The Orient Express brand will operate two sailing ships, hotels, and trains thanks to a strategic investment by LVMH in partnership with Accor. The two investment groups will also seek a third partner for their new venture.
The company's first ship, the Orient Express Corinthian, is being built at Chantiers de l'Atlantique for delivery in 2026.
LVMH will contribute its expertise in high-quality products and services, especially in travel products such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and the other five trains that Belmond also operates worldwide, contributing to the brand's revival.
Within its luxury and lifestyle division, Accor boasts a collection of luxury brands with a century-long heritage in the hospitality and fine dining sectors. These include Raffles, Fairmont, and Potel & Chabot.
“Orient Express has embodied adventure and elegance since its inception,” declared Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of the LVMH Group. “Its name is part of our cultural heritage and continues to inspire the greatest artists.”
He added, “We are delighted to partner with Accor to accelerate the renovation of this travel icon. Each of our groups will bring the best of its expertise to take the Orient Express to the pinnacle of hospitality.”
New chapter
“With Orient Express, Accor is reinventing the art of travel, discovery and great odysseys,” says Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of the Accor Group.
“Today, with LVMH, we open a new chapter in this exciting journey, with the ambition to explore new horizons and embody the boldness and creative passion that drive our groups. We are delighted to have LVMH's unique expertise to continue pushing the boundaries of this legend and bringing its incarnation to life in an increasingly singular way“.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
