Orient Express to be revitalized partner with Accor AND LVMH

Published on June 17, 2024

Accor and LVMH have announced a groundbreaking partnership to breathe new life into the legendary Orient Express, a brand synonymous with luxury travel since its inception in 1883. This collaboration promises to transform international travel by offering unparalleled experiences that will captivate film and literature enthusiasts, travel vloggers, tourists, and new adventurers alike.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

Strategic Investment and Development

• LVMH’s Role: LVMH will make a strategic investment in the Orient Express brand, supporting the company responsible for future hotels, trains, and the ownership of two sailing ships.
• Accor’s Vision: Since acquiring the Orient Express brand in 2022, Accor has planned to revive the historic train service and launch the first Orient Express sailing ship by 2026.
• Hotel Expansion: The agreement includes opening new hotels in iconic cities like Rome and Venice, with more global destinations to follow.

New Ventures and Opportunities

• Historic Train Renaissance: The reimagining of the Orient Express train service is a major highlight, set to provide an opulent travel experience reminiscent of its storied past.
• Luxury Sailing Ships: The first Orient Express sailing ship, currently being constructed at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, will be a unique addition to luxury travel by 2026.
• Third Partner: Both Accor and LVMH are in search of a third partner to bolster this ambitious venture, indicating potential further investments and expansions.

Why This Matters

Elevating Luxury Travel

• Expertise Synergy: By combining LVMH’s mastery in high-end products and services with Accor’s extensive experience in luxury hospitality, the partnership aims to set new benchmarks in luxury travel.
• Exclusivity and Heritage: The collaboration seeks to enhance the prestige of the Orient Express, offering experiences that reflect the brand’s historical grandeur and modern elegance.

Impact on International Travel

For Film and Literature Enthusiasts

• A Journey Back in Time: The revival of the Orient Express will undoubtedly attract fans of classic novels and films inspired by the train, providing a nostalgic and immersive travel experience.
• Cultural Exploration: New hotels in historic cities like Rome and Venice will serve as perfect settings for literary and cinematic exploration.

For Travel Vloggers and Tourists

• Content Goldmine: Travel vloggers will find endless content opportunities with the lavish interiors of the trains and ships, and the rich stories they carry.
• Luxurious Destinations: Tourists can look forward to experiencing world-class luxury as they traverse international destinations aboard the Orient Express.

For New Travelers

• First-Class Introduction: The new Orient Express ventures offer a premier introduction to luxury travel, inviting newcomers to explore the world in style.
• Seamless Integration: With comprehensive hospitality services, the partnership ensures that even novice travelers will enjoy a seamless and memorable journey.

The strategic partnership between Accor and LVMH marks a significant milestone in luxury travel. By revitalizing the iconic Orient Express brand, they are setting the stage for an era of opulent international travel that caters to a diverse audience. From film and literature aficionados to travel vloggers and first-time tourists, the Orient Express promises to deliver experiences that are both extraordinary and unforgettable.