Today’s news in brief – 25/7/24
Accor reported a strong start to 2024, with half-year revenues rising by 11% to €2.67bn (£2.24bn). The growth includes a 4% increase in the Premium, Midscale, and Economy division and a 22% rise in the Luxury and Lifestyle division. RevPAR (revenue per available room) grew 6% across Accor’s portfolio, with the Luxury & Lifestyle division seeing an 8% increase due to higher occupancy rates, and the Premium, Midscale, and Economy division posting a 4% increase. EBITDA increased by 13% to £424m. Accor opened 146 hotels in the first half of 2024, adding 24,000 rooms and achieving a net unit growth of 4.1% over the past 12 months. By June 2024, Accor’s portfolio included 838,722 rooms in 5,682 hotels, with a pipeline of 218,000 rooms in 1,297 hotels. CEO Sébastien Bazin highlighted the strong performance, the company’s operational and financial discipline, and significant partnerships in luxury and lifestyle. Bazin also mentioned Accor’s involvement in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where the company will support athletes, media, and visitors, enhancing France’s global profile.
Virgin Hotels Collection announced the appointments of Johanna Kent as chief people officer and Leo Rotshteyn as global head of revenue management and distribution. Kent, with over 27 years of experience, previously led the people and culture team at Virgin Orbit, overseeing a 40% growth in headcount and navigating complex challenges. At Mattel, she managed global initiatives and large-scale reorganisations. Rotshteyn, with over 30 years of experience, previously managed a portfolio of over 50 hotels at Preferred Hotels and Resorts, consistently exceeding revenue goals. His expertise includes revenue optimization, distribution strategies, marketing, and sales. CEO James Bermingham expressed confidence that Kent and Rotshteyn’s leadership and innovative ideas would drive the brand’s continued evolution in luxury hospitality.
Sopwell House in St Albans appointed Benny Lee as the head chef of its Asian-inspired restaurant, Omboo. Lee, originally from Malaysia, has over 18 years of experience, having worked in renowned London restaurants including Hare and Tortoise, Hakkasan Hanway Place, and Kai Mayfair. He served as head chef at Shikumen and Plum Valley, and most recently as master head chef at The Bugis in Kensington. At Omboo, Lee aims to deliver authentic Asian sharing dishes inspired by Far Eastern spice routes, focusing on traditional culinary techniques. His new menus highlight Asian flavours and ingredients, aiming to position Omboo as a premier destination for Asian cuisine. Marketing director David Petitt praised Lee’s passion for authentic flavours and attention to detail.
The Machrie on Islay is set to relaunch as Another Place, The Machrie on 1 August, becoming the second hotel in the Another Place collection. Located in the Hebrides, the hotel will feature a new outdoor relaxation area with a sauna, wood-fired hot tubs, a cold plunge bath, terrace, and firepit. It will also introduce a “social golf” putting green alongside its championship links course. A new games room with various activities will open near the main hotel building. This summer, the hotel will offer 10 family rooms and lodges accommodating families of 5-6.
