LVMH and Accor join forces to take Orient Express to new horizons

Accor and LVMH have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Orient Express, a legendary House synonymous for more than a century with the most exclusive travel experiences.

Since the inaugural voyage of its train in 1883, Orient Express has been taking the discovery of the world to new heights for clients in search of distinctive and refined adventures. A symbol of elegance and audacity, Orient Express embodies a lifestyle that encapsulates the extraordinary and enchantment.

Following its acquisition by Accor in 2022, Orient Express is developing new iconic ventures for trains, hotels and sailing ships whose exacting standards will reflect an extraordinary positioning within the travel world. The renaissance of an historic train and the launch of the first Orient Express sailing ship in 2026 will be the next steps in this renewed impetus. In parallel with these launches, Orient Express will open its first hotels in Rome and Venice while continuing the selective development of its global destinations.

Under the terms of the agreements signed today, LVMH will be joining forces with Accor through a strategic investment in the Orient Express brand, in the company that will operate the future hotels and trains, and in the entity that will own the two sailing ships. The first ship is currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France, and the two groups will continue to search together for a third partner for this new venture.

By contributing to the revival of this iconic brand, LVMH will add its unique expertise in high-quality products and services, illustrated in particular, in the world of travel, by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and the five other trains also operated by Belmond around the world. These extraordinary experiences reflect the operational expertise and creativity of LVMH Hospitality Excellence in this field.

Within its Luxury and Lifestyle division, Accor brings together the leading collection of luxury brands with a century-old legacy in the hotel and fine dining sectors. The remarkable heritage and history of several of these brands, including Raffles, Fairmont and Potel & Chabot, have enabled Accor to rejuvenate the experience for clients in search of excellence and distinctiveness. This vision is at the heart of the Orient Express project.