VTech to Launch Green Electronic Learning Products with Sustainability Pledge 2030

HONG KONG, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Kong – VTech Holdings Limited (HKSE:303) announced today that it will launch a variety of green electronic learning products in 2021, which marks an important step for its sustainability commitment towards replacing fossil based plastics with sustainable alternatives by 2030. VTech branded eco-friendly products include four new vehicles in the popular Go! Go! Smart Wheels® series made from plant-based plastic, and the Sort & Recycle Ride-on…

HONG KONG, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Kong – VTech Holdings Limited (HKSE:303) announced today that it will launch a variety of green electronic learning products in 2021, which marks an important step for its sustainability commitment towards replacing fossil based plastics with sustainable alternatives by 2030. VTech branded eco-friendly products include four new vehicles in the popular Go! Go! Smart Wheels® series made from plant-based plastic, and the Sort & Recycle Ride-on Truck made from reclaimed plastic.

VTech Logo

 

Go! Go! Smart Wheels®

 

Sort & Recycle Ride-on Truck™

As for LeapFrog branded products, in addition to a new Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot with vegetables accessories made from plant-based plastic, VTech will source materials from responsibly managed forests certified by Forest Stewardship Council® for two new wooden toys, Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board and Interactive Wooden Animal Puzzle.

Choppin' Fun Learning Pot™

 

Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board™

 

Interactive Wooden Animal Puzzle™

The introduction of sustainable product packaging for VTech’s toy products is also well underway. Currently 94% of the packaging materials is recyclable, while 90% of the cardboards used in the packaging is recycled materials. VTech is also committed to eliminating fossil-based blister packaging and replacing it with plant-based alternative in 99% of the electronic learning products by 2025.

In order to support circular economy initiatives in its major markets, VTech has engaged in various post-consumer packaging recycling programmes in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Packaging recycling labels such as How2Recycle® and «On-Pack Recycling» have also been placed on the product packaging of its electronic learning products for consumers’ easy reference.

To encourage post-consumer product recycling, VTech has partnered with leading international recycling companies such as TerraCycle® in the US and Electronic Products Recycling Association in Canada. It has also followed the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive in Europe by adding product recycling labels on the product packaging. These recycling programmes provide an easy way for consumers to recycle VTech’s electronic learning products in the respective countries.

VTech’s ongoing efforts to develop eco-friendly products and packaging and continuous engagement in various post-consumer recycling programmes in the major markets, have demonstrated its commitment to the 5-year Sustainability Plan 2025 released on 5 June 2020.

«VTech’s sustainability vision is to create sustainable value for the lives of people and protect the planet for the future generations,» said Dr. Allan Wong, Chairman and Group CEO of VTech Holdings Limited. «We are committed to using sustainable materials in our products and packaging and recycling them in a responsible way, using eco-friendly transportation modes in our supply chain management, increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing the consumption of natural resources in our production process.»

To learn more about VTech’s sustainability efforts and achievements, please visit https://www.vtech.com/en/sustainability/.

About VTech

VTech is the global leader in electronic learning products from infancy through toddler and preschool and the largest manufacturer of residential phones in the US. It also provides highly sought-after contract manufacturing services. Since its establishment in 1976, VTech has been a pioneer in the electronic learning toy category. With advanced educational expertise and cutting-edge innovation, VTech products provide fun and learning to children around the world. Leveraging decades of success in cordless telephony, VTech’s diverse collection of telecommunication products elevates both home and business users’ experience through the latest in technology and design. As one of the world’s leading electronic manufacturing service providers, VTech offers world-class, full turnkey services to customers in a number of product categories. The Group’s mission is to design, manufacture and supply innovative and high quality products in a manner that minimises any impact on the environment, while creating sustainable value for its stakeholders and the community. For more information, please visit www.vtech.com.

SOURCE VTech

Former U.S. Director of National Intelligence joins Emerging Tech Fest keynote event line up

CARDIFF, Wales, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — James (Jim) Clapper, President Obama’s former Director of National Intelligence, will join Aled Miles, President & Chief Executive Officer, Sauce Labs, for an exclusive interview as part of the 2021 Emerging Tech Fest’s keynote event.

Taking place across 26th – 28th January as a virtual, global event, the 3-day festival will showcase some of the most exciting…

CARDIFF, Wales, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — James (Jim) Clapper, President Obama’s former Director of National Intelligence, will join Aled Miles, President & Chief Executive Officer, Sauce Labs, for an exclusive interview as part of the 2021 Emerging Tech Fest’s keynote event.

Taking place across 26th – 28th January as a virtual, global event, the 3-day festival will showcase some of the most exciting technology in Wales and beyond, demonstrating how the innovative technology sector is transforming lives and industries.

At the height of one of the most turbulent times in the history of American politics, the highly decorated Ret. Lt General will discuss the growing role of cyber security, modern threat vectors and the role of business and government, all drawn from his extensive experience leading the U.S. intelligence community and from an extraordinary career of service to the U.S. and her allies.

Clapper joins a stellar line-up of guests in a keynote hosted by Aled Miles, the Welsh Government Envoy to the United States and CEO of Sauce Labs, the leading provider of continuous testing solutions that deliver digital confidence.

The former US Director of National Intelligence also joins:

  • Ramin Sayar, President and CEO of Sumo Logic – Fresh from taking Sumo Logic public onto the Nasdaq stock exchange in the middle of a global pandemic, Ramin will join Aled to discuss how data, AI, machine learning and natural learning techniques are emerging as must haves for speed, customer growth and competitive advantage.
  • Dave Cole, founder and CEO of Open Raven – Despite starting Open Raven during one of the most difficult times in modern history, David led a wildly successful first round of funding, generating $15 million from some of the biggest names in venture capital. Dave will share his insights on funding, pitching and the first phase of building a business in an emerging technology space.
  • Jan Griffiths, founder of the «Finding Gravitas» podcast – A Welsh-born former executive in the U.S. car industry now based in Detroit, Jan has witnessed both the downturn and the recent transformation of the industry with the adoption of extraordinary automotive technology. She will share her experiences on leadership and transformation.

The keynote event will open the Emerging Tech Fest, taking place at 9:30 GMT on the 26thJanuary 2021 with registration open now on the Emerging Tech Fest website.

Now in its third year, the festival founded by non-profit organisation Technology Connected, KTN, CEMET and Innovate UK, looks to bring together businesses and technology to foster connections and explore opportunities to collaborate, drive efficiencies and grow.

This year’s spotlight themes at the Emerging Tech Fest are:

The New World– we’ll explore how new technology can enable us to work from anywhere in the world, and balance the challenges that come with it, including mental health, productivity and engagement.

Improving Businesses NOW – The unprecedented nature of the world in 2020 has been a huge shock for us all. How can new and emerging tech help our businesses improve right now, as they embark on recovery coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic?

Future Tech – discover and connect with the latest technology as we provide a platform for innovative businesses to showcase the most ground-breaking new technology, transforming businesses and lives.

Achieving Net Zero – climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. With governments across the world declaring climate change emergencies, how can technology help to facilitate a carbon neutral future for business.

Registrations are now open for the 3 day festival on the Emerging Tech Fest Website, along limited exhibition and partnership opportunities for businesses who want to be at the forefront of innovation collaboration.

Aled Miles, Chief Executive Officer, Sauce Labs, said: «It is clear that technology will have a crucial role to play in rebuilding the global economy post-Covid. I am excited to be joined by some of the world’s leading minds in the technology sector to discuss the importance of digital confidence and how it will shape future growth and prosperity. Wales has world-class capabilities in the technology sector and, as an envoy for the Welsh Government, I am delighted to be able to play an important role in highlighting this on the world stage.»

