LVMH partners with Accor for the Orient Express

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 practice in 1883, Orient Express has been taking the invention of the world to new heights for purchasers in the hunt for distinctive and refined adventures. A logo of class 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, accommodations and crusing ships whose exacting requirements will mirror a unprecedented positioning inside the journey world. The renaissance of an historic practice 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 accommodations 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 might be becoming a member of forces with Accor by way of a strategic funding within the Orient Express model, within the firm that can function the longer term accommodations and trains, and within the entity that can personal the 2 crusing ships. The first ship is at present beneath development at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France, and the 2 teams will proceed to look collectively for a 3rd associate 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 earth of journey, by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express practice and the 5 different trains additionally operated by Belmond world wide. These extraordinary experiences mirror the operational experience and creativity of LVMH Hospitality Excellence on this area.

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 in the hunt 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 centered on the longer term. 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.