Accor announced a new independent hotel brand.  Handwritten Collection is a global portfolio of bespoke hotels. It has 12 secured signings, with five properties expected to debut in early 2023. Handwritten Collection properties opening include Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental, Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa, France; and Wonil Hotel Perth. Additional properties will open throughout the remainder of the year. "Our aim is to support independent and boutique hotel owners looking to boost their global profile,” said Alex Schellenberger, CMO, Premium, Midscale, Economy Brands, Accor. Accor’s other collection brands include the MGallery Hotel Collection, and Emblems Collection. Handwritten Collection will bring together hotels with individual character, Accor says. The Handwritten Collection is designed with the needs of independent hotel owners in mind. The bulk of properties joining Handwritten Collection will be conversion projects rather than new builds. The brand’s standards are designed to be flexible, light, and easy to attain.

Plans for the Orient Express Silenseas have been unveiled, dubbed the world's largest sailing ship. It is a unique French partnership between Accor and Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipbuilding. It is expected to set sail in 2026. The 220-metre-long modern yacht will feature 54 suites measuring an average 70-square-metres, including a huge 1,415-square-metre Presidential Suite; The vessel will have two swimming pools two restaurants and a speakeasy bar. It will feature Orient Express signature luxury comfort. "We are beginning a new chapter, taking the excellence of luxury travel and transposing it onto the seas," said Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin.