have enabled Accor to rejuvenate the expertise for purchasers looking for excellence and distinctiveness. This imaginative and prescient is on the coronary heart of the Orient Express venture.
Bernard Arnault, LVMH Group Chairman and CEO, mentioned: “Orient Express has embodied adventure and elegance since its origins. Its name has become part of our cultural heritage and remains a source of inspiration for the greatest artists. Orient Express epitomizes the art of refined living and the audacity that drives each of our Houses. We are delighted to be partnering with Accor to accelerate the renewal of this travel icon. Each of our groups will bring the best of its expertise to take Orient Express to the pinnacle of the art of hospitality.”
Sébastien Bazin, Accor Group Chairman and CEO, mentioned: “Orient Express is a legend ever since its creation 140 years in the past, drawing on its roots and its oneiric universe whereas remaining always firmly targeted on the long run. With Orient Express, Accor is reinventing the artwork of journey, discovery and nice odysseys. With LVMH at this time, we’re opening a brand new chapter on this thrilling journey, with the ambition of exploring new horizons and embodying the audacity and artistic ardour that drive our teams. We’re delighted to enlist LVMH’s uncommon experience to proceed pushing additional the frontiers of this legend and bringing its embodiment to life in an ever extra singular approach.