Avril Lewis MBE. Managing Director of Technology Connected added:

«We are thrilled to announce today, a stellar line up for this year’s Emerging Tech Fest’s keynote event, which is sure to give attendees incredible insight across a range of key issues faced by businesses.

«Along with his renowned guests, Aled brings a wealth of experience and insight from his own remarkable career, and is the perfect person to highlight the success, innovation and international ambition of the technology industry in Wales

For more information on the Emerging Tech Fest, including registration exhibition and partnership opportunities, please visit the Emerging Tech Fest website.

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SOURCE Emerging Tech Fest

Biphenyl Market projected to exceed $360 million by 2026, Says Global Market Insights Inc.

SELBYVILLE, Del., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Based on Global Market Insights Inc., report, the global biphenyl market size was estimated at $225 million in…

SELBYVILLE, Del., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Based on Global Market Insights Inc., report, the global biphenyl market size was estimated at $225 million in 2019 and is slated to surpass $360 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 7% from 2020 to 2026. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the top winning strategies, wavering industry trends, drivers & opportunities, top investment avenues, competitive scenarios, market estimations & size.

Biphenyl market from natural gas biphenyl type anticipated to grow with CAGR of over 6.5% by the end of 2026 owing to an incremental increase in natural gas reserves in different regions such as North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific across the world. Moreover, increased shale gas extraction activities in the U.S. are expected to raise the demand for natural gas in the country in the years to come.

Increasing natural gas production on a global level is expected to increase the consumption of natural gas biphenyl during the forecast period. Regulation-driven shift in coal to gas consumption especially in countries such as China may weaken the demand for coal tar biphenyl to some extent during the next few years. Moreover, increasing demand for dyes, pigments, and carbonless copy paper is one of the defining reasons supporting market growth. Furthermore, increasing usage for electrical, heat transfer and hydraulic equipment should propel the biphenyl market growth of natural gas biphenyl.

Request for Sample Report: https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/4889

The global biphenyl market from dyestuff carrier for the textiles industry is expected to surpass over 80 million by the end of 2026 owing to increasing consumer demand for apparel with aesthetically approved designs.

The biphenyl market from fungicide application is projected to grow with a CAGR of over 5.5% owing to increasing usage of biphenyl for fungicide for plant disease control and as a preservative for citrus fruits.

Rapid industrialization, growing food & beverage industries, and increasing focus on the development of concentrated solar power plants across the globe will significantly drive the demand for heat transfer fluids which in turn will augment the market growth from heat transfer fluids application.

Biphenyl demand as a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry is projected to grow with a CAGR of 7% by the end of 2026. Biphenyl market by chemical intermediate application is projected to gain traction with the CAGR of 7.5% in the market owing to increasing demand for polymer processing and in the production of organic chemicals.

Increasing usage of agrochemical and other pesticides in the agricultural sector are should boost product demand by fungicide application. The market is anticipated to grow over USD 5.5 million from fungicide application by the end of 2026.

Request for customization of this report: https://www.gminsights.com/roc/4889

Europe region is expected to witness considerable growth with a CAGR of 5.5% in the coming years owing to an increased demand for pharmaceutical preparations. Biphenyl is a chemical, which finds demanding applications as an intermediate in manufacturing other organic chemicals like phosphorus and hydroxy compounds the establishment of research institutes, economic development, and increasing innovations are some of the factors contributing to the rapid growth of the global chemical industry.

The demand for organic chemicals in Europe is primarily driven by rising government funding and heavy investments by major players in research & development. The region is witnessing the growing demand for chemicals owing to an increasing focus on alleviating the adverse effects of climate change, health, and nutrition. The increasing role of chemistry in the development & maintenance of infrastructure, pharmaceutical industry, and biochemistry represents healthy growth opportunities for the biphenyl market in the coming years.

Rapid urbanization, increasing populace, changing lifestyle, and increasing consumer spending across the globe particularly in Asia-Pacific is driving the production of textile fabric this, in turn, will augment the biphenyl market share from dyestuff carrier for textiles application. Rising consumer demand for apparel with aesthetically approved designs and textures is encouraging textile manufacturers to bring about innovations in the dyeing process of textiles, increasing innovations in the field of technical textiles which may boost the market growth. Countries such as China, India, Bangladesh, Italy, turkey, and Vietnam are expected to be lucrative regions for biphenyl in dyestuff carrying applications.

Some of the key players operating in the biphenyl industry are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Sigma Aldrich, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Clearsynth, Lanxess AG, Biosynth Carbosynth, ABCR GmbH, AK Scientific, Inc., AA Blocks, Alfa Chemistry, 3B Scientific (Wuhan) Corporation Ltd., Sinfoo Biotech, Oakwood Chemical, Angene International Limited, King Scientific, Haihang Group, Spectrum Chemical Mfg. Corp., Dayang Chem (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd., Central Drug House (P) Ltd., Loba Chemie, Eastman Chemical Company, Debye Scientific Co., Ltd., Matrix Scientific, Win Win Chemical, Life Chemicals, MuseChem, Aozeal Certified Standards, LGC Standards (part of LGC Group), Hangzhou Keying Chem Co., Ltd., Xingrui Industry Co., Ltd., Anward and others.

Read the latest blog on » Chemicals intermediate application to fuel biphenyl consumption globally«: https://news.decresearch.com/global-biphenyl-industry/

About Global Market Insights, Inc.

Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider. Offering syndicated and custom research reports, growth consulting, and business intelligence services, Global Market Insights, Inc. aims to help clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data that aid in strategic decision making.

GMIPulse, our business analytics platform offers an online, interactive option of exploring our proprietary industry research data in an easy-to-use and dynamic manner. Clients get to explore market intelligence across 11 top level categories and hundreds of industry segments within them, covering regional, company level, and cross-sectional statistics that make our offering a stand-out for decision-makers.

Contact Us:

Arun Hegde

Corporate Sales, USA

Global Market Insights, Inc.

Phone: 1-302-846-7766

Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688

Email: sales@gminsights.com

Web: https://www.gminsights.com

Related Images

global-biphenyl-market-outlook-2026.jpg
Global Biphenyl Market Outlook – 2026

 

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SOURCE Global Market Insights Inc.

Native Arts and Cultures Foundation Announces Open Call for Social Change and Emerging Artist Support Programs

VANCOUVER, Wash., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) is pleased to announce its open call for two new award programs. After a year of strategic planning and working closely with our network of artists, grantees and stakeholders, NACF moves into its second decade with SHIFT, a two-year program designed to support artist and community-driven projects responding to social, environmental or economic justice issues through a Native lens. NACF is also…

VANCOUVER, Wash., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) is pleased to announce its open call for two new award programs. After a year of strategic planning and working closely with our network of artists, grantees and stakeholders, NACF moves into its second decade with SHIFT, a two-year program designed to support artist and community-driven projects responding to social, environmental or economic justice issues through a Native lens. NACF is also launching LIFT, a one-year award and early career support program for emerging Native artists to develop and realize new projects.

«Through these programs, we are all offered deeper insight into the complexities of contemporary Native life. Our artists speak for us, challenging our notions of identity and culture, revealing our innate brilliance and pointing us toward a better future,» says Reuben Tomás Roqueñi (Yaqui/Mayo/Chicanx Descent), NACF’s Director of Transformative Change Programs.

SHIFT PROGRAM
NACF is now accepting Letters of Interest for the SHIFT–Transformative Change and Indigenous Arts program. SHIFT is a two-year award that includes financial resources, professional development, artist/stakeholder convening, cross-sector collaboration, evaluation, exhibiting and presenting opportunities for Native artists, cultural practitioners, and community partners. The program’s focus is to bring attention to Native communities to shift a national narrative of invisibility, misunderstanding and misappropriation. SHIFT will provide invaluable resources for project development, production and presentation for artists and their collaborators.
 
