LVMH and Accor partner to develop Orient Express
Luxury conglomerate LVMH and hotel group Accor have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of the Orient Express brand. The investment will support the expansion of its trains, hotels, and sailing ships.
Luxury goods giant LVMH and hotel operator Accor have announced a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the development of the Orient Express brand, a name long associated with exclusive travel experiences. The collaboration includes a strategic investment in the Orient Express brand itself, as well as in the entities that will operate its future hotels and trains.
Orient Express, historically renowned for its elegant and adventurous journeys since its inception in 1883, is set to embark on a new phase of expansion. The first Orient Express sailing ship is currently under construction in France, with a planned launch in 2026. Additionally, the brand intends to open its inaugural hotels in Rome and Venice.
LVMH is expected to contribute its expertise in luxury products and services, complementing its existing involvement with the Venice Simplon-Orient Express and other Belmond-operated trains globally. Accor brings its extensive portfolio of luxury hotel brands and its legacy in hospitality, including brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, and Potel & Chabot.
The two groups are also seeking a third partner for the sailing ship venture. This partnership is anticipated to enhance Orient Express's position as a unique travel destination, blending historical prestige with contemporary luxury.