Accor Signs Dual-Branded Sofitel and Novotel Hotels in Jinghe New City in Northern Xi'an

Accor, together with Jinghe New City Industrial Development Group, announced the signing of a new dual-branded hospitality project in the Qin Zhihui Complex of Jinghe New City in Xi'an. Two of Accor's brands - luxury brand Sofitel and signature midscale brand Novotel - will together encompass a 53,000 sqm space with over 420 guestrooms and suites. Once completed, the hotels will stimulate business and travel in Jinghe New City, leading the hospitality market in northern Xi'an and supporting Accor's expansion across Greater China. With nearly 700 hotels open and in operation throughout the region, the new development in Jinghe New City comes on the heels of Accor's recent high-profile hotel openings such as Raffles at Galaxy Macau; Mondrian Hong Kong; and Dunhua Mansion Taipei - MGallery Collection.

"The broad diversity of our brand portfolio is one of Accor's greatest strengths as we continue to expand our presence across the country. We are proud to bring two of our world-renowned French hotel brands to the Qin Zhihui Complex, fully supporting the ambitious Xi'an North development strategy," said Gary Rosen, CEO, Accor Greater China. "We are honored to work with Jinghe New City Industrial Development Group, a team that shares Accor's commitment to ESG practices, and our forward-thinking mindset. Together, we will create a healthy and prosperous hospitality community in Jinghe New City, with a plan that integrates technological advancement and sustainable operations."

The Sofitel & Novotel project is located in the Qin Zhihui Complex within the exciting Jinghe Bay Academician Science & Technology Innovation district of the city. Nearby, the architecturally significant Jinghe New City Culture & Art Center will be a landmark project for the district. The Qin Zhihui Complex is poised to become a large-scale integrated center combining commercial, office, lifestyle, and hotel facilities. Development and construction will include advanced scientific and technological systems, the use of innovative energy sources and materials, artificial intelligence, as well as on-site power generation.

"We are excited to bring an elevated hospitality experience to Jinghe New City, through our partnership with Accor. This project will further support the development of Jinghe New City, and enhance the quality of business, leisure, and cultural tourism in the region," said Wang Bin, Jinghe New City Industrial Development Group. "Accor has world-class hotel brand advantages and professional management experience, with a revered reputation in the industry. We look forward to working with Accor to develop, operate, and manage high quality hotels, which will attract visitors and foreign travelers to the banks of Jinghe."

Sofitel Xi'an Jinghe New City will provide a sophisticated hospitality experience for business and leisure travelers. Sofitel is at the forefront of hospitality, blending genuine, heartfelt, and dedicated luxury with French zest. The brand has a strong appeal among Chinese travelers, who appreciate its refined sense of modern luxury. The iconic brand is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Sino-French relations.

Novotel is one of Accor's founding brands and has become travelers' #1 choice in the midscale hospitality segment. The Novotel concept of spending time living well and mindfully aligns with its fundamental values of innovation, commitment to sustainable development, and high quality, consistent experiences. Novotel understands the importance of a balanced life, encouraging guests to live mindfully and take the time they need to reenergize. Every aspect of Novotel Xi'an Jinghe New City will encourage guests to seamlessly blend business and pleasure – from the brand's warm, modern design to its thoughtful approach to wellbeing; its commitment to sustainable development; and its entertainment offerings.

The Sofitel and Novotel Qin Zhihui Complex will be a mere 20-minute drive away from the municipal government, and just 15 minutes from Xianyang International Airport and Xi'an North Railway Station. Additionally, the Baomao Expressway and Yanxi Expressway, two north-south highways, directly pass through Jinghe New City, while the nearby Xi'an Outer Ring Expressway further connects it to the entire city of Xi'an.

The arrival of Sofitel and Novotel will further establish Jinghe New City as an attractive community for people and families at all ages and stages, with high quality work-life balance. Nearby cultural and tourist sites provide an added draw for residents, visitors, and leisure travelers, while the region's fast-growing industries such as solar energy, new materials, and alternative energy sources provide abundant opportunities. The area has already attracted major enterprises such as Longi, Skyworth, Chuangpusi, and Dech Future.

Accor is ambitiously expanding its portfolio of brands across Greater China, including the mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. Within the first quarter of 2024, Accor Greater China will achieve a milestone of 700+ hotels, with the openings of Sofitel Shanghai North Bund, five MGallery destinations, the first Novotel Living property in China, and many more. Sofitel is present in 20 key destinations across China, such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Guiyang, Xian, Kunming, Sanya, and Macau, with additional key cities in the pipeline, including Shanghai, Shenyang, Wuhan and Zhangjiajie. In 2023, Novotel marked its 50th hotel opening in Greater China, with top destinations in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Xian and Chongqing. With more than 50 Novotel hotels in development across Greater China – in markets such as Shanghai, Chengdu, Tianjin, Shenzhen and Zhuhai – the brand is set to double its presence in the country by 2030.