Eligible Letters of Interest must include both a Native artist applicant (individual or an artist collective) and a partner organization/co-applicant working in dance/choreography, fiction/poetry writing, film/video, multi-disciplinary arts, music, performance art, theater and screenplay writing, traditional arts, or 2D + 3D visual arts. Artist applicant must be an enrolled member or citizen of a federally-recognized or state-recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native corporation, or of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Partner organization/co-applicants must be a US-based non-profit organization, for-profit business, or tribal agency working in collaboration with Native artists or Native artist collectives. We encourage artists to apply who: have experience developing projects focused on engaging communities and the public to address community issues; build upon community cultural assets; and partner with organizations to develop and present the work. 
 
SHIFT is a monetary award totaling $100,000 for two years, with $50,000 of the award earmarked for the lead artist or artist collective. Up to ten projects will be selected to receive SHIFT awards. For a full description of the award, eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/NACF-shift. The deadline to submit the online Letter of Interest form for SHIFT is Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific time.

LIFT PROGRAM
NACF is also accepting applications for the LIFT–Early Career Support for Native Artists program. LIFT will provide one-year awards for early-career Native artists to develop and realize new projects. The program’s focus is to provide financial support and professional development to artists whose work aims to uplift communities and advance positive social change. 
 
Eligible applicants must be individual Native artists working in dance/choreography, fiction/poetry writing, film/video, multi-disciplinary arts, music, performance art, theater and screenplay writing, traditional arts, or 2D + 3D visual arts. Artist applicant must be an enrolled member or citizen of a federally-recognized or state-recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native corporation, or of Native Hawaiian ancestry. We encourage artists to apply who are shaping their practices and for whom the award may serve as a launching point in their career.
 
LIFT is a monetary award of up to $10,000 for a proposed project with $2,500 earmarked for the artist’s benefit and wellbeing. Up to twenty artists will be selected to receive LIFT awards. For a full description of the award, eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/NACF-lift. The deadline to submit the online application form for LIFT is Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific time.

About the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation
The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation’s mission is to advance equity and cultural knowledge, focusing on the power of arts and collaboration to strengthen Native communities and promote positive social change with American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native peoples in the United States. The Foundation has supported over 300 artists and arts organizations in 34 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation visit http://www.nativeartsandcultures.org.

# # # #

Media Contact

Barbara Soulé, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, +1 360-334-7263, barbara@nativeartsandcultures.org

Twitter

 

SOURCE Native Arts and Cultures Foundation

«The Power of Hope» Animated Short Film Director Kalia Love Jones, Youngest Director Ever Selected Into The Oscar Qualifying Pan African Film And Arts Festival

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Oscar qualifying animated short film «The Power of Hope» director Kalia Love Jones is the youngest director ever selected into the Oscar qualifying Pan African Film and Arts Festival. «The Power of Hope» animated short film has been selected into four Academy Awards qualifying film festivals: Urbanworld Film Festival, LA Shorts International Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival and the Pan African Film…

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Oscar qualifying animated short film «The Power of Hope» director Kalia Love Jones is the youngest director ever selected into the Oscar qualifying Pan African Film and Arts Festival. «The Power of Hope» animated short film has been selected into four Academy Awards qualifying film festivals: Urbanworld Film Festival, LA Shorts International Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival and the Pan African Film and Arts Festival.

The 29th Annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) will be held virtually on February 28, 2021 to March 14, 2021. Co-founded in 1992 by actors Danny Glover, the late Ja’Net DuBois and executive director Ayuko Babu, PAFF has become America’s largest and most prestigious Black film festival. Each year PAFF screens over 190 new Black films from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, the South Pacific, Europe, Canada, and Asia, made by or about people of African descent.

The 14 year old filmmaker Kalia Love Jones first animated short film, «The Power of Hope» – inspired by a Michelle Obama speech – tells the inspirational story of a young woman with big dreams. An inspiring architect feels helpless when her mother falls ill, but moved by the words of Michelle Obama, she finds the will to persevere and bring her dreams to life.

«The Power of Hope» animated short film will be screened at the 2021 Pan African Film and Arts Festival available virtually on February 28, 2021 to March 14, 2021: https://www.pafftv.com/?asset=7C4989E6-BBD1-4315-E5F0-FD7F303EB75A For more information and tickets are available at: http://www.paff.org

«The Power of Hope» animated short film and Kalia Love Jones is featured in national media and TV media including FOX 11 TV Good Day LA, ABC 7 TV Los Angeles, CBS News 8 TV San Diego, NBC TV, CW TV, ABC TV, CBS TV, FOX TV, The Kelly Clarkson Show and many more. For more information and updates on «The Power of Hope» animated short film, visit http://thepowerofhopefilm.com and follow @thepowerofhopefilm on Facebook and Instagram.

About «The Power of Hope» animated short film
«The Power of Hope» animated short film is written, directed and produced by Kalia Love Jones. She co-wrote «The Power of Hope» film’s song and funded the film on her own to prove to her father how serious she was about the film. Kalia Love Jones looks up to influential female figures like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Ava DuVernay and spends hours every day drawing, crafting, and studying films to create unique animations. Kalia Love Jones is a 14 year old filmmaker that is inspiring young women to pursue their animation and filmmaking dreams. For more information, visit http://thepowerofhopefilm.com and follow @thepowerofhopefilm on Facebook and Instagram. For press interviews with Kalia Love Jones and on «The Power of Hope» animated short film, contact Tamara York of Tamara York Public Relations via email at tamara@tamarayorkpr.com.

Media Contact:
Tamara York
Tamara York Public Relations
Tamara@tamarayorkpr.com

Media Contact

Tamara York, Tamara York Public Relations, 631-488-8776, Tamara@tamarayorkpr.com

 

SOURCE Kalia Love Jones

Accor Sets Ambitious Line-Up for New Hotel Openings in 2021

THE GROUP LOOKS FORWARD TO A BOUNTY OF NEW PROPERTIES AND NEW BEGINNINGS AROUND THE WORLD

PARIS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Accor is kicking off the year with an encouraging development outlook and a full schedule of new hotel openings around the world. While 2020 was…

THE GROUP LOOKS FORWARD TO A BOUNTY OF NEW PROPERTIES AND NEW BEGINNINGS AROUND THE WORLD

PARIS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Accor is kicking off the year with an encouraging development outlook and a full schedule of new hotel openings around the world. While 2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges – not the least of which were felt among the travel and hospitality sectors – Accor maintained a steady pace of development and continued to sign new projects, leading to a robust roster of new hotel openings throughout 2021.

«As we are all too familiar, 2020 had a profound impact on our day-to-day lives and the hospitality industry as a whole; even so, the early stages of a global rebound will be material and significant,» said Agnes Roquefort, Global Chief Development Officer. «Despite the delays and temporary closures we experienced due to the pandemic, we continued to experience sustained momentum across our development pipeline and are optimistic that the worldwide rollout of Covid-19 vaccines will lead to renewed trust in travel and a much greater sense of personal safety for the entire global population.»

Accor’s sound financial capacity, worldwide reach, and unrivalled portfolio of brands not only kept the company in a solid position to weather the challenges of 2020, but its development capabilities and organizational model allowed the Group to focus on providing support and service to its owners, developers and partners.

The lifestyle category is set to be one of Accor’s most vibrant segments over the coming years, with the number of lifestyle hotel openings expected to triple by 2023. Moreover, Accor’s lifestyle segment currently accounts for roughly five percent of the Group’s annual revenue, while representing 25% of the company’s development pipeline by value. The recently announced joint venture with Ennismore, expected to close in Q2 2021, will contribute to a richly diverse platform set to become even more exciting this year with uniquely stylish new properties opening their doors, including Mondrian Shoreditch London; JO&JOE Vienna Westbahnhof; SO/ Sotogrande Resort & Spa; SLS Dubai and 25hours Dubai.

