Accor says attacks on USA will depress pre-tax profits

Pre-tax profits at French hotel operator Accor are likely to remain flat this year because of the attacks on the USA.

The announcement comes despite increases in the company's figures for the six months to 30 June.

Accor said the events of 11 September would have a "negative effect on activities stemming from international tourism until the end of the year". It predicted that the pre-tax profit for the whole of 2001 would be similar to that in 2000.

Before the attacks Accor had expected a 10% increase in pre-tax profits for the year.

For the six months to 30 June Accor saw turnover increase by 8.6% to €3.6b (£2.3b) from €3.3b (£2b) in 2000. Pre-tax profit also rose, showing a 9% increase from €326m (£206m) in 2000 to €355m (£225m) this year.

Accor operates 3,600 hotels in 90 countries around the world.