AccorHotels has made two ‘strategic’ investments in the home rental sector.
It has taken an undisclosed investment in Squarebreak, a French start-up which runs a digital platform for private upmarket properties in resort locations, primarily in France, Spain and Morocco.
"With this investment, Accorhotels is positioning itself to better understand the expectations of guests in a sector where the stay experience and the quality of service are particularly important ", said Vivek Badrinath, Accor’s deputy chief officer, marketing, digital, distribution and information systems.
"In partnership with innovative players, Accorhotels continues to forge ahead along the path of changing and new behaviours in hospitality and travel".
AccorHotels has also taken a 30% stake in private home rental firm Oasis Collections, which offers personalised services to leisure and corporate guests, including concierge services and access to members’ club venues, as well as targeted exposure to international travellers for home owners.
Launched in Buenos Aires in 2009, it represents 1,500 properties in 18 destinations, in Latin America, the US and Europe.
"Oasis Collections allows us to explore new complementary offer to upscale hotels," said Badrinath.
The investments were announced as the group reported an ‘outstanding performance’ in 2015.
"In an extraordinarily volatile global economic context, and at a time when the hospitality industry is reinventing itself, the opportunities available are numerous and the group’s objectives for 2016 are clear: strengthen our position as the world’s leading hotel operator, and continue to significantly improve our operational and financial performance," said Sebastien Bazin, chairman and CEO.
