Lara Teixeira, Jarves Rockenbach, Sylvia Barreto and Antonietta Varlese with the models Wendel Castro and Mayara Russi, during an event at the Pullman Ibirapuera
São Paulo, September 13, 2023 – Accor, a pioneer in inclusive initiatives for Global hospitality, announces a revolutionary milestone in the Brazilian hotel industry: the adoption of a plus size trousseau as a pilot project at Pullman São Paulo Ibirapuera, which includes towels and robes of bigger sizes to meet the needs of all size of bodies. The initiative is part of the project "Hospitality has no size", ensuring a comfortable stay for people of all sizes and shapes.
Antonietta Varlese, SVP Communications and Sustainability Accor Americas - Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, stresses the commitment of the company. "In a world where the inclusion must be more than just a concept, we are thrilled to be the pioneers to adopt an initiative that fights the fatphobia and celebrates the diversity in its most authentic form. At Accor, we believe that the aim of the true hospitality is to create a space in which every person is able to feel welcome and valued."
Accor is also planning to incorporate inclusion resources in the designs of its future hotels, including sturdier furniture and wide, beds with reinforced structures and wider bathroom boxes. "These are not only aesthetic changes, but a statement about our dedication to offering inclusive hospitality that meets the needs of people of all sizes, ages and needs," states Lara Teixeira, SVP Design & Technical Services Accor Americas - Premium, Midscale & Economy Division.
Wendel Castro and Mayara Russi models wearing plus size robes
The pilot project initially has been implemented at Pullman Ibirapuera, and will serve as a guidance for other hotels of the network. "We are honored to be the starting point of an initiative that will redesign the meaning of an excellent stay for all our guests, without exceptions," comments Jarves Rockenbach, General Manager Pullman São Paulo Ibirapuera.
The action, in a partnership with Sylvia Barreto, journalist and creator of the portal “Viajar é Simples” (Travelling is Easy). “This Accor’s project is more than a step ahead in the hospitality sector; it is a gigantic leap forward for the inclusion. Now, people of all sizes can explore the world with comfort and receive the respect that they deserve. I am honored to have contributed to such a transforming change".
Furthermore, Accor is investing in specialized training for its teams, ensuring that respect and inclusion are intrinsic to every interaction with guests. “This is an important step, but it is just the beginning. We remain firm in our commitment to setting the standard for hospitality that truly has no limits”, concludes Antonietta Varlese.
Click here and check other photos of the launching event.