24/09/2010
Accor consolidates its positions in the Czech Republic

The Mercure Ostrava City will be opening in the Czech Republic in early 2011. The Group is continuing its development in the country and ambitions to develop a network totalling 15 hotels by the end of 2011, particularly through franchising.

Accor started its operations in the Czech Republic in 1998. Today, the Group operates seven hotels in the country: the Century Old Town hotel, member of the MGallery collection, the Novotel Praha Wenceslas Square and five ibis hotels, the latest of which opened in the city of Plzen.

At the beginning of 2011, the opening of the Mercure Ostrava will mark the first milestone in the strategy for steady development through franchising, as Yann Caillčre, Deputy CEO, in charge of Europe/Middle East/Africa, Sofitel Worldwide, Design and Construction explains: “The Group has a portfolio of strong brands, powerful distribution and reservation systems, as well as the best international standards of operational excellence, which makes us the ideal franchising partner”.

And Accor expertise, notes Bruno Coudry, DCOO Accor Central and Eastern Europe, “will allow us to take advantage of market opportunity for midscale and economy hotels”.

Rising occupancy rate

The Czech Republic holds real potential for development, as Luc Gesvret, COO Accor Czech Republic, points out: “Independent hotel business accounts for 79% of the portfolio”. Thanks to franchise solutions based on the Group’s know-how and expertise, “we already have projects under development in Olomouc under the ibis brand and in other cities”. This dynamic development is also due to the positive results for Accor Czech Republic, as “the hotels occupancy rate increased by 8% this year”.

In a few months, the Mercure Ostrava City will be welcoming guests in 140 spacious, comfortable rooms. Utmost attention has been given to meeting facilities. Finally, the restaurant and bar, inspired by the history of the building slated to receive the new Mercure, will include the French touch in food and wines.