THE PEOPLE ISSUE
Photo : Abaca Press / Sandrine Roudeix an app to identify locations . Some companies are renting multiple guestrooms converted to offices . With 160 pilot sites in Latin America and 300 in Europe , Wojo will grow to 400 locations this year .
Given the current average occupancy rate of 50 % to 60 %, and the prediction that , motivated by sustainability and greater life balance , people won ’ t return to offices five days a week , it makes sense for Accor to repurpose its real estate . Mendes calls it agile adaptation . For example , beds are removed from guestrooms , transforming them to offices or spa treatment rooms . City-center convention hotels like the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel converted rooms into spa facilities , while meeting rooms have become mindfulness centers — ideal for the curated playlist Novotel developed with mindfulness app Calm . “ It ' s very easy to adapt ,” Mendes says , “ and if business returns in three years , we ’ ll be pleased to go back . It ’ s not a huge investment .”
Safety and security are , of course , top priority . Developed with Bureau Veritas , 90 % of Accor properties have now implemented AllSafe standards that monitor testing , inspection and certify cleanliness , says Mendes . In addition , a new partnership with Axa Insurance allows guests to tele-consult with medical providers .
As part of a focus on well-being , guests want more immersion in nature . Accor is expanding its resort offerings through its joint venture with Rixos and by introducing Pullman and Fairmont properties in Dubai , Singapore and Canada . “ In the last eight years , 80 % to 90 % of Accor ’ s hotel development was in business and city centers , so the group wants to balance that with countryside destinations ,” says Mendes . Conversions are the key to accelerated growth . “ More than 70 % of the world ’ s hotels are independent , so there ’ s a big movement to convert nice independent hotels in natural places ,” he says .
Increased respect for nature is driving attention to sustainability . More than ever before , the decision to travel must be weighed against its carbon footprint . With access to international destinations restricted , frustrated would-be travelers are driving demand for staycations and local experiences , which means Accor ’ s hotels are expanding their entertainment repertoire . Family stays are up , raising the need for more guestrooms with connecting doors as people rediscover their own countries . In response , Accor is anchoring its hotels to local attractions and highlighting regional gastronomy to encourage longer stays .
When Mendes needs an escape , he hits the open road on his BMW 1200 motorcycle . “ With a motorbike you discover the world differently ,” he says . “ Every year , I go on a 10-day off-road adventure with my wife and good friends — places like Bolivia , Columbia and Patagonia . No WiFi , alternative accommodation and cultural discovery .”
Mendes is confident there ’ s a travel boom on the horizon once the vaccine is widely administered , but predicts travel will be different with an emphasis on natural surroundings , staycations , domestic holidays , closeness with family , social connections , interesting experiences , sense and purpose , and more balanced lives working from destinations , whether Asia or the countryside . “ It ’ s evident we will travel a lot , and tourism and hospitality have a bright future .”
ACCOR IS GOING BOLD ON LIFESTYLE .
PATRICK MENDES
Rixos Premium Belek in Antalya , Turkey
36 hotelsmag . com March / April 2021