Accor’s Groundbreaking Initiative: Hiring Refugees & Migrants in Hospitality

Published on June 20, 2025

In a remarkable move to foster inclusivity, Accor has partnered with Community Corporate to hire nearly 100 refugees and migrants, representing 18 different cultural backgrounds. The initiative, which spans 17 of Accor’s hotels and Qantas lounges, is not just about filling positions—it’s about transforming lives and creating opportunities. With a focus on women (68% of the employees), this collaboration speaks volumes about the importance of diversity in the hospitality sector and sets a powerful example for others to follow.

Breaking Barriers in Hospitality Employment

Accor’s partnership with Community Corporate isn’t just about offering jobs. It’s about building bridges between communities and providing meaningful employment to those who have often struggled to find work. This initiative has already made a significant impact, with employees bringing 22 spoken languages to some of Australia’s most iconic hotels—such as Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour.

Adrian Williams, Accor Pacific’s Chief Operating Officer, believes that hospitality should reflect the world’s rich diversity. He encourages others in the industry to open their doors to this untapped talent pool, saying, “Hospitality is about people. It’s about the richness they bring, and the diversity they contribute.” For Williams, inclusive hiring isn’t just a value—it’s a practice that can change the fabric of businesses and communities.

The Challenges Refugees and Migrants Face

The Australian Institute of Family Studies reveals a stark reality: only 6% of refugees find work in the first six months of arrival, and only 23% secure employment within two years. These statistics underscore the barriers that refugees and migrants face when entering the workforce. Through this partnership, Accor is actively challenging these figures by providing jobs, cultural confidence training, and mentorship to those who need it most.

A Growing Movement: Expanding the Reach

In 2024, Accor and Community Corporate hosted roadshows in five major cities, engaging over 500 job seekers and providing training to more than 40 leaders within Accor. These efforts didn’t just stop there. In 2025, the roadshow will expand to new regions, including Tasmania and the Gold Coast, aiming to employ another 100 refugees and migrants by year-end.

This expansion is changing the narrative around refugee employment. Carmen Garcia, CEO of Community Corporate, emphasizes the importance of corporate support: “We need more companies like Accor. They show us what’s possible when refugees are given a fair go.”

A Commitment to Long-Term Change

Accor is also strengthening its commitment to cultural inclusion by joining the Multicultural South Australia Ambassador Program, which supports businesses in becoming more culturally inclusive. This is just one of the many steps Accor is taking to ensure that its hotels are not just businesses but spaces of belonging for people of all backgrounds.

Later this year, the company will roll out digital training modules to build cultural confidence among its employees, with a focus on diversity, safety, and inclusion. This is part of a larger push to create an inclusive culture across Accor’s Australian hotels and Qantas lounges.

Conclusion: A Model for Others to Follow

Accor’s work with refugees and migrants goes beyond mere hiring. It is about creating an inclusive culture that benefits everyone. By providing opportunities to a largely underrepresented group in the workforce, Accor is setting an example that could inspire other hospitality businesses to take similar steps toward inclusivity. The long-term impact of these efforts won’t just be seen in the businesses they help but also in the communities they uplift.

As Adrian Williams put it, “It’s about making our industry—and society—stronger.”