Accor’s luxury segment will also make headlines in 2021 with the Banyan Tree Doha in Qatar and Raffles openings in Udaipur and Jeddah. Fairmont will see the much-anticipated opening of the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, along with Fairmont Windsor in England; Carton House, a Fairmont managed hotel in Dublin; Fairmont Ramla Riyadh; Fairmont Ambassador Seoul; and, Fairmont Tagazhout Bay in Morocco. Sofitel will bring French sophistication to several new destinations including Seoul, Hangzhou, and Adelaide.

Conversion opportunities also presented themselves in 2020 and will continue to be a growth driver in 2021 and beyond, as Accor has emerged as the partner of choice among independent hotel owners attracted to the company’s renowned flexibility and ease of transition, its unmatched spectrum of brands, and its welcoming culture that celebrates authenticity, diversity and entrepreneurialism.

Across the Group’s unrivalled brand portfolio, leading brands for conversion opportunities include The House of Originals (Luxury), MGallery (Upper Premium), Mövenpick (Premium), Grand Mercure (Premium), Mercure (Midscale), ibis Styles (Economy) and greet (Budget). Not surprisingly, these seven brands account for 43% of Accor’s opening pipeline over the next five years. For example, MGallery will welcome several new hotels in key gateway locations this year, including Orchard Hills Residences Singapore – MGallery, The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery, and The Porter House Hotel – MGallery in Sydney, Australia.

All of the Group’s new properties are expected to open in full compliance with Accor’s ALLSAFE hygiene and cleanliness label. The ALLSAFE label was established by Accor in mid 2020 to give guests the assurance of a third-party verified standard of hotel cleanliness and hygienic requirements. These standards were developed with and vetted by Bureau Veritas, a leader in operational testing, inspections and certifications.

For more information, the attached «notable openings» overview provides a high-level glimpse into some of the new Accor properties that guests and travel enthusiasts can expect to enjoy around the world in 2021.

Notable Openings – 2021

Northern Europe

  • Fairmont Windsor ParkLuxurious health and wellness retreat near Windsor Great Park and Savill Gardens
  • Carton House, a Fairmont managed hotel, Dublin – Fairmont’s first hotel in Ireland, set on a historic estate dating back to 1176
  • Swissôtel Kursaal Bern – Stunning mountain views and panoramic city vistas at this urban hotel connected to a convention center and casino
  • Mondrian Shoreditch LondonThe brand’s sixth property will be a European flagship and marks an exciting return to London
  • Pullman Tbilisi, GeorgiaMuch-anticipated destination ideally located in the landmark Axis Towers
  • Merici Hotel Sittard, MGalleryAn 82-room urban retreat, set in a former Netherlands monastery in the historic city center of Sittard.
  • JO&JOE Vienna Westbahnhof, AustriaWill open on the two upper floors of the future IKEA store at Westbahnhof.
  • Ibis Lviv, UkraineBright, modern and stylish hotel located in the center of this ancient city with historic and architectural heritage
  • Ibis Baku, Azerbaijan The first full Agora concept hotel in the region, located in the intriguing heart of Baku
  • Ibis Styles Chelyabinsk, Russia – Inspired by a meteor and brought to life by one of the most acclaimed designers in Russia

Southern Europe

  • SO/ Sotogrande Resort & Spa On the shores of Costa del Sol, this revamped iconic hotel is the first property in Spain for the fashionable SO/ brand
  • Angsana CorfuThis chic, cliff-edge resort overlooking the Ionian Sea is the brand’s first destination in Europe
  • Pompei Habita 79 – MGalleryResiding in a grand 19th Century villa with a rooftop view of the fascinating ancient ruins of Pompei
  • 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino, FlorencePlayfully taking guests on a journey through the dichotomous forces of Dante’s Inferno and Paradiso
  • Mama Shelter RomeMama will take care of everything at the brand’s first address in Italy, a beautiful and modern urban refuge
  • greet Bordeaux AéroportConvivial moments among travelers and families with upcycled design and welcoming service
  • greet Rennes PacéThe brand’s fourth hotel is locally engaged and focused on what’s most important to its guests
  • Mama Shelter – Mama Paris LitwinA bubble of serenity, happiness and humor for business guests and locals to enjoy together
  • Mercure Peyraguedes Loudenvielle PyrénéesTrue sense of hospitality with genuine friendly staff at this mountain resort
  • Ibis Montpellier AéroportConveniently located for travelers making quick connections through France
  • Novotel Megève Mont Blanc – A skiers’ paradise just steps from Megeve Ski Resort and the Mont d’Arbois Ski Area
  • Novotel Annemasse – Spectacular rooftop bar and restaurant provides breathtaking views of the Alps and the Jura
  • JO&JOE Buzenval – the brand’s Open House concept will open in one of Paris’ trendy, up-and-coming neighborhoods featuring 160 beds and a rooftop
  • TRIBE Carcassone – located in the south of France, the new hotel will feature an amazing view on the historical city
  • TRIBE Le TouquetOnly 2 hours from Paris, this property will feature vibrant design in a green and relaxing environment close to the sea.

India, Middle East + Africa

  • Raffles UdaipurThe brand’s first hotel in India, styled as a romantic palace, set on a private island of Udaisagar Lake
  • Raffles JeddahInspired by the richness of Arabian heritage, the hotel offers opulent luxury with extravagant wedding and entertainment suites
  • Banyan Tree Doha, Qatar – The brand’s first hotel in Qatar, with an ideal location in the sparkling city of Mushaireb
  • Fairmont Ramla RiyadhServiced residences provide a luxurious home away from home, infused with the Saudi local essence
  • Fairmont Tagazhout Bay, Morocco – Serene oceanside destination surrounded by olive groves and Argan gardens
  • Rixos Jewel of the Creek in DubaiFully integrated urban resort emphasizing leisure, entertainment, sports and food & beverage
  • Rixos Premium Magawish, EgyptExclusive all-inclusive resort located on the Red Sea Coast.
  • SLS DubaiThe first SLS hotel to open in the Middle East offering luxurious residences and hotel rooms with unobstructed views of the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, as well as Dubai Creek
  • Swissôtel Living JeddahThe first destination in the Kingdom for Swissôtel’s serviced residences
  • Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, Rwanda – a floating luxury hotel which will cruise along one of Africa’s great lakes, Lake Kivu
  • 25 Hours Dubai Quirky design-led hotel concept offers great charm and personality forged in the local culture of Dubai
  • Th8 DubaiInspired by the fashion, glamour and jet-set lifestyle of the cool white sands and art deco scene of Miami Beach, Th8 embodies the city and culture where it resides, while maintaining its originality

Southeast Asia

  • Fairmont Ambassador Seoul – The first Fairmont hotel in South Korea featuring a Fairmont Gold Lounge and Fairmont Fit luxury services.
  • V Villas Phuket – MGalleryPrivate villas offering exclusivity and seclusion with a spectacular vista of the Ao Yon Bay in Southern Phuket
  • Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery – A portal to the city’s golden era with a blend of modern Spanish and Art Deco design
  • Orchard Hills Residences Singapore – MGalleryThe first MGallery address in Singapore is an urban wellness retreat designed by an award-winning team
  • Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences Overlooking Seokchon Lake Park, near the Lotte World Tower and Jamsil Subway Station

Pacific

  • Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, AustraliaThe first Mövenpick hotel in Australia is a warm, contemporary hotel with culinary history and a cosmopolitan vibe
  • The Porter House Hotel – MGallery, Sydney AustraliaAn 1870s heritage-listed building turned luxury boutique hotel in the downtown district
  • Sofitel Adelaide, AustraliaWorld-class hotel with a refined sense of modern luxury and a touch of French decadence
  • The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt, New ZealandWarm, stylish and homey furnishings make guests feel welcome at this apartment style hotel

Greater China

  • Fairmont Sanya Haitang BayThe first flagship Fairmont Resort in Greater China featuring the world’s first sea water canal running through a hotel
  • Sofitel Hangzhou YingguanLocated next to Xianghu Lake among China’s City of Lakes and near the popular Songcheng Theme Park
  • The Silveri Hong Kong – MGalleryThe brand’s first hotel in Hong Kong is a stylish manor set in the tranquil greenery of Lantau Island
  • Ocean Spring Resort Chengdu – MGalleryBoutique experience surrounded by the idyllic landscapes of Chengdu International Triathlon Park
  • Pullman Jiaxing Pinghu ExcellenceWelcoming hotel for business guests, families and pets, located near Ming Lake and Jiulongshan National Forest Park

North & Central America

  • Fairmont Century Plaza – The revival of an iconic destination, beloved by celebrities, presidents, and diplomats, nestled among the Hollywood action
  • Novotel Mexico City Toreo – The contemporary brand brings spacious, modular design and open kitchen dining to the Naucalpan area
  • SLS Cancun Hotel & Residences – A beachfront sanctuary in the heart of Puerto Cancun featuring 45 suites, ocean views and world class décor
  • SLS Harbour Beach Residences – The second luxury residential tower in Cancún Mexico with interiors by Italian master Piero Lissoni

 South America

  • SLS Puerto Madero, ArgentinaFreshly constructed high rise in one of the most vibrant areas of the country
  • Novotel Santa Cruz, BoliviaStunning new development expected to attract business and leisure guests
  • JO&JOE Largo do BoticárioThe first destination outside of Europe for this fast growing brand

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 300,000 team members worldwide. Over 65 million members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity.  Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow Accor on Twitter and Facebook.

Press Contact: Charlotte Thouvard, Group External Communications, Accor, T: +33 1 45 38 19 14, E: charlotte.thouvard@accor.com; Mike Taylor, Group External Communications, Accor, T: +33 1 45 38 19 14, E: mike.taylor@accor.com

 

Accor Sets Ambitious Line-Up for New Hotel Openings in 2021

THE GROUP LOOKS FORWARD TO A BOUNTY OF NEW PROPERTIES AND NEW BEGINNINGS AROUND THE WORLD

PARIS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Accor is kicking off the year with an encouraging development outlook and a full schedule of new hotel openings around the world. While

THE GROUP LOOKS FORWARD TO A BOUNTY OF NEW PROPERTIES AND NEW BEGINNINGS AROUND THE WORLD

PARIS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Accor is kicking off the year with an encouraging development outlook and a full schedule of new hotel openings around the world. While 2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges – not the least of which were felt among the travel and hospitality sectors – Accor maintained a steady pace of development and continued to sign new projects, leading to a robust roster of new hotel openings throughout 2021.

«As we are all too familiar, 2020 had a profound impact on our day-to-day lives and the hospitality industry as a whole; even so, the early stages of a global rebound will be material and significant,» said Agnes Roquefort, Global Chief Development Officer. «Despite the delays and temporary closures we experienced due to the pandemic, we continued to experience sustained momentum across our development pipeline and are optimistic that the worldwide rollout of Covid-19 vaccines will lead to renewed trust in travel and a much greater sense of personal safety for the entire global population.»

Accor’s sound financial capacity, worldwide reach, and unrivalled portfolio of brands not only kept the company in a solid position to weather the challenges of 2020, but its development capabilities and organizational model allowed the Group to focus on providing support and service to its owners, developers and partners.

The lifestyle category is set to be one of Accor’s most vibrant segments over the coming years, with the number of lifestyle hotel openings expected to triple by 2023. Moreover, Accor’s lifestyle segment currently accounts for roughly five percent of the Group’s annual revenue, while representing 25% of the company’s development pipeline by value. The recently announced joint venture with Ennismore, expected to close in Q2 2021, will contribute to a richly diverse platform set to become even more exciting this year with uniquely stylish new properties opening their doors, including Mondrian Shoreditch London; JO&JOE Vienna Westbahnhof; SO/ Sotogrande Resort & Spa; SLS Dubai and 25hours Dubai.

Accor’s luxury segment will also make headlines in 2021 with the Banyan Tree Doha in Qatar and Raffles openings in Udaipur and Jeddah. Fairmont will see the much-anticipated opening of the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, along with Fairmont Windsor in England; Carton House, a Fairmont managed hotel in Dublin; Fairmont Ramla Riyadh; Fairmont Ambassador Seoul; and, Fairmont Tagazhout Bay in Morocco. Sofitel will bring French sophistication to several new destinations including Seoul, Hangzhou, and Adelaide.

Conversion opportunities also presented themselves in 2020 and will continue to be a growth driver in 2021 and beyond, as Accor has emerged as the partner of choice among independent hotel owners attracted to the company’s renowned flexibility and ease of transition, its unmatched spectrum of brands, and its welcoming culture that celebrates authenticity, diversity and entrepreneurialism.

Across the Group’s unrivalled brand portfolio, leading brands for conversion opportunities include The House of Originals (Luxury), MGallery (Upper Premium), Mövenpick (Premium), Grand Mercure (Premium), Mercure (Midscale), ibis Styles (Economy) and greet (Budget). Not surprisingly, these seven brands account for 43% of Accor’s opening pipeline over the next five years. For example, MGallery will welcome several new hotels in key gateway locations this year, including Orchard Hills Residences Singapore – MGallery, The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery, and The Porter House Hotel – MGallery in Sydney, Australia.

All of the Group’s new properties are expected to open in full compliance with Accor’s ALLSAFE hygiene and cleanliness label. The ALLSAFE label was established by Accor in mid 2020 to give guests the assurance of a third-party verified standard of hotel cleanliness and hygienic requirements. These standards were developed with and vetted by Bureau Veritas, a leader in operational testing, inspections and certifications.

For more information, the attached «notable openings» overview provides a high-level glimpse into some of the new Accor properties that guests and travel enthusiasts can expect to enjoy around the world in 2021.

Notable Openings – 2021

Northern Europe

  • Fairmont Windsor ParkLuxurious health and wellness retreat near Windsor Great Park and Savill Gardens
  • Carton House, a Fairmont managed hotel, Dublin – Fairmont’s first hotel in Ireland, set on a historic estate dating back to 1176
  • Swissôtel Kursaal Bern – Stunning mountain views and panoramic city vistas at this urban hotel connected to a convention center and casino
  • Mondrian Shoreditch LondonThe brand’s sixth property will be a European flagship and marks an exciting return to London
  • Pullman Tbilisi, GeorgiaMuch-anticipated destination ideally located in the landmark Axis Towers
  • Merici Hotel Sittard, MGalleryAn 82-room urban retreat, set in a former Netherlands monastery in the historic city center of Sittard.
  • JO&JOE Vienna Westbahnhof, AustriaWill open on the two upper floors of the future IKEA store at Westbahnhof.
  • Ibis Lviv, UkraineBright, modern and stylish hotel located in the center of this ancient city with historic and architectural heritage
  • Ibis Baku, Azerbaijan The first full Agora concept hotel in the region, located in the intriguing heart of Baku
  • Ibis Styles Chelyabinsk, Russia – Inspired by a meteor and brought to life by one of the most acclaimed designers in Russia

