LVMH and Accor join forces to take Orient Express to new horizons

 Press release

 June 13th, 2024

LVMH and Accor join forces to take Orient Express to new horizons

Accor and LVMH have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Orient Express, a legendary House synonymous for more than a century with the most exclusive travel experiences. 

Since the inaugural voyage of its train in 1883, Orient Express has been taking the discovery of the world to new heights for clients in search of distinctive and refined adventures. A symbol of elegance and audacity, Orient Express embodies a lifestyle that encapsulates the extraordinary and enchantment.

Following its acquisition by Accor in 2022, Orient Express is developing new iconic ventures for trains, hotels and sailing ships whose exacting standards will reflect an extraordinary positioning within the travel world. The renaissance of an historic train and the launch of the first Orient Express sailing ship in 2026 will be the next steps in this renewed impetus. In parallel with these launches, Orient Express will open its first hotels in Rome and Venice while continuing the selective development of its global destinations.

Under the terms of the agreements signed today, LVMH will be joining forces with Accor through a strategic investment in the Orient Express brand, in the company that will operate the future hotels and trains, and in the entity that will own the two sailing ships. The first ship is currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France, and the two groups will continue to search together for a third partner for this new venture. 

By contributing to the revival of this iconic brand, LVMH will add its unique expertise in high-quality products and services, illustrated in particular, in the world of travel, by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and the five other trains also operated by Belmond around the world. These extraordinary experiences reflect the operational expertise and creativity of LVMH Hospitality Excellence in this field.

Within its Luxury and Lifestyle division, Accor brings together the leading collection of luxury brands with a century-old legacy in the hotel and fine dining sectors. The remarkable heritage and history of several of these brands, including Raffles, Fairmont

and Potel & Chabot, have enabled Accor to rejuvenate the experience for clients in search of excellence and distinctiveness. This vision is at the heart of the Orient Express project.  

Bernard Arnault, LVMH Group Chairman and CEO, said, “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, said, “Orient Express is a legend ever since its creation 140 years ago, drawing on its roots and its oneiric universe while remaining at all times firmly focused on the future. With Orient Express, Accor is reinventing the art of travel, discovery and great odysseys. With LVMH today, we are opening a new chapter in this exciting journey, with the ambition of exploring new horizons and embodying the audacity and creative passion that drive our groups. We’re delighted to enlist LVMH’s rare expertise to continue pushing further the frontiers of this legend and bringing its embodiment to life in an ever more singular way.”

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ABOUT ACCOR

Accoris a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries, with 5,600 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 committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion.  Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visitgroup.accor.comor follow us onX, Facebook, LinkedIn,InstagramandTikTok.

ABOUT LVMH

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Ruinart, Mercier, Château d’Yquem, Domaine du Clos des Lambrays, Château Cheval Blanc, Colgin Cellars,

Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Belvedere, Woodinville, Volcán de Mi Tierra, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Newton, Bodega Numanthia, Ao Yun,

Château d’Esclans, Château Galoupet, Joseph Phelps and Château Minuty. Its Fashion and

Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Celine, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Marc Jacobs, Berluti, Loro Piana, RIMOWA, Patou, Barton Perreira and

Vuarnet. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior,

Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Kenzo Parfums, Perfumes Loewe, Benefit Cosmetics, Make Up

For Ever, Acqua di Parma, Fresh, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Officine Universelle Buly. LVMH's Watches and Jewelry division comprises Bulgari,Tiffany & Co., TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Zenith, Fred and Hublot. LVMH is also active in selective retailing as well as in other activities through DFS, Sephora, Le Bon Marché, La Samaritaine, Groupe

Les Echos, Cova, Le Jardin d’Acclimatation, Royal Van Lent, Belmond and Cheval Blanc hotels. Contacts 

ACCOR

Line Crieloue                                                              Alexis Blottière

VP Communication externe Groupe                               Communication externe Groupe line.crieloue@accor.com                                                 alexis.blottiere@accor.com

Pierre-Loup Etienne SVP Investor relations pierre-loup.etienne@accor.com 

LVMH