The largest ever World of Accor (WOA) expo returns to Novotel Mangga Dua Square in Jakarta. Asia Pacific’s largest hotel expo World of Accor has grown significantly since 2005 with new destinations, new products and a new vision for the region.

World of Accor events have already been staged during the past three months in Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Los Angeles, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Seoul with representatives from travel industry and media attending the expo and press functions. After Indonesia, World of Accor moves to Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland in mid-August.

Travel agents, wholesalers, corporate travel bookers, meetings, conference and exhibition specialists and travel industry partners have been invited to attend the events in WOA.

“Accor continues to enjoy strong growth in its existing diversified brands within the Asia Pacific. This region comprises a huge and growing customer base and are exciting travel destinations. From customer and owner perspectives, it makes excellent business sense to grow our brand presence here,” said Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Accor Asia Pacific, Michael Issenberg, commenting on Accor development in Asia Pacific.

Accor further expands its footprint in Indonesia with Ibis and Formule 1

Following the successful expansion of new Accor hotels in Indonesia in 2007, with the opening of Novotel Balikpapan, Novotel Nusa Dua Bali and Mercure Surabaya, Accor will manage 3 new hotels by end 2008. Accor’s leading economy brand Ibis continues its rapid expansion in Indonesia with the opening of Ibis Semarang (172 rooms) and Ibis Solo (152 rooms) by mid-2008.

Ibis Semarang is located in the central business district of Semarang, the capital city of Central Java. This new hotel has a restaurant, bar and three meeting rooms. This hotel is just two minutes away from colourful Simpang Lima shopping area and is within easy access to the airport and train station.

Ibis Solo is a new hotel located in the heart of Solo city – the capital city of Java culture. Facilities include a restaurant, meeting rooms and a fitness centre. Within walking distance to popular markets, shopping centres and the Solo Royal Palace, this hotel is also located close to the Novotel Solo.

Formule 1 hotels were first developed in Europe as an economic lodging solution with bathroom facilities outside the room. Today, these units are mostly concentrated in France under the hotel F1 banner. The new Formule 1 establishments located outside France, particularly in Brazil and Australia, feature rooms with a toilet and bathroom, similar to Etap Hotel in Europe.

Formule 1 Cikini with 113 rooms, is the second Formule 1 hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is targeted to open by end 2008. The hotel is located at Cikini Street, Menteng, one of the busiest street in the Center of Jakarta, conveniently accessible from the Jakarta Golden Triangle area, Cikini Art Center, Gambir Train/ Urban Station and Indonesia University. Currently, Accor operates the Formule 1, Menteng (87 rooms) which opened in late 2006.

Accor Asia Pacific Vice President- Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, Gerard Guilleout said, “Accor has been operating in Indonesia for a decade. We have built a strong network of hotels in the country by working closely with established local partners. With these new properties, we will be able to further reinforce our leadership position and provide our partners and customers with products that cater to every segment of the market. Extending our footprint will allow us to enjoy economies of scale and establish operational synergies in the Asia Pacific region”.

Accor Indonesia is the largest international hospitality group in Indonesia with 34 hotels around the country under its Sofitel, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, all seasons, Ibis and Formule 1 brands.