Article from BTNews 9 OCTOBER 2017
Accor buys into Orient Express
Exactly 134 years after the first Orient Express trip between Paris and Constantinople in October 1883, SNCF Group, owner of the luxury train brand, and AccorHotels have teamed up to continue its development within the luxury hospitality sector.
As part of the agreement, Accor will acquire a 50% stake in the share capital of Orient Express, which until now has been fully owned by SNCF, while developing a new collection of prestigious hotels under the Orient Express banner.
Accor says the collection, which aims to be “the very epitome of the art of travel”, will offer a special experience “steeped in history and combining the luxury, exoticism and sophistication of East and West in iconic locations”.
The Orient Express’ seven historic cars, symbols of French Art Deco, which have been restored by SNCF, will remain the physical property of the state-owned rail group and will be operated for private journeys and events.
Orient Express corporate secretary Guillaume de Saint Lager said: “In its time, the Orient Express took the art of traveling to its peak. We are proud and particularly look forward to being involved in writing this new chapter with such strong backing.”
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