Accor and LVMH have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Orient Express.
Since the inaugural voyage of its train in 1883, Orient Express has been "taking the discovery of the world to new heights for its luxury travel clients." Following its acquisition by Accor in 2022, Orient Express has been developing new ventures for its trains, hotels and ships. The revival of the historic train and the launch of the first Orient Express ship in 2026 will be the next steps in this renewed impetus. In parallel with these launches, Orient Express will open its first hotels in Rome and Venice while continuing the selective development of its global destinations.
Under the terms of the agreements, LVMH will be joining forces with Accor through a strategic investment in the Orient Express brand, in the company that will operate the future hotels and trains, and in the entity that will own the two ships. The first ship is under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France, and the two groups will continue to search for a third partner for this new venture.
By contributing to the revival of this iconic brand, LVMH will add its expertise, illustrated in particular, by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and the five other trains operated by Belmond around the world.
Within its luxury and lifestyle division, Accor brings together the collection of luxury brands with a century-old legacy in the hotel and fine-dining sectors. Some of its brands include Raffles, Fairmont and Potel & Chabot. Accor is set to reinvent the art of travel, discovery; this vision is at the heart of the Orient Express project.
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