Accor has surpassed 150 franchise hotels across Australia and New Zealand, reinforcing its position as the largest and fastest growing hotel franchise network in the Pacific region.
The milestone coincides with the annual Accor Pacific Franchise Conference taking place in Sydney this week, bringing together more than 270 franchise partners, hotel owners, industry leaders and Accor executives to discuss operational performance, market trends and the continued evolution of franchising across the region.
Over the past decade, Accor’s Pacific franchise network has experienced significant expansion, particularly across regional and suburban markets, supported by growing owner appetite for globally recognised brands, strong distribution capability, loyalty-driven demand and operational efficiencies delivered through scale.
Accor’s Chief Franchise Officer for its Premium, Midscale, and Economy division, Leire Leoz, said the Pacific region has emerged as a strong growth market for franchising.
Franchising is playing an increasingly important role in Accor’s global growth strategy, and the Pacific region is a strong example of that momentum in action. We continue to see strong interest from hotel owners seeking flexible operating models that allow them to retain the individuality of their assets while benefiting from the strength, scale and support of a global hospitality leader.
Accor’s franchise-forward strategy is a key driver of the Group’s long-term asset-light growth model, supporting expansion and strengthening owner partnerships across the Pacific.
Importantly, Accor’s growth in franchising complements its longstanding strength in managed hotels. The Group also operates the largest managed hotel network across the Pacific region, providing owners with flexible operating models tailored to their individual business and investment goals.
Franchising across Australia and New Zealand has matured significantly over the past two decades, with more owners embracing global brand affiliation to remain competitive amid changing traveller expectations, rising operating costs and evolving market conditions.
Accor’s Chief Operating Officer in the Pacific region, Adrian Williams, said strong owner partnerships continue to underpin the growth of the franchise network.
Our franchise network today represents a highly collaborative, performance-driven ecosystem built around owner success. We continue to see strong demand from hotel owners who want access to Accor’s powerful loyalty, sales and distribution platforms, while retaining the flexibility to run their hotels in a way that reflects their local character and identity. Importantly, many of our existing franchise partners continue to grow with us, with around half now owning multiple hotels within the network.
“At the same time, managed hotels remain strategically important to our long-term growth strategy across the Pacific. Our focus is on providing owners with the solutions that best suit their asset, market and long-term objectives,” said Mr Williams.
Regional markets continue to play a key role in franchise growth across the Pacific, particularly as independent hotels seek the benefits of global brand recognition and stronger commercial performance
The Group will soon introduce its greet brand to the Pacific for the first time, expanding its franchise offering with a value-led, conversion-friendly hospitality concept designed for modern travellers. Focused on informal hospitality and essential comfort delivered well, greet offers owners a flexible pathway to reposition existing hotels with distinctive local character and contemporary relevance.
Accor’s Vice President of Franchise in the Pacific region, Danesh Bamji, said demand for conversion-friendly brands and flexible franchise models continues to accelerate.
“The franchise landscape across Australia and New Zealand is evolving rapidly as more owners recognise the commercial advantages of partnering with established global hospitality brands. We are seeing particularly strong interest in conversion opportunities from independent and regional hotel operators looking to enhance competitiveness while maintaining their local identity. The introduction of greet into the Pacific reflects how we are continuing to evolve our franchise offering to meet changing owner and traveller expectations,” said Mr Bamji.
Accor currently operates more than 420 hotels across the Pacific region under brands including Sofitel, MGallery, Pullman, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Novotel, Mercure, TRIBE, and ibis. The Group continues to expand its franchise network across Australia and New Zealand through strategic growth opportunities, conversions, and operational support tailored to local market needs.
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 group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
