Accor finds space for innovation
Accor has formally launched its new generation Novotel room in Bangkok.
The launch coincided with the official opening of the Novotel Bangkok Fenix Ploenchit, the third Novotel to open in the Thai capital in the last three months.
The new generation room will be introduced to all 86 Novotels in Asia Pacific along with 36 new Novotels in the region already committed. Over time, the room will be introduced to 400 Novotels worldwide.
Accor believes its hotel partners are being attracted to the room concept because the design is both cost effective and eco efficient.
Michael Issenberg, chairman of Accor Asia Pacific, said while the design of the room, typically 26sqm, would be fairly standard, it could be adapted to suit local cultures.
“In Asia, for instance, the rooms may feature more bright colours.â€
Frederic Josenhans, Accor senior vice president of marketing and brands development, said the DNA of the new room was “innovation, consistency and designâ€.
Josenhans said the key to the room’s acceptance by hotel owners was the ability to do more with less space. “The transparency between bathroom and bedroom creates the feeling of space,†he said.
Features of the new room include a transparent glass partition between bedroom and bathroom that becomes opaque at a flick of a switch, a modular side table that can be drawn up to the bed for working or dining, a sofa that can be used as a guest bed, low energy lighting and wood from sustainably managed forests.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive