Accor to develop Orient Express hotels after acquisition

Since 1977, the brand's image has been developed by state-owned SNCF Group

AccorHotels, which is acquiring a 50 per cent stake in Orient Express, currently fully owned by the SNCF Group, intends to develop a new collection of luxury hotels under the iconic brand.

The new collection is expected to offer an experience evoking a sense of history and that combines East and West in iconic locations.

Since 1977, the brand’s image has been developed by state-owned SNCF Group

Since 1977, SNCF Group has been involved in developing the brand’s image, notably through the restoration of vintage carriages dating from the 1920s, known as the Pullman-Orient-Express.

The seven historic cars, symbols of French Art Deco, will remain the physical property of the state-owned rail group, and will be operated by Orient Express for private journeys and events.

AccorHotels also sees a new use for them an exceptional setting for events, which may be held in collaboration with AccorHotels’ other businesses such as Potel & Chabot, Noctis and John Paul.

AccorHotels and SNCF Group intend to jointly preserve, promote and share the heritage connected with the train through the Orient Express Endowment Fund, a public interest body whose aim is to encourage and support awareness-building initiatives.

Orient Express made its first trip between Paris and Constantinople 134 years ago.

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