Accor, the most dynamic international hotel group operating in China, was honored as “The Best Hotel Management Company of 2008 Selected by Investors” at the “5th Golden Pillow Award of China Hotels” award ceremony, held recently in Shanghai. Simultaneously, Robert Murray, Accor’s Senior Vice President - Greater China, was also recognized as “The Leader of the Hotel Industry of 2008”.

Accor China Named “Best Hotel Management Company of 2008”

The “Golden Pillow Award of China Hotels”, recognized as one of the most prestigious hotel evaluation in China and the Asia region, has been hosted yearly by China’s top finance and economics media, 21st Century Business Herald since 2004. The professional award utilizes first-hand knowledge of a panel of senior industry experts and business people along with field investigations by editors and reporters of the newspaper, to gain a comprehensive look at China’s hotel industry, supply more accurate travel news to the extensive Chinese business community and offer suggestions and directions for the industry’s development.

“China is welcoming a new era of rapid development in the business travel industry. High-end business customers have demanded more rigorous requirements for both high-end business and luxury hotels. Factors such as the environment, facilities, services and brand expertise are crucial in their consideration when selecting a hotel. The Golden Pillow Award endeavors to providing professional advice while identifying the best choices for business travelers.” said Mr. Murray, “We appreciate the professionalism of the award and it is an honor for Accor to be named as “The Best Hotel Management Company of 2008” in China.

As one of the pioneer international hotel management companies to enter the China market, Accor China currently operates 61 hotels (over 17,000 rooms) in 29 cities with approximately 80 projects under development. All Accor hotels in China are situated in major metropolitan areas, gateway cities, popular resort destinations and are developing fast into tier two and tier three cities under 6 different brands: Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure and Ibis, covering a full spectrum of markets from luxury to economy. Accor’s extensive hotel network in the market, the distinguished services it offers to guests, as well as the group’s leadership in operating integrated hotel development and management, have deservedly garnered itself the coveted title in the Golden Pillow Award.

The accolade endorses Accor’s reputation in hotel development and management in China, and will certainly raise the confidence of our associates and attract more investors to partner with Accor.” added Mr. Murray.

Accor’s Senior Vice President for Greater China named “Leader of the Hotel Industry of 2008”

Meanwhile, at the same award ceremony, Mr Murray was also honored with “The Leader of the Hotel Industry of 2008” award. Mr. Murray’s stint in China commenced in 2005. He brings to Accor over 25 years management experience in the hotel and tourism industry. His primary focus is on improving the performance of the existing Accor hotels network within China, while ensuring that the company infrastructure is capable and ready to feed the development pipeline. “I humbled by this award and I credit my success to my team members who worked very hard and helped me make Accor in China a success”.

Said Michael Issenberg, Accor Asia Pacific Chairman and COO, “Accor is delighted with this accolade for our senior manager, Robert Murray. These two awards are an acknowledgement not only of Robert’s leadership but is also an endorsement of Accor’s innovativeness, entrepreneurial flair and dynamism as a company”.