On 19 November 2017, AccorHotels celebrated its 50th anniversary by honouring everyday heroes – men and women, such as social workers, volunteers, firefighters, nurses and teachers – who work each day to serve their communities, by inviting them to more than 2,000 establishments around the world, including over 500 hotels in Asia Pacific and 15 in Singapore.

In Singapore, here is a snapshot of some of our events:

Swissôtel Merchant Court

Students trying their hand at making a bed

As part of AccorHotels’ 50th anniversary, Swissôtel Merchant Court treated 100 hospitality students and their teachers from SHATEC, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education to a staycation complete with a back-of-house tour to experience a total hospitality immersion programme both as a guest and an employee. To fully experience the fine Swiss hospitality that Swissôtel Merchant Court is renowned for, the students were attached to various F&B outlets for job-shadowing or the Front Office and Housekeeping Teams for hands-on experience, before ending their hospitality experiential programme with a one-night stay at the hotel.

AccorHotels Global Chief Development Officer Gaurav Bhushan, AccorHotels Asia Pacific Chief Talent and Culture Officer Christine Rumble and AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer for Malaysia, Indonesia And Singapore Garth Simmons also shared their hospitality experiences and tips for a career in this field during this event.

“I am thankful to Swissotel Merchant Court for organising this programme and would like to wish AccorHotels a happy 50th anniversary,” said Norsuziana Bte Samsaimon, a student at Republic Polytechnic studying for the Diploma in Hotel & Hospitality Management. “Participating in this programme is really meaningful for me as I am able to apply what I have learned in school into the real world.”

 Swissôtel Merchant Court Students learning about F&B operations 

Mercure Singapore Bugis 

Mercure Singapore Bugis hosted 10 trishaw riders and 10 hospitality school teachers to a staycation as part of AccorHotels 50th anniversary in honour of local heroes. The Trishaw Riders together with the Teachers embarked on a multi-sensory journey on trishaws to explore the oldest streets of Singapore – Little India, departing from Mercure Singapore Bugis.

“Rain or shine, we have seen Trishaw Uncles tirelessly pedal countless tourists from Mercure Singapore Bugis to experience Singapore’s nostalgic memories,” said Rhys Challenger, Mercure Singapore Bugis General Manager. “To celebrate AccorHotels’ 50th anniversary, Mercure Singapore Bugis opens our doors to some of our local heroes – these Trishaw Uncles who have played an important role in promoting Singapore’s rich heritage. My team and I hope that they enjoyed their staycation with us as part of AccorHotels’ 50th anniversary celebrations in honour of local heroes.” 

Mercure Singapore Bugis General Manager Rhys Challenger and guest departing from the hotel on a trishaw ride to Little India 

Mercure Singapore Bugis hosted 10 trishaw riders and 10 hospitality school teachers to a staycation as part of AccorHotels 50th anniversary in honour of local heroes

Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens

Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens distributed 750 ice-creams to their neighbours and gave away 500 complimentary packed lunches to taxi drivers and private hire car drivers to grab and go. The neighbours were pleasantly surprised by the sweet treat from the hotel and some looked forward to patronising the F&B outlets at the hotel. Taxi drivers were also appreciative that they were included in AccorHotels’ 50th anniversary celebrations.    AccorHotels Vice President Operations for Singapore – Midscale & Economy Brands and Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens General Manager Kevin Bossino offering an ice-cream to one of the construction workers in the neighbourhoodTaxi drivers and private hire car drivers dropped by Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens to grab their complimentary packed lunchTaxi drivers and private hire car drivers dropped by Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens to grab their complimentary packed lunch

Swissôtel The Stamford and Fairmont Singapore

Swissôtel The Stamford and Fairmont Singapore treated 50 volunteers from the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital and Community Chest to a breakfast on the Helipad of Swissôtel The Stamford. Among the guests was 77-year-old Sister Bernadette, a long-time volunteer with Community Chest since 1983 when Community Chest was first established. Over the years, Sister Bernadette has supported Community Chest in various ways including recruiting over 60 volunteers from all walks of life such as former teachers and retired nurses. 

Swissôtel The Stamford and Fairmont Singapore General Manager Marcus Hanna said, “One of the hallmarks of the AccorHotels brand is a passion for the community. This principle is something that is deeply embedded in the AccorHotel’s DNA, and is also a common thread that resonates throughout the different brands within the AccorHotels family. As such, it was only fitting that the theme “Welcome Heroes” was chosen to commemorate this golden jubilee; that as we celebrate this significant milestone, we also celebrate the heroes of our community who have so generously given of themselves, making sacrifices for the less privileged among us.”

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa

In celebrating AccorHotels’ 50th anniversary, ambassadors from Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa embarked on a mission to quench the thirst and put a smile on the faces of the gardeners and landscapers who toil tirelessly each day under the scorching sun to provide hotel guests and island-goers with beautifully manicured gardens and landscapes across the island. With 50 sets of slushies, pastries and fruits in hand, ambassadors went around the island surprising our unsung heroes with the sweet treats.

Sentosa gardeners and landscapers enjoying their slushies from Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa 

SO Sofitel Singapore

SO Sofitel Singapore thanked the hawkers at Lau Pa Sat Festive Market by treating them to its signature chocolate brownie, and a chilled cup of its SO Juicy mocktail. Everyday heroes to Singaporeans and visitors alike, the hawkers at Lau Pa Sat Festive Market have often provided a window for many into a quintessential way of Singaporean life – dining in a hawker centre. The Lau Pa Sat Festive Market is home to over 50 wok masters and gastro maestros who battle the heat of the kitchen to bring us the best street food flavours. 

This global event is an opportunity for the Group and its more than 250,000 employees to thank the people who are committed to serving their communities by sharing a moment with them around a breakfast, a barbecue, a concert, or staycation. 

This is also an opportunity for hotel staff to showcase their establishments, which are deeply rooted in the life of their neighbourhood, and to encourage local residents to go through their doors more often, without actually having to book a room. 

AccorHotels 50th Anniversary key figures globally

90,000 guests – 6,650 free nights – 1,000 brunches – 450 cocktails events – 240 concerts/parties