AccorHotels and the Australian Football League (AFL) jointly announced today at Pullman Melbourne on The Park that they have extended the 'Official Hotel Partner' agreement for an additional four years from 2019.

 In an exciting new addition to the current partnership, AccorHotels will provide career opportunities in hospitality to women in the AFLW allowing them the flexibility to compete at an elite level, and a shared commitment to increasing employment and development opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through AccorHotels' Indigenous Employment Program.

 With a network of over 380 hotels across Australia and the Pacific region, for the last five years AccorHotels has delivered a first-class off-field experience to the AFL to enable teams to perform at their best, and for optimum performance recovery.

 The partnership extension goes beyond providing accommodation and will enable both organisations

to focus on their shared vision and objectives which include; ambitious youth employment and leadership goals, the development of a dedicated AFL Indigenous youth traineeship program, support for young women athletes and their families through education and employment scholarships, and share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with the broader community.

 AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Simon McGrath, said “The relationships and trust that has been established with the AFL and individual clubs across our hotel network remain vital to our ability to deliver the optimal level of support to the players and the clubs.

 “Working together, our combined vision is to elevate our strong partnership to increase the representation and leadership of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in our respective industries.

 “We do this through our expertise, vast networks and our brand reach to create meaningful career opportunities, leadership development and cultural engagement in our collective communities.

 “We are thrilled that the AFL has selected to stay with AccorHotels for a further four years and we look forward to working with the AFL, its clubs, stakeholders, communities and fans to further play an active role in the evolution of the game and through this, providing opportunities to women, Indigenous and youth development.”

 AFL General Manager of Commercial, Kylie Rogers, welcomed the partnership extension.

  “We are proud to be continuing our partnership with AccorHotels, an organisation that shares the same values as the AFL” she said.

 “Supporting the employment program is another step in the AFL's commitment to increasing the presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in relative industries.

“Providing these women with endless opportunities to progress off the field ensures long-term growth and a sense of security for life after football.”

“It is important to continue partnerships with companies who support our values of diversity and inclusion. We are thrilled to be supporting the new employment program and cannot wait to witness the wonderful outcomes and opportunities it provides for women in sport.” Ms Rogers said.

AccorHotels has the broad range of accommodation styles to suits the needs of the AFL and its clubs across every state and territory, including many hotels located close to stadiums which host AFL games such as Sydney Olympic Park and the MCG. Hotel brands cover the full spectrum from 5-star Sofitel  and Pullman hotels, through to mid-market Novotel and Mercure, apartment-style brands such as Quay West, The Sebel and Grand Mercure to economy ibis hotels.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR

• AccorHotels currently employ 600+ Indigenous team members across Australia (as at Sept 2018).
•  AccorHotels' total workforce in Australia is represented by approximately 5% Indigenous team members who identify as either Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander (excluding Mantra properties), as at September 2018.
•  Image Captions (L-R)
  •  Image One - Melbourne, Australia - November 09: Renae Trimble - Accor Hotels Vice President Sales, Digital & Loyalty, Australia (left) and Kylie Rogers - AFL General Manager Commercial (right) pose for a photograph during the AFL and AccorHotels Special Announcement at Pullman on the Park on November 9, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)
  • Image Two - Melbourne, Australia - November 09: (L-R) Nicole Livingstone - AFL Head of Women's Football, Kirby Bentley - AFLW Carlton Player and Tanya Hosch - AFL General Manager Inclusion & Social Policy answer questions during the AFL and AccorHotels Special Announcement at Pullman on the Park on November 9, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)
  • Image Three - Melbourne, Australia - November 09: (L-R) Sarah Derry - Accor Hotels Vice President Talent and Culture, Renae Trimble - Accor Hotels Vice President Sales, Digital & Loyalty, Australia, Kylie Rogers - AFL General Manager Commercial, Tanya Hosch - AFL General Manager Inclusion & Social Policy, Kirby Bentley - AFLW Carlton Player and Nicole Livingstone - AFL Head of Women's Football pose for a photograph during the AFL and AccorHotels Special Announcement at Pullman on the Park on November 9, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

ABOUT ACCORHOTELS

AccorHotels is a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4,500 hotels, resorts and residences across 100 different countries. 

 With an unrivaled portfolio of internationally renowned hotel brands encompassing the entire range from luxury to economy, from upscale to lifestyle and midscale brands, AccorHotels has been providing savoir-faire and expertise for more than 50 years. 

In addition to its core hospitality business, AccorHotels has successfully expanded its range of services, becoming the world leader in luxury private residence rental with more than 10,000 stunning properties around the world. The Group is also active in the fields of concierge services, co-working, dining, events management and digital solutions.

Relying on its global team of more than 250,000 dedicated staff, AccorHotels is committed to fulfilling its primary mission: to make every guest Feel Welcome.  Guests have access to one of the world's most attractive hotel loyalty programs - Le Club AccorHotels.   

AccorHotels plays an active role in its local communities and is committed to promoting sustainable development and solidarity through PLANET 21 Acting Here, a comprehensive program that brings together employees, guests and partners to drive sustainable growth.

From 2008, the AccorHotels Solidarity Endowment Fund has acted as a natural extension of the Group's activities and values, helping to combat the social and financial exclusion experienced by the most disadvantaged members of society.

Accor SA is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit accorhotels.group or accorhotels.com. Or join and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.