ibis budget UK hotel network grows by a third
Accor and AGO open nine new ibis budget hotels
Accor grows its UK ibis budget hotel network by nearly 40% in 2021, opening 10 hotels in the first half of the year and adding over 900 bedrooms
The new hotels, which open across the UK in the two weeks following the 17th May reopening, represented a third of the overall UK portfolio. The new hotels opened in Burton Upon Trent, Cumbernauld, Bromsgrove, Dundee, Bromley, Peterhead, Portishead Harbour, Lancaster and Stansted Airport.
Combined with the opening of the ibis budget London Heathrow T5, which opened in partnership with Sidra Capital and RBH initially welcoming workers and essential travel and business in January, the budget brand has grown nearly 40% domestically this year and increased room numbers by nearly 25% to well over 4,700 keys.
Aiden McAuley, SVP Operations at Accor Northern Europe, said: “We are thrilled to open the doors of nine new ibis budget hotels, marking a significant growth of our UK portfolio. Adding over 900 bedrooms to the ibis budget brand during lockdown is testament to the resilience and positivity of Accor and its partners. The partnership with AGO and our other UK partners demonstrates our continued confidence in the UK hospitality market. As guests start to return to hotels for the first time since the easing of lockdown, the industry can start looking ahead to the future and we remain positive about the outlook for the sector.”
AGO Hotels’ distinctive business model will help ensure the long-term success of the new sites, with a 25-year lease that has been designed to withstand challenging market conditions during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Vivian Watts, co-founder of AGO Hotels, said: “We are delighted to be able to begin opening the doors to our new hotels, which we are launching in partnership with Accor.
“This has been a significant week for the whole industry, and it has been great to finally welcome our first guests. The teams at all our new hotels have worked extremely hard to ensure everything is in place for guests to have a safe and comfortable stay, whether they are travelling for work, visiting family and friends, or enjoying a staycation.
“The past few months have been particularly challenging for the sector, but we are proud that despite this, our portfolio has grown rapidly, highlighting continued confidence within the market. Now, as the industry reopens, we are looking forward to welcoming more hotels to join our hybrid lease platform, which guarantees rents and includes owners in the hotel's profits.”
The ibis brand family remains the number one economy brand in Europe and continues to grow from strength to strength. Ibis budget is an affordable, modern budget brand giving guests everything they need for a convenient and comfortable stay.
ibis budget is a smart choice as a basecamp for urban adventures. The global success of the ibis budget brand is underpinned by essential comfort at affordable rates.
All hotels will operate elevated hygiene and prevention measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests and staff in line with Accor’s ALLSAFE label certification.
About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 300,000 team members worldwide. Over 65 million members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program ALL - Accor Live Limitless - a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow Accor on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About ibis budget
ibis budget is a smart choice as a basecamp for spirited urban adventures. In-the-know world explorers appreciate the brand’s comfortable and intuitive design, Sweet Bed by ibis budget, and healthy and hearty breakfast buffets. At ibis budget, guests come together around their shared passion for revered sports, and enjoy fun, easy athletic pursuits to stay energized while on the road. For those with a taste for adventure and action, the hotels of ibis budget are conveniently located near major routes, airports and a growing number of city centers. ibis budget has more than 625 hotels and 62,000 rooms in 20+ countries and is continuing to expand internationally. The brand is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.
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Accor, Northern Europe
Sarah Wilson
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Citigate (on behalf of Accor)