Accor and LVMH have forged a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Orient Express, a brand synonymous with exclusive travel experiences for over a century.
Since its first journey in 1883, Orient Express has elevated world exploration for clients seeking unique and refined adventures. A symbol of elegance and boldness, it embodies a lifestyle marked by extraordinary and enchanting experiences.
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Following Accor’s acquisition of Orient Express in 2022, the brand is set to embark on new iconic ventures involving trains, hotels, and sailing ships. These projects aim to maintain Orient Express’s extraordinary positioning within the travel industry.
Key developments include the revival of a historic train and the launch of the first Orient Express sailing ship in 2026. Concurrently, Orient Express will open its first hotels in Rome and Venice, while continuing to selectively expand its global destinations.
Under the new agreements, LVMH will strategically invest in the Orient Express brand, the company managing the future hotels and trains, and the entity owning the two sailing ships. The first ship is currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, and both groups will continue to seek a third partner for this venture.
LVMH’s involvement will contribute its expertise in high-quality products and services, exemplified by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and the five other trains operated by Belmond worldwide. These exceptional experiences showcase LVMH Hospitality Excellence’s operational expertise and creativity in the travel sector.
Accor’s Luxury and Lifestyle division brings together a prestigious collection of luxury brands with a long-standing legacy in the hotel and fine dining industries. The rich heritage of brands like Raffles, Fairmont, and Potel & Chabot has allowed Accor to rejuvenate the experience for clients seeking excellence and distinction. This vision is central to the Orient Express project.
Bernard Arnault, LVMH Group Chairman and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Orient Express has symbolized adventure and elegance since its inception. Its name is a part of our cultural heritage and continues to inspire great artists.
Orient Express epitomizes refined living and the audacity that drives our Houses. We are excited to partner with Accor to renew this travel icon, combining our expertise to elevate Orient Express to the pinnacle of hospitality.”
Sébastien Bazin, Accor Group Chairman and CEO, added, “Orient Express has been a legend for 140 years, rooted in its dreamy universe while always looking ahead. With Orient Express, Accor is reinventing travel, discovery, and grand odysseys.
Partnering with LVMH, we open a new chapter in this exciting journey, driven by audacity and creative passion. We are thrilled to leverage LVMH’s unique expertise to further advance this legend and bring its essence to life in even more distinctive ways.”
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