Southern Europe

  • SO/ Sotogrande Resort & Spa On the shores of Costa del Sol, this revamped iconic hotel is the first property in Spain for the fashionable SO/ brand
  • Angsana CorfuThis chic, cliff-edge resort overlooking the Ionian Sea is the brand’s first destination in Europe
  • Pompei Habita 79 – MGalleryResiding in a grand 19th Century villa with a rooftop view of the fascinating ancient ruins of Pompei
  • 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino, FlorencePlayfully taking guests on a journey through the dichotomous forces of Dante’s Inferno and Paradiso
  • Mama Shelter RomeMama will take care of everything at the brand’s first address in Italy, a beautiful and modern urban refuge
  • greet Bordeaux AéroportConvivial moments among travelers and families with upcycled design and welcoming service
  • greet Rennes PacéThe brand’s fourth hotel is locally engaged and focused on what’s most important to its guests
  • Mama Shelter – Mama Paris LitwinA bubble of serenity, happiness and humor for business guests and locals to enjoy together
  • Mercure Peyraguedes Loudenvielle PyrénéesTrue sense of hospitality with genuine friendly staff at this mountain resort
  • Ibis Montpellier AéroportConveniently located for travelers making quick connections through France
  • Novotel Megève Mont Blanc – A skiers’ paradise just steps from Megeve Ski Resort and the Mont d’Arbois Ski Area
  • Novotel Annemasse – Spectacular rooftop bar and restaurant provides breathtaking views of the Alps and the Jura
  • JO&JOE Buzenval – the brand’s Open House concept will open in one of Paris’ trendy, up-and-coming neighborhoods featuring 160 beds and a rooftop
  • TRIBE Carcassone – located in the south of France, the new hotel will feature an amazing view on the historical city
  • TRIBE Le TouquetOnly 2 hours from Paris, this property will feature vibrant design in a green and relaxing environment close to the sea.

India, Middle East + Africa

  • Raffles UdaipurThe brand’s first hotel in India, styled as a romantic palace, set on a private island of Udaisagar Lake
  • Raffles JeddahInspired by the richness of Arabian heritage, the hotel offers opulent luxury with extravagant wedding and entertainment suites
  • Banyan Tree Doha, Qatar – The brand’s first hotel in Qatar, with an ideal location in the sparkling city of Mushaireb
  • Fairmont Ramla RiyadhServiced residences provide a luxurious home away from home, infused with the Saudi local essence
  • Fairmont Tagazhout Bay, Morocco – Serene oceanside destination surrounded by olive groves and Argan gardens
  • Rixos Jewel of the Creek in DubaiFully integrated urban resort emphasizing leisure, entertainment, sports and food & beverage
  • Rixos Premium Magawish, EgyptExclusive all-inclusive resort located on the Red Sea Coast.
  • SLS DubaiThe first SLS hotel to open in the Middle East offering luxurious residences and hotel rooms with unobstructed views of the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, as well as Dubai Creek
  • Swissôtel Living JeddahThe first destination in the Kingdom for Swissôtel’s serviced residences
  • Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, Rwanda – a floating luxury hotel which will cruise along one of Africa’s great lakes, Lake Kivu
  • 25 Hours Dubai Quirky design-led hotel concept offers great charm and personality forged in the local culture of Dubai
  • Th8 DubaiInspired by the fashion, glamour and jet-set lifestyle of the cool white sands and art deco scene of Miami Beach, Th8 embodies the city and culture where it resides, while maintaining its originality

Southeast Asia

  • Fairmont Ambassador Seoul – The first Fairmont hotel in South Korea featuring a Fairmont Gold Lounge and Fairmont Fit luxury services.
  • V Villas Phuket – MGalleryPrivate villas offering exclusivity and seclusion with a spectacular vista of the Ao Yon Bay in Southern Phuket
  • Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery – A portal to the city’s golden era with a blend of modern Spanish and Art Deco design
  • Orchard Hills Residences Singapore – MGalleryThe first MGallery address in Singapore is an urban wellness retreat designed by an award-winning team
  • Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences Overlooking Seokchon Lake Park, near the Lotte World Tower and Jamsil Subway Station

Pacific

  • Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, AustraliaThe first Mövenpick hotel in Australia is a warm, contemporary hotel with culinary history and a cosmopolitan vibe
  • The Porter House Hotel – MGallery, Sydney AustraliaAn 1870s heritage-listed building turned luxury boutique hotel in the downtown district
  • Sofitel Adelaide, AustraliaWorld-class hotel with a refined sense of modern luxury and a touch of French decadence
  • The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt, New ZealandWarm, stylish and homey furnishings make guests feel welcome at this apartment style hotel

Greater China

  • Fairmont Sanya Haitang BayThe first flagship Fairmont Resort in Greater China featuring the world’s first sea water canal running through a hotel
  • Sofitel Hangzhou YingguanLocated next to Xianghu Lake among China’s City of Lakes and near the popular Songcheng Theme Park
  • The Silveri Hong Kong – MGalleryThe brand’s first hotel in Hong Kong is a stylish manor set in the tranquil greenery of Lantau Island
  • Ocean Spring Resort Chengdu – MGalleryBoutique experience surrounded by the idyllic landscapes of Chengdu International Triathlon Park
  • Pullman Jiaxing Pinghu ExcellenceWelcoming hotel for business guests, families and pets, located near Ming Lake and Jiulongshan National Forest Park

North & Central America

  • Fairmont Century Plaza – The revival of an iconic destination, beloved by celebrities, presidents, and diplomats, nestled among the Hollywood action
  • Novotel Mexico City Toreo – The contemporary brand brings spacious, modular design and open kitchen dining to the Naucalpan area
  • SLS Cancun Hotel & Residences – A beachfront sanctuary in the heart of Puerto Cancun featuring 45 suites, ocean views and world class décor
  • SLS Harbour Beach Residences – The second luxury residential tower in Cancún Mexico with interiors by Italian master Piero Lissoni

 South America

  • SLS Puerto Madero, ArgentinaFreshly constructed high rise in one of the most vibrant areas of the country
  • Novotel Santa Cruz, BoliviaStunning new development expected to attract business and leisure guests
  • JO&JOE Largo do BoticárioThe first destination outside of Europe for this fast growing brand

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 300,000 team members worldwide. Over 65 million members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity.  Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow Accor on Twitter and Facebook.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/accor-sets-ambitious-line-up-for-new-hotel-openings-in-2021-301210434.html

SOURCE Accor

Accor Sets Ambitious Line-Up for New Hotel Openings in 2021

THE GROUP LOOKS FORWARD TO A BOUNTY OF NEW PROPERTIES AND NEW BEGINNINGS AROUND THE WORLD

PARIS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Accor is kicking off the year with an encouraging development outlook and a full schedule of new hotel openings around the world. While

THE GROUP LOOKS FORWARD TO A BOUNTY OF NEW PROPERTIES AND NEW BEGINNINGS AROUND THE WORLD

PARIS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Accor is kicking off the year with an encouraging development outlook and a full schedule of new hotel openings around the world. While 2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges – not the least of which were felt among the travel and hospitality sectors – Accor maintained a steady pace of development and continued to sign new projects, leading to a robust roster of new hotel openings throughout 2021.

«As we are all too familiar, 2020 had a profound impact on our day-to-day lives and the hospitality industry as a whole; even so, the early stages of a global rebound will be material and significant,» said Agnes Roquefort, Global Chief Development Officer. «Despite the delays and temporary closures we experienced due to the pandemic, we continued to experience sustained momentum across our development pipeline and are optimistic that the worldwide rollout of Covid-19 vaccines will lead to renewed trust in travel and a much greater sense of personal safety for the entire global population.»

Accor’s sound financial capacity, worldwide reach, and unrivalled portfolio of brands not only kept the company in a solid position to weather the challenges of 2020, but its development capabilities and organizational model allowed the Group to focus on providing support and service to its owners, developers and partners.

