ACCORHOTELS has announced the acquisition of 50% of the iconic Orient Express brand from French rail operator SNCF, and intends to develop a “new collection of prestigious hotels” under the Orient Express banner.
SNCF and AccorHotels will collaborate on the project, which will continue the legacy of the legendary Orient Express train journey which connected Paris and Istanbul for almost a century.
Seven historic restored vintage rail cars will remain within SNCF’s ownership but will be operated by Orient Express for private journeys and events.
AccorHotels chairman & ceo Sebastien Bazin said the partnership “cements the alliance of two major French players in the world of travel…giving fresh impetus and international standing to an historic and world-renowned brand”.
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Source: traveldaily