The announcement comes just six months after Accor celebrated its 1000th hotel and shows how rapidly the group is expanding in Asia, with the region now representing 50 per cent of global growth.

With the launch of the new Sofitel Beijing Central, bringing the group’s APAC network to more than 210,000 rooms.

Michael Issenberg, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Accor Asia Pacific said, “We have had a record six months since announcing our 1,000th hotel with the Pullman Tokyo Tamachi late last year and it’s incredible to think that we have added another 100 hotels already since then. Sofitel Beijing Central will be a great addition to our network in China and will become one of the premier luxury hotels in the city.”

Accor is the largest and most geographically diverse hotel group in Asia Pacific and, with 38 brands within its portfolio, is heavily focused on further expansion in the luxury and lifestyle sectors. The opening of Sofitel Beijing Central brings the group’s luxury and premium hotels in the region to 320.

Gary Rosen, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Accor Greater China said, “2019 marks the 55th anniversary of Sino-French relations and coincides with the 55th anniversary of the Sofitel brand. We are excited to launch a new Sofitel in China’s capital against the backdrop of these two significant occasions. France is one of the most popular outbound destinations for Chinese travellers and as an ambassador of French culture. Sofitel enjoys tremendous opportunities as a preferred brand for luxury travellers.”

Accor has the largest pipeline in Asia Pacific and opened 128 hotels in the region last year. The group opens, on average, a new hotel every 36 hours globally and in Asia Pacific opens a new hotel every three days.