The SNCF and AccorHotels were keen to celebrate the 134th anniversary of the first voyage of the Orient Express between Paris and Constantinople on 4 October 1883, announcing the relaunch of this legendary brand. To this end, the French hotel group will take a 50 % stake in Orient Express, which is currently 100% owned by the SNCF, with the aim of continuing the development of this legendary brand. the development of prestige hotels on an international scale. AccorHotels thus adds a new luxury brand to its portfolio alongside Raffles, Fairmont and Sofitel. " We are delighted with this strategic partnership, a concrete expression of the alliance between two major French players in the world of travel, with a shared ambition to breathe new life and international influence into a historic brand that is recognised throughout the world. "said Sébastien Bazin, CEO of AccorHotels.
At the same time, the seven historic carriages of the legendary train will be used to private trips and corporate eventsIn this context, synergies can be expected with other recent acquisitions by AccorHotels, such as caterer Potel & Chabot, upmarket events specialist Noctis and luxury concierge John Paul. In a way, this merger marks a return to their roots for these cars presenting the best of French Art Deco style. These were owned by... Accor through its subsidiary Compagnie des wagons-lits before the SNCF bought them in 2011. " Through our heritage policy, we will play an active role in promoting the history of this legendary train to as many people as possible.says Mathias Vicherat, Deputy Director General in charge of the SNCF Group's corporate project, communication and image. The interest shown today by AccorHotels attests to the relevance of the project supported since 2008 by Chairman Guillaume Pepy. "
The SNCF had made no secret of its desire to use the Orient Express name ever since, in 2014, the railway company regained its rights to the brand operated under licence by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd, the British hotel group now known as Belmond and owner of the Cipriani in Venice and the Copacabana Palace in Rio. This is a new chapter in the history of this leading travel brand. " In its day, the Orient Express took the art of travel to its pinnacle.says Guillaume de Saint Lager, General Secretary of Orient Express. Our ambition is to reinvent this experience and make Orient Express the benchmark for luxury travel and hospitality. "
