Accor launches its luxury brand Raffles in India

Accor has introduced its uber luxury brand Raffles in India with the signing of 2 properties, one each in Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan.

Global hospitality group is eyeing at adding 24 hotels in the country in the next 3 years. It will also be adding 4,000-5,000 people to its workforce.

Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, Accor, said, "Currently, we have 51 hotels in India having around 10,000 workforces across all our properties. With the expansion to 75 properties, we are expecting to add another 4,000-5,000 people to our workforce in the next 3 years."

Currently, Accor has 4,800 hotels with 300,000 workforces across the world.

"We have announced the arrival of the Raffles brand in India, a hallmark of luxury and sublime service in a country that is famous for delivering luxury at the highest level. With our strategic partners, we look forward to launch two Raffles properties in Rajasthan, one each in Udaipur and Jaipur," Bazin stated.

He further added, "India represents only 1 percent of our total portfolio now, which is way too small. After the pipeline, it will go up to 2.4 percent, which will be getting better. We should grow bigger in India. Globally we have 38 brands and we are looking at opportunities and the right partners to bring in more brands including Banyan Tree, Mama Shelter, Deland, Mondrian, Tribe among a few in next 2-4 years."