Sam Panetta has been appointed General Manager of Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, succeeding Greg Brady after his retirement.

Sofitel has partnered with renowned designer Cordelia de Castellane to launch a chic new wardrobe for its 25,000 employees across more than 120 hotels worldwide.

Accor will launch its first luxury hotel in Porto in 2028 when the newly signed Sofitel Porto, its second Sofitel in Portugal, will open its doors.

Accor has shared insight into its 2024 development activity and growth prospects for 2025 and beyond. In 2024, Accor expanded its portfolio with the opening of 293 hotels and resorts, adding 50,000 rooms. The increase saw Accor’s global network now comprise over 5,680 hotels and 850,000 rooms in operation, with an additional 1,381 properties and 233,000 rooms in the pipeline.

Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, a sophisticated luxury hotel in the heart of Cairo’s vibrant city, has officially opened. The five-star hotel blends timeless elegance with contemporary charm, redefining the art of living in Egypt to provide a unique gem that overlooks the majestic Nile.

Accor has appointed David Fraser as its Vice President Operations for the Sofitel, Sofitel Legent, MGallery and Emblems brands across the Pacific. Fraser’s appointment comes as Sofitel undergoes a transformative renewal phase and MGallery prepares for strategic expansion in the region.

Accor has launched its newly enhanced Travel Pros Leisure Groups Online platform, designed to streamline the booking process for leisure B2B clients.

With nearly 90 hotels set to open in the coming years across its Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems brands, Accor has declared 2024 a “milestone” year for its luxury and lifestyle divisions.

A landmark deal between Accor and DOJI Group aims to grow tourism to Vietnam’s third largest city with the opening of Sofitel Diamond Crown Hai Phong in 2026.

Sofitel has set its sights on the Sapa region of Northern Vietnam, with Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences to open in 2030.

Accor has confirmed it will open its largest Sofitel in the world in Cairo, taking the luxury brand’s tally of hotels in Egypt to four – a sign of its belief in the destination’s “great potential”.

Accor is celebrating a strong set of results in the third quarter, with a growing appetite for luxury a crucial piece of the puzzle.