Accor, the largest hotel operator in the Pacific, successfully concluded its 2025 Pacific Franchise Conference, bringing together franchise partners, hotel general managers, industry leaders, and Accor executives for two days of insightful discussions, networking, and strategic presentations.
Hosted at Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments, the event reinforced Accor’s commitment to franchise growth and value-driven partnerships in Australia and New Zealand.
The conference, which ran from 25-27 March 2025, featured a dynamic agenda covering industry performance insights, commercial strategies, investment opportunities, and operational excellence. Delegates gained exclusive insights into the evolving hotel landscape, with panel discussions and workshops addressing market-leading performance, loyalty, and sustainability.
Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, opened the event alongside Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy division in the Pacific, highlighting Accor’s franchise growth strategy and the Group’s ongoing commitment to innovation and partnership.
“The energy and engagement at this year’s conference were a testament to the strength of Accor’s franchise network in the Pacific. We are focused on fostering sustainable, long-term franchisee partnerships that create value for both owners and guests,” said Duncan O’Rourke. “With a dedicated franchise team, a globally recognised brand portfolio, and an approach that integrates local market dynamics with world-class hospitality solutions, we are enabling hoteliers to future-proof their businesses while maintaining their distinct identity.”
Adrian Williams echoed this sentiment, underscoring Accor’s market leadership and vision for the future: “The evolution of our franchise model in Australia and New Zealand underscores our ability to adapt to changing market conditions, providing owners with the agility, expertise, and strategic support needed to succeed. Through continuous investment, dedicated performance managers, and our award-winning loyalty program, ALL, we are empowering hoteliers to accelerate their growth while maintaining their unique identity. Our commitment to franchisee success is evident in the fact that 50% of our existing franchisees now own multiple hotels within the Accor network.”
Danesh Bamji, Vice President Franchise, Pacific, reaffirmed Accor’s unwavering support for its franchisees: “Franchising in the Pacific is evolving rapidly, and Accor is driving this transformation by offering hotel owners a clear pathway to long-term success. As demand for conversions grows, we are focused on delivering measurable value through procurement efficiencies, ESG advantages, and immediate performance uplift. Our diverse portfolio of conversion-friendly brands provides a seamless way to modernise properties and meet the changing expectations of today’s travellers.”
The conference featured keynotes from industry leaders and Accor teams, including insights from STR on market performance, an in-depth look at Accor’s brand and commercial strategy, and an expert panel on hotel investment trends. Kerry Healy, Chief Commercial Officer for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, delivered a commercial keynote, offering valuable perspectives on the Group’s strategy. A highlight of the event was a Q&A session with All Blacks legend Ian Jones, who shared leadership insights from the world of elite sport.
Kerry Healy, “The 2025 Pacific Franchise Conference was a powerful demonstration of Accor’s commitment to delivering tangible value and strategic support for our franchise partners. By combining data-driven insights, cutting-edge commercial strategies, and the strength of our globally recognised brands, we are empowering hoteliers to drive long-term success. It was inspiring to see the passion and innovation within our franchise network, and we remain dedicated to fostering growth, performance, and excellence across the Pacific.”
Recognising Excellence: 2025 Pacific Franchise Awards
A highlight of the conference was the 2025 Pacific Franchise Awards, held during the gala dinner at Pullman Auckland. The awards celebrated outstanding achievements and excellence across Accor’s franchise network, recognising hotels and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and guest experience.
The six award categories and winners are:
- Limitless Performance Award – Novotel New Plymouth
- Pioneering Mindset Award – Ayers Rock Resorts
- Art of Hospitality Award – Peppers Hills Lodge
- Responsible Hospitality Award – ibis Styles The Entrance
- Hotel Renovation of the Year Award – Novotel Brighton Beach
- Hotel of the Year – Mercure Sydney
Beyond the business agenda, delegates enjoyed networking experiences, including an Auckland Harbour sailing excursion, fostering deeper connections among Accor’s franchise community.
The conference concluded with a Franchisee Owner Panel, where leading hoteliers shared their experiences, challenges, and success stories, reinforcing Accor’s win-win growth model.
From luxury to economy, Accor operates over 400 hotels in the Pacific region under renowned brands such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore’s SO/.
With 122 franchised properties in Australia and 11 in New Zealand, Accor’s franchise expansion continues to gain momentum, with a focus on strategic growth, innovative brand conversions, and tailored support for franchise partners.
