Accor Hotels CEO, Garth Simmons- interview

Accor Hotels CEO, Garth Simmons- interview

Last year, Accor opened 20 hotels in Asia. Tatler caught up with CEO Garth Simmons to find out how they're ensuring a sustainable, ethical and meaningful expansion in the region and beyond With leading hotel brands like Raffles, Banyan Tree, Pullman and SO/ under its belt, Accor’s influence in the hotel industry is undeniable—and it’s only getting bigger. In 2023 alone, Accor opened over 20 hotels across Asia, including the opening of the world’s largest Mercure hotel, Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, and the debut of the first Tribe in Thailand, Tribe Living Bangkok Sukhumvit 39.

Accor’s expansion in Asia includes properties in exciting, off-the-beaten-track destinations. What, in your opinion, are some of the region’s most underrated destinations?

Since [living in] Asia, I have had the privilege of discovering a host of destinations that each tell a unique story of cultural richness and natural beauty. In Japan, Yatsugatake offers a serene escape, where the air is crisp, and the mountain scenery is simply stunning. It's a place for those who love the outdoors, offering endless hiking trails and hot springs, all under the watchful presence of the beautiful mountain range that gives the area its name.

To celebrate these destinations, Accor has implemented some authentic and immersive cultural offerings. Can you tell us more about this?

Our commitment to enriching guest experiences through authentic local immersion is at the core of our operations across Asia. For instance, at Pullman Luang Prabang, we offer an immersive rice cultivation experience that allows guests to step into the lives of local farmers. This unique activity not only connects guests with the traditional agricultural practices of Laos, but also emphasises our dedication to sustainability and cultural education. Guests participate directly in either planting or harvesting rice, learn about sustainable farming techniques and gain insight into the importance of rice in Laotian culture.

How connected and involved with local communities?

I firmly believe that fostering a connection between our guests and the local communities is not just beneficial but essential. When guests feel connected and involved with the local communities, they gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural, historical and environmental context of the places they visit. This interaction not only enriches their travel experience but also instils a sense of respect and responsibility towards the local environment and its inhabitants.

On the topic of sustainability, Accor was the first hospitality group to implement a sustainability policy in 1974. How has its policies evolved since?

We have continued to strengthen our commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with contemporary environmental, social, and governance expectations. Today, we are driving change through a comprehensive approach founded on three operational pillars - Stay, Eat and Explore. We have set ambitious goals to mitigate our impact on the planet, including energy efficiency improvements, reducing water consumption and minimising waste in our hotels across Asia. We also emphasise local sourcing and support sustainable food practices, reducing food waste and promoting plant-based menu options to lessen our environmental impact.