The vast majority of the Accor Group’s markets reported solid growth in 2014, with revenue of €5,454 million, up 3.8% like-for-like and 0.5% as reported, buoyed by like-for-like growth of 4.8% in the second half and 5.1% in the fourth quarter.
There was a strong increase in fourth-quarter revenue, going up 5.1% like-for-like and 2.1% as reported.
Accor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sébastien Bazin, said in the company’s HotelServices (hotel operator and brand franchiser) division, revenue was up 5.5% like-for-like to €1,248 million, with strong gains in the Americas (up 11.3%), in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa region (MMEA, up 8.2%) and in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe (NCEE, up 6.1%).
“Accor’s growth in 2014 is even more remarkable in light of the mixed economic environment during the year and the fact that a major transformation was underway within the Group,” he said.
“The solid performance reflects the commitment of our teams, the strength of our brands, the trust we have built up with our guests and partners, and the vitality of our development.
“Thanks to the rigorous implementation of our new strategy and the faster pace of growth in the fourth quarter, we are raising our EBIT target to around €600 million,” he said.
From a development standpoint, 2014 was significant for Accor, with the company adding 208 hotels worldwide, representing 29,556 rooms.