Ibis Hotels marks 50 Years of Setting Standards in Affordable Luxury and Comfort

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

This year marks the 50th anniversary of ibis, the globally renowned economy hotel brand. Established in 1974, ibis was founded on three fundamental pillars: affordability, innovation, and quality. By revolutionizing travel and hospitality, ibis became the first hotel brand in Europe to provide a high standard of comfort at an accessible price point for all travelers.

Today, ibis stands as the foremost global economy hotel brand, boasting over 2,500 locations across 79 countries under its three brands: ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis budget. With an ambitious plan for expansion, ibis is set to break new ground with a pipeline of over 320 hotels. As it celebrates its 50th milestone, ibis looks to extend its reach into new markets, aiming to establish a presence in its 80th country by the year’s end with the introduction of the ibis Styles Reykjavik Muli in Iceland.

In honor of half a century of market leadership and commitment to hospitality for all, ibis will launch a comprehensive brand culture program, global employee ambassadorship initiatives, and a brand campaign. These efforts are a reaffirmation of ibis’s core values, emphasizing its status as a market leader and highlighting the brand’s enduring appeal, driven by its dedicated team.

“ibis is a true power brand. Known the world-over, ibis democratised travel, making quality travel experiences possible for everyone, irrespective of budget,” said Karelle Lamouche, Chief Commercial Officer, Premium Midscale & Economy brands, Accor. “The 50th anniversary of ibis is not just a celebration, it’s a testament to five decades of unwavering dedication to making travel possible, offering caring hospitality for all and the brand’s undisputed leadership in the economy segment. This year we proudly celebrate our anniversary and the people and communities that have stayed with us and grown with us. For 50 years, we have welcomed and developed our people, giving them a foundation in hospitality excellence, fuelling their skills and passion. The ibis brands are where people start their career and where people first start to travel. People start, and stay, with ibis. This has been true for 50 years and will remain true for the next 50 because we know ibis is a rare gem and people are what makes the difference.”

The pioneering economy hospitality brand in Europe, ibis, inaugurated its inaugural hotel in Bordeaux back in 1974. Rapid expansion ensued, first across Europe and then globally, demonstrating that hotels could deliver standardized quality, remarkable design, and unwavering reliability, all at an accessible price point. Leading the charge in offering a cozy and high-quality night’s rest to all travelers, ibis cemented this commitment with the introduction of the innovative Sweet BedTM, now a hallmark feature across ibis properties worldwide. With a focus on standardization, ibis spearheaded a revolution in international travel, ensuring travelers could find familiarity and consistency even in unfamiliar territories.

In 2012, Accor established the ibis family, comprising three distinct brands: ibis, All Seasons (now ibis Styles), and Etap Hotel (now ibis budget). At the time of inception, the ibis brands collectively boasted over 1,600 hotels worldwide. Since then, Accor has expanded its portfolio by nearly 1,000 properties globally across the three brands, reaching a total of over 2,500 hotels in 79 countries, underscoring the robustness of the ibis brand.

Accor guest data from five key markets – France, Australia, Germany, UK & US – underscores the enduring appeal of ibis’s founding principles, with guests gravitating towards the ibis brands for their value proposition, convenience, and overall experience delivered by friendly staff, ensuring a seamless stay.

Fueled by the strength of the ibis brand, the three distinctive sub-brands – ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis budget – each embody a unique brand design, personality, and promise, all unified by the spirit of openness and the commitment to affordability, convenience, and comfort:

• ibis offers inclusive hospitality for all, providing guests with a comfortable, high-quality stay complemented by vibrant social spaces often infused with music. The brand is rolling out fresh design concepts globally, such as Plaza, Agora, and Square, receiving acclaim for bringing affordable, comfortable, and socially engaging designs to life.
• ibis Styles delivers imaginative and adaptable hospitality, characterized by exceptional comfort and distinctive designs that inspire guests to express their creative flair. With each location boasting its own unique design, ibis Styles features over 640 locations worldwide, each offering a distinct experience.
• ibis budget presents a straightforward proposition of smart and comfortable accommodations, dedicated to providing reliable affordability.

Together, ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis budget offer comfortable stays, quality design, friendly service, and affordable travel experiences in prime city and central locations worldwide, with nearly 1,700 hotels in In Europe, there are over 300 hotels; in the Americas, there are more than 300 hotels; in Greater China, there are more than 330 hotels; and across the Middle East and Asia Pacific, there are over 250 hotels.

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