The lifestyle category is set to be one of Accor’s most vibrant segments over the coming years, with the number of lifestyle hotel openings expected to triple by 2023. Moreover, Accor’s lifestyle segment currently accounts for roughly five percent of the Group’s annual revenue, while representing 25% of the company’s development pipeline by value. The recently announced joint venture with Ennismore, expected to close in Q2 2021, will contribute to a richly diverse platform set to become even more exciting this year with uniquely stylish new properties opening their doors, including Mondrian Shoreditch London; JO&JOE Vienna Westbahnhof; SO/ Sotogrande Resort & Spa; SLS Dubai and 25hours Dubai.

Accor’s luxury segment will also make headlines in 2021 with the Banyan Tree Doha in Qatar and Raffles openings in Udaipur and Jeddah. Fairmont will see the much-anticipated opening of the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, along with Fairmont Windsor in England; Carton House, a Fairmont managed hotel in Dublin; Fairmont Ramla Riyadh; Fairmont Ambassador Seoul; and, Fairmont Tagazhout Bay in Morocco. Sofitel will bring French sophistication to several new destinations including Seoul, Hangzhou, and Adelaide.

Conversion opportunities also presented themselves in 2020 and will continue to be a growth driver in 2021 and beyond, as Accor has emerged as the partner of choice among independent hotel owners attracted to the company’s renowned flexibility and ease of transition, its unmatched spectrum of brands, and its welcoming culture that celebrates authenticity, diversity and entrepreneurialism.

Across the Group’s unrivalled brand portfolio, leading brands for conversion opportunities include The House of Originals (Luxury), MGallery (Upper Premium), Mövenpick (Premium), Grand Mercure (Premium), Mercure (Midscale), ibis Styles (Economy) and greet (Budget). Not surprisingly, these seven brands account for 43% of Accor’s opening pipeline over the next five years. For example, MGallery will welcome several new hotels in key gateway locations this year, including Orchard Hills Residences Singapore – MGallery, The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery, and The Porter House Hotel – MGallery in Sydney, Australia.

All of the Group’s new properties are expected to open in full compliance with Accor’s ALLSAFE hygiene and cleanliness label. The ALLSAFE label was established by Accor in mid 2020 to give guests the assurance of a third-party verified standard of hotel cleanliness and hygienic requirements. These standards were developed with and vetted by Bureau Veritas, a leader in operational testing, inspections and certifications.

For more information, the attached «notable openings» overview provides a high-level glimpse into some of the new Accor properties that guests and travel enthusiasts can expect to enjoy around the world in 2021.

Notable Openings – 2021

Northern Europe

  • Fairmont Windsor ParkLuxurious health and wellness retreat near Windsor Great Park and Savill Gardens
  • Carton House, a Fairmont managed hotel, Dublin – Fairmont’s first hotel in Ireland, set on a historic estate dating back to 1176
  • Swissôtel Kursaal Bern – Stunning mountain views and panoramic city vistas at this urban hotel connected to a convention center and casino
  • Mondrian Shoreditch LondonThe brand’s sixth property will be a European flagship and marks an exciting return to London
  • Pullman Tbilisi, GeorgiaMuch-anticipated destination ideally located in the landmark Axis Towers
  • Merici Hotel Sittard, MGalleryAn 82-room urban retreat, set in a former Netherlands monastery in the historic city center of Sittard.
  • JO&JOE Vienna Westbahnhof, AustriaWill open on the two upper floors of the future IKEA store at Westbahnhof.
  • Ibis Lviv, UkraineBright, modern and stylish hotel located in the center of this ancient city with historic and architectural heritage
  • Ibis Baku, Azerbaijan The first full Agora concept hotel in the region, located in the intriguing heart of Baku
  • Ibis Styles Chelyabinsk, Russia – Inspired by a meteor and brought to life by one of the most acclaimed designers in Russia

Southern Europe

  • SO/ Sotogrande Resort & Spa On the shores of Costa del Sol, this revamped iconic hotel is the first property in Spain for the fashionable SO/ brand
  • Angsana CorfuThis chic, cliff-edge resort overlooking the Ionian Sea is the brand’s first destination in Europe
  • Pompei Habita 79 – MGalleryResiding in a grand 19th Century villa with a rooftop view of the fascinating ancient ruins of Pompei
  • 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino, FlorencePlayfully taking guests on a journey through the dichotomous forces of Dante’s Inferno and Paradiso
  • Mama Shelter RomeMama will take care of everything at the brand’s first address in Italy, a beautiful and modern urban refuge
  • greet Bordeaux AéroportConvivial moments among travelers and families with upcycled design and welcoming service
  • greet Rennes PacéThe brand’s fourth hotel is locally engaged and focused on what’s most important to its guests
  • Mama Shelter – Mama Paris LitwinA bubble of serenity, happiness and humor for business guests and locals to enjoy together
  • Mercure Peyraguedes Loudenvielle PyrénéesTrue sense of hospitality with genuine friendly staff at this mountain resort
  • Ibis Montpellier AéroportConveniently located for travelers making quick connections through France
  • Novotel Megève Mont Blanc – A skiers’ paradise just steps from Megeve Ski Resort and the Mont d’Arbois Ski Area
  • Novotel Annemasse – Spectacular rooftop bar and restaurant provides breathtaking views of the Alps and the Jura
  • JO&JOE Buzenval – the brand’s Open House concept will open in one of Paris’ trendy, up-and-coming neighborhoods featuring 160 beds and a rooftop
  • TRIBE Carcassone – located in the south of France, the new hotel will feature an amazing view on the historical city
  • TRIBE Le TouquetOnly 2 hours from Paris, this property will feature vibrant design in a green and relaxing environment close to the sea.

India, Middle East + Africa

  • Raffles UdaipurThe brand’s first hotel in India, styled as a romantic palace, set on a private island of Udaisagar Lake
  • Raffles JeddahInspired by the richness of Arabian heritage, the hotel offers opulent luxury with extravagant wedding and entertainment suites
  • Banyan Tree Doha, Qatar – The brand’s first hotel in Qatar, with an ideal location in the sparkling city of Mushaireb
  • Fairmont Ramla RiyadhServiced residences provide a luxurious home away from home, infused with the Saudi local essence
  • Fairmont Tagazhout Bay, Morocco – Serene oceanside destination surrounded by olive groves and Argan gardens
  • Rixos Jewel of the Creek in DubaiFully integrated urban resort emphasizing leisure, entertainment, sports and food & beverage
  • Rixos Premium Magawish, EgyptExclusive all-inclusive resort located on the Red Sea Coast.
  • SLS DubaiThe first SLS hotel to open in the Middle East offering luxurious residences and hotel rooms with unobstructed views of the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa, as well as Dubai Creek
  • Swissôtel Living JeddahThe first destination in the Kingdom for Swissôtel’s serviced residences
  • Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, Rwanda – a floating luxury hotel which will cruise along one of Africa’s great lakes, Lake Kivu
  • 25 Hours Dubai Quirky design-led hotel concept offers great charm and personality forged in the local culture of Dubai
  • Th8 DubaiInspired by the fashion, glamour and jet-set lifestyle of the cool white sands and art deco scene of Miami Beach, Th8 embodies the city and culture where it resides, while maintaining its originality

Southeast Asia

  • Fairmont Ambassador Seoul – The first Fairmont hotel in South Korea featuring a Fairmont Gold Lounge and Fairmont Fit luxury services.
  • V Villas Phuket – MGalleryPrivate villas offering exclusivity and seclusion with a spectacular vista of the Ao Yon Bay in Southern Phuket
  • Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery – A portal to the city’s golden era with a blend of modern Spanish and Art Deco design
  • Orchard Hills Residences Singapore – MGalleryThe first MGallery address in Singapore is an urban wellness retreat designed by an award-winning team
  • Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences Overlooking Seokchon Lake Park, near the Lotte World Tower and Jamsil Subway Station

