29 May 2026
Accor, the largest hospitality group in the Pacific region, has successfully concluded its 2026 Pacific Franchise Conference, bringing together more than 270 franchise partners, hotel owners, industry leaders and Accor executives at The Brighton Hotel Sydney - MGallery Collection from 27–29 May 2026.
The event highlighted Accor's accelerating franchise growth across Australia and New Zealand, while reinforcing the strength of its long-term owner and franchise partnerships and continued focus on operational performance.
Across two days, delegates participated in strategic presentations, industry panels, commercial deep-dives and networking events designed to strengthen franchise partnerships and support hotel performance across the Pacific region.
The conference agenda explored the trends and strategies shaping the future of hospitality, with a strong focus on supporting franchisee performance and profitability. Sessions covered hotel investment trends, revenue optimisation, artificial intelligence, procurement efficiencies, sustainability, loyalty, food and beverage strategy and evolving guest expectations. The program also showcased the strength and breadth of Accor's brand portfolio across the Pacific, with a spotlight on greet, which will soon debut in Australia and New Zealand, and is well positioned to meet evolving demand from both owners and guests.
Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer for Accor in the Pacific region, said the conference demonstrated the strength of collaboration across Accor's franchise community. “This year's conference reinforced the importance of partnership and alignment as we continue to evolve alongside changing traveller expectations and market dynamics. The conversations throughout the week reflected a shared commitment to delivering strong business outcomes while maintaining the quality and consistency guests expect from Accor brands.”
Leire Leoz, Accor's Chief Franchise Officer for its Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, added: “The Pacific Franchise Conference plays an important role in bringing together owners, operators and Accor teams around a shared vision for growth and long-term success. Strong partnerships, operational alignment and brand consistency remain at the centre of our franchise strategy, ensuring we continue delivering value for our owners.”
The conference featured presentations from Accor leaders and external industry experts, including sessions on hotel investment trends, revenue intelligence, sustainability, commercial strategy and AI-driven operational efficiencies.
Highlights included the 'Hotel Investment Landscape: Where the Smart Money Is' keynote from Michael Simpson, Managing Director, Pacific at CBRE Hotels, highlighting investment trends and key hotel performance metrics.
An investment panel moderated by Lindsay Leeser, Chief Development Officer, Pacific & Head of Apartments and Realty, featuring leading industry figures from Resort Brokers, McVay Real Estate, JLL Hotels & Hospitality, and Colliers explored hotel asset values and market outlook.
Kerry Healy, Accor's Chief Commercial Officer for the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, highlighted the critical role of brands as a demand engine and the power of Accor's connected ecosystem in driving performance for owners. “Our brands are purpose-built to deliver demand for our hotels, working tirelessly long before a guest ever arrives. This, combined with the strength of our ALL Accor loyalty ecosystem, ensures our partners not only attract but retain guests, ultimately leading to more predictable revenue, lower acquisition costs, and stronger asset value. Our focus is on delivering tangible results, translating investment in our brands into real demand and profitability for our owners.”
Damien Perrot, Accor's Chief Design, Technical Services & Innovation Officer for the Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, said maintaining strong brand standards and delivering consistency across the network remained critical to long-term franchise success. “As the hospitality landscape evolves, owners are increasingly looking for brands that combine commercial strength with operational clarity and consistency. Through design, technical services and brand delivery, we remain focused on supporting franchise partners with solutions that future-proof assets.”
The event also celebrated excellence across Accor's franchise network during the Pacific Franchise Awards gala dinner.
Major award winners included:
- Hotel of the Year – Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki
- Art of Hospitality Award – Mercure Sydney
- Iconic Brand Delivery – Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki
- Leading Loyalty – Mercure Townsville
- Art of Service – Dining – ibis Brisbane Airport
- Responsible Hospitality Award – Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki and Novotel Christchurch Airport
Danesh Bamji, Accor's Vice President Franchise in the Pacific region, said the awards reflected the strength and dedication of Accor's franchise community across the region. “These awards recognise hotels and teams that continue to raise the bar across guest experience, sustainability, loyalty, operational performance and brand delivery. They demonstrate the passion and commitment that exists across our franchise network and the collective focus on delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.”
The conference was hosted by journalist and television presenter Edwina Bartholomew and opened with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Allen Madden. Delegates also attended the State of Origin Game 1 at Accor Stadium.
Accor currently operates more than 420 hotels across the Pacific region under brands including Sofitel, MGallery, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, TRIBE, Mantra and ibis. The Group continues to expand its franchise network across Australia and New Zealand through strategic growth opportunities, conversions, and operational support tailored to local market needs. For more information on Accor franchise opportunities, visit: https://group.accor.com/en/hotel-development
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ABOUT ACCOR
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,800 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and 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. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is 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 visitgroup.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
Media Relations Contact
Naomi Hammond
Director of PR & Communications, Pacific
Sarah Lipkin
PR & Communications Manager, Pacific
