Accor recovers to 2019 levels across almost all its markets

In the UK, both London and the provinces recovered to revenue per available room (revpar) levels above those of the second quarter of 2019.

Sébastien Bazin, chairman and chief executive of Accor, said he expected recovery to continue into the autumn with the return of more major seminars and conventions set to benefit hotels.

During the half year, Accor opened 85 hotels, representing 11,700 rooms and net system growth of 1.8% in the last 12 months. At the end of June 2022, the group had a hotel portfolio of 777,945 rooms (5,300 hotels) and a pipeline of 212,000 rooms (1,215 hotels).

For the full year, the group confirmed its forecast of net unit growth of around 3.5%.

Earlier this month, the group announced that, from October, it would be restructuring around two dedicated divisions: an economy, midscale and premium division, comprising the group's Ibis, Novotel, Mercure, Swissôtel, Mövenpick and Pullman brands; and a luxury and lifestyle division, focusing on its luxury brands and Ennismore.

Last month, Accor announced it was entering negotiations to sell a 10.8% stake in Ennismore to a Qatari consortium for €185m (£159m). The deal is expected to close in the second semester of 2022.