Pacific

  • Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, AustraliaThe first Mövenpick hotel in Australia is a warm, contemporary hotel with culinary history and a cosmopolitan vibe
  • The Porter House Hotel – MGallery, Sydney AustraliaAn 1870s heritage-listed building turned luxury boutique hotel in the downtown district
  • Sofitel Adelaide, AustraliaWorld-class hotel with a refined sense of modern luxury and a touch of French decadence
  • The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt, New ZealandWarm, stylish and homey furnishings make guests feel welcome at this apartment style hotel

Greater China

  • Fairmont Sanya Haitang BayThe first flagship Fairmont Resort in Greater China featuring the world’s first sea water canal running through a hotel
  • Sofitel Hangzhou YingguanLocated next to Xianghu Lake among China’s City of Lakes and near the popular Songcheng Theme Park
  • The Silveri Hong Kong – MGalleryThe brand’s first hotel in Hong Kong is a stylish manor set in the tranquil greenery of Lantau Island
  • Ocean Spring Resort Chengdu – MGalleryBoutique experience surrounded by the idyllic landscapes of Chengdu International Triathlon Park
  • Pullman Jiaxing Pinghu ExcellenceWelcoming hotel for business guests, families and pets, located near Ming Lake and Jiulongshan National Forest Park

North & Central America

  • Fairmont Century Plaza – The revival of an iconic destination, beloved by celebrities, presidents, and diplomats, nestled among the Hollywood action
  • Novotel Mexico City Toreo – The contemporary brand brings spacious, modular design and open kitchen dining to the Naucalpan area
  • SLS Cancun Hotel & Residences – A beachfront sanctuary in the heart of Puerto Cancun featuring 45 suites, ocean views and world class décor
  • SLS Harbour Beach Residences – The second luxury residential tower in Cancún Mexico with interiors by Italian master Piero Lissoni

 South America

  • SLS Puerto Madero, ArgentinaFreshly constructed high rise in one of the most vibrant areas of the country
  • Novotel Santa Cruz, BoliviaStunning new development expected to attract business and leisure guests
  • JO&JOE Largo do BoticárioThe first destination outside of Europe for this fast growing brand

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 300,000 team members worldwide. Over 65 million members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity.  Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow Accor on Twitter and Facebook.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/accor-sets-ambitious-line-up-for-new-hotel-openings-in-2021-301210434.html

SOURCE Accor

Lucky Gift Card launch is set to take the gift card market by storm

LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Wilmington Holdings PLC is excited to announce the launch of one of the most original gift cards ever seen, the Lucky Gift Card.

Uniquely, a Lucky Gift Card grants the owner free membership of a lottery pool forever. It’s like a share of the lottery for life. Once the gift card has been registered online, there’s nothing else to do. No buying tickets, picking numbers or checking results. The pool does it all. 

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LONDON, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Wilmington Holdings PLC is excited to announce the launch of one of the most original gift cards ever seen, the Lucky Gift Card.

Uniquely, a Lucky Gift Card grants the owner free membership of a lottery pool forever. It’s like a share of the lottery for life. Once the gift card has been registered online, there’s nothing else to do. No buying tickets, picking numbers or checking results. The pool does it all. 

Lucky Gift Cards logo

The pool enters the Crypto Millions Lotto twice a week, where it plays for prizes, including a jackpot that starts at $30 million and increases whenever it’s not won. Anyone who owns a Lucky Gift Card is part of that forever.

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Commenting on the launch, Head of Marketing, David Byrne, said, «We are really excited to be launching Lucky Gift Cards in time for the Asian community to gift them for Lunar New Year next month. We don’t think there is anything else like it on the market. After that we’ll extend them to other major holidays and gift-giving celebrations such as Diwali and Christmas.»

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About Lucky Gift Cards

Lucky Gift Cards is managed and operated by Wilmington Holdings PLC, a UK public limited company headquartered in London, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Wilmington Operations Limited.

For more information, visit https://www.luckygiftcards.com.

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Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1396958/Lucky_Gift_Cards_EN_Logo.jpg

 

Excellon Software Lauded by Frost & Sullivan for Enhancing the Operations of Automobile Dealers with Its Unique DMS

Excellon has leveraged emerging technologies and strategic partnerships to offer high-quality solutions to a network of dealerships and service centers

MUMBAI, India, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Based on its recent analysis of the Indian automotive dealer management system (DMS) market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes 

Excellon has leveraged emerging technologies and strategic partnerships to offer high-quality solutions to a network of dealerships and service centers

MUMBAI, India, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Based on its recent analysis of the Indian automotive dealer management system (DMS) market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Excellon Software Private Limited with the 2020 Indian Company of the Year Award. The company is the largest Indian provider of SaaS software to manage a dealership or service network in the automotive sector. Excellon has successfully addressed industry challenges by offering optimal customer experiences by leveraging business intelligence and other emerging technologies. 

«With the addition of an eCommerce solution to its DMS product portfolio, Excellon has paved the way for end customers to experience a complete virtual buying process from the comfort of their homes,» said Manish Bisht, Senior Research Analyst-Mobility. «It employs the latest technologies in cloud, mobility, and analytics to find creative solutions for complex automotive industry challenges and has collaborated with some of the largest global automotive, consumer goods, and manufacturing equipment firms. Its products are used by more than 30,000 users in more than 7,000 locations across 60 countries.»

Excellon’s unique flagship DMS allows automotive dealers to manage their operations and helps automakers and other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) communicate with dealerships to perform various critical functions in a timely manner. The DMS serves as a single solution for an entire ecosystem of dealers, distributors, service providers, and OEM sales/service teams and addresses certain critical needs of end customers. This solution suite is the first in the automotive industry that can provide such breadth, depth, and extensive functionality across continents through a single deployment.

Excellon’s focus has been on offering better solutions to customers by introducing the right technology to the right markets at the right time. For example, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, automakers began looking for eCommerce solutions to sell their vehicles through contactless sales and delivery. Excellon was ready with products that could help customers transition to digital. Moreover, independent mechanics and repair shops beyond the traditional market are adopting the company’s solutions. These secondary markets for spare parts are an important source of lead generation and additional sales, especially in rural areas.

«Excellon has embarked on a journey to improve customers’ contactless buying experience from the comfort of their homes by incorporating virtual reality, AI, and machine learning. This process is also helping OEMs with higher conversion rates and understanding customer needs better. Excellon is working with innovative IoT technology for connected vehicles to provide greater on-road assistance», noted Bisht. «The company’s technology-driven innovations have found significant traction in the market and have positioned it to lead the digital transformation of clients across the country.»

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year award to the organization that demonstrates excellence in terms of growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies and the resulting leadership in terms of customer value and market penetration.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Tarini Singh
P: +91-20 6718 9725
E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com

About Excellon Software Private Limited

Excellon Software is recognized as one of the most innovative software product companies in India. The company’s product portfolio encompasses a complete dealer management system, combined with other products such as Excellon Connect, e-Commerce, Customer Acquisition and Management System, Sales App, and Mechanic App suite of products. Together, they form a critical part of an automotive OEM’s or other manufacturers’ sales, marketing, customer management, distribution, inventory management, and service management infrastructure. Excellon’s products are field-tested and highly stable, which can handle approximately on the average volume of 900,000+ Transactions per day and can be scaled to support start-ups and Fortune 500 companies.

Excellon Software is also a GST Suvidha Provider (GSP); it offers GST Software for GST return & management and E-Way Bill and E-Invoicing Solution.

Contact:
Shingita Kumar
E: shingitak@excellonsoft.com
P: +91-8411959032