Source: Accor

With Raffles, Fairmont, Pullman and Orient Express, Accor counts four of the world’s few centennial global hospitality brands within its portfolio. These brands have not only shaped the history of hospitality but also demonstrated enduring relevance by evolving to meet the changing needs of guests and partners. These iconic brands transcend time and generations, embodying resilience and innovation while continuously expanding their horizons and global presence. Accor’s vision is to honor the unique legacies and distinct identities of these heritage brands, thoughtfully evolving them to resonate across multiple generations, all while preserving the timeless qualities that make them so beloved.

In this fourth episode of the Accor (unpacked) series, we explore Raffles and Fairmont with Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles and Fairmont, and Pullman with Benoît Racle, Global Brand President – Premium, as they share meaningful items from their luggage:

  • A pair of slippers embroidered with Raffles’ new global campaign, “The Butler Did It,” representing the brand’s focus on personalized guest services;
  • A vinyl record symbolizing Fairmont hotels’ role as social epicenters;
  • An archive engraving representing the lifting of the Tremont House in Chicago, spearheaded by George Pullman, to highlight the brand’s pioneering spirit;
  • A Pullman Progress pin, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to embracing diverse perspectives and fostering the blending of ideas to drive progress.

Discover What a Luggage Can Hide in the Episode 4 of Accor (unpacked): “Expanding the Legacy of Centennial Brands, Transcending Time and Shaping the Future” with Raffles, Fairmont and Pullman

Every morning when I wake up, I feel the heritage of Fairmont and Raffles. It has been more than 100 years, and we are so confident about the future of both brands.Omer Acar, CEO Raffles & Fairmont

Pullman is one of the world's few-century-old hospitality brands, and we will honor its legacy by continuing to drive forward with innovation, connection, and progress.Benoît Racle, Global Brand President – Premium

Raffles and Fairmont: Expanding a Legacy of Creating Uniquely Emotional Luxury Experiences

While Fairmont and Raffles are defined by their own distinctive personalities, their enduring strength and resilience lies in their ability to transcend their heritage, continually creating new momentum and relevance. Both brands boast a remarkable heritage, with unique legacies that endure today:

  • In 1907, the opening of the first Fairmont in San Francisco launched a now-global portfolio, renowned for its spectacular architectural gems. Fairmont is a place of celebrations. The brand has always been driven by a passion for connecting guests to the very best of their destinations. Fairmont hotels are social epicenters, gathering places for history-defining moments and unforgettable celebrations.
  • Since the debut of Raffles Singapore in 1887, Raffles has established itself as a creator of extraordinary escapes – welcoming guests into a world of elegance and enchanted glamour that is deeply rooted in arts and culture. The brand continues to evolve, harnessing its legendary butler service to deliver an inspiring, personalized, and warm guest experience that consistently exceeds expectations.

Looking to the future, the strategies for Raffles and Fairmont are distinct and tailored for each brand. For Raffles, the focus is on enhancing global brand awareness, with particular emphasis on key markets such as the Middle East and North America. Fairmont’s strategy centers on solidifying its position as a leading luxury brand, both in regions where it has a strong legacy and footprint, such as North America, and by expanding its presence in emerging markets like Europe and the Middle East.

Pullman: Honoring a Ground-Breaking Legacy and Pioneering Spirit

The groundbreaking story of Pullman began in 1859 with its visionary founder and innovator George Pullman, making a name in real estate, trains and hotels before becoming one of the most innovative and pioneering brands in hospitality. Today, as travelers’ lifestyles and needs evolve – calling for a more holistic approach to hospitality, enriched by social connections and a seamless integration of business and leisure – his pioneering spirit remains as relevant as ever. It is encapsulated in Pullman's new service promise, “Progress Together, Anytime, Anywhere”, as the brand enters a new era of hospitality that blends business, culture and community together. By creating lifestyle destinations that welcome locals, professionals and travelers alike, and inspiring programming that fosters ideas and community, like Pullman Happenings, Pullman stays true to what it's always been – a trailblazing brand, home to the curious minds who want to inspire and be inspired.

As we look ahead, Pullman is leading a new era. With a strategic focus on global expansion, the brand is rapidly growing its international presence, reinforcing the brand’s pioneering legacy of innovation by crafting a new future for premium hospitality.

Raffles, Fairmont and Pullman: Fostering a Centennial Legacy to Shape their Future

Committed to expanding the rich legacy of its centennial brands and ensuring their sustainability for generations to come, as time and travelers have changed, Accor has continually expanded and developed across the world, staying relevant to guests and partners, revitalizing its heritage through innovative concepts, captivating new destinations and ever-evolving experiences. Raffles, Fairmont and Pullman’s heritage properties seamlessly stand alongside modern marvels, embodying timeless excellence in hospitality.

About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group

Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries, over 5,700 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor 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: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. 

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