GOLD COAST – Accor, the largest hotel operator in the Pacific, brought together more than 350 of its general managers and regional leaders for the 2025 Pacific Leaders Conference on the Gold Coast.
This year’s theme, LEAD: Leadership, Elevate, Accelerate, Deliver, called on Accor’s leadership community to explore how strategy, sustainability, innovation, and people come together to create meaningful impact for guests, teams, partners, and communities across the region.
The conference opened with a welcome event hosted at the newly opened Mondrian Gold Coast, where the theme – surf shirt chic – offered a light-hearted moment of connection and set the tone for two days of high-impact collaboration. The following morning, a sunrise Surf Life Saving session was hosted at Northcliffe Surf Club – a nod to the Gold Coast lifestyle and a moment of wellbeing for delegates.
The two-day conference agenda at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, guided by MC Melissa Doyle, included keynote sessions, business deep dives, breakout workshops, and thought-leadership forums focused on people and culture, loyalty, brand, commercial strategy, operational excellence, and responsible hospitality.
Several of Accor’s global leaders were in attendance, including Jean-Jacques Morin, Accor’s Group Deputy CEO, who delivered a keynote on the evolving travel landscape, Accor’s global momentum, and the importance of agility, resilience, and performance at every level of the business.
Patrick Laurent, Chief Financial Officer for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, offered a global financial perspective on performance strategy, investment priorities, and the importance of financial resilience.
A highlight of the agenda was a dynamic panel discussion of leaders from Accor’s Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia Pacific, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, led by Duncan O’Rourke.
An Emerging Leaders Forum also brought together aspiring General Managers for an afternoon of leadership insights and development. A Q&A with Neil Scanlan (Colliers) and Llewelyn Wyeth (Accor) provided practical owner perspectives, while the LEAD workshop challenged participants to co-create solutions to real business challenges.
On the final day, a standout session featured Australian Paralympic gold medallist Curtis McGrath, whose powerful story of resilience, service, and transformation inspired leaders to reflect on the deeper impact of their work – on people, purpose, and possibility.
Brand strategy also took centre stage in forums led by Global Brand Presidents, Benoit Racle and Jean-Yves Minet, offering an in-depth look at how each brand is evolving to meet the demands of tomorrow’s travellers.
A focal point throughout the conference was the Supplier Hub – a dynamic marketplace showcasing key partners and sponsors who play a vital role in Accor’s operations and future-facing innovations. Their investment and presence added valuable connection points across every aspect of the programme.
Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 Accor Pacific Awards
At the Gala Dinner held on 24 June, the 2025 Accor Pacific Awards recognised hotels and individuals delivering exceptional performance, guest service, innovation, and social impact across the group.
Novotel Perth Murray Street was recognised as the Hotel of the Year, achieving the top honour for all-round operational excellence.
Ten categories were won as follows:
-
Art of Hospitality – honouring standout guest experience and loyalty initiatives
Awarded to The Sebel Twin Towns Coolangatta -
Work of Heart – celebrating team engagement and recognition
Awarded to ibis Hamilton Tainui -
Responsible Hospitality – spotlighting sustainability leadership
Awarded to Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff -
Financial Excellence – recognising top financial and market performance
Awarded to Novotel Brisbane South Bank -
Social Care & Impact – acknowledging contributions to inclusion and community
Awarded to Novotel Perth Murray Street -
Iconic Brand Delivery (Global brand) – for brand activation and innovation
Awarded to Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport -
Iconic Brand Delivery (Regional brand) – for brand activation and innovation
Awarded to Peppers Silo Launceston -
Food & Beverage Innovators – rewarding standout F&B concepts
Awarded to Salter Brothers – Mercure Hotels -
Pioneering Mindset – highlighting bold, creative business transformation
Awarded to Pacific Breakfast Project -
Business Unit of the Year – celebrating non-hotel excellence in Accor Hospitality Services operations
Awarded to Qantas Lounges Perth -
Hotel of the Year – the top honour for overall operational excellence
Awarded to Novotel Perth Murray Street
The evening also featured a special address by Ambassador of France to Australia, Mr. Pierre-André Imbert, who acknowledged Accor’s proud French heritage and its contribution in shaping hospitality across the Pacific.
The evening reached its crescendo with a live performance by Sneaky Sound System – one of Australia’s most iconic music acts. Their high-energy set had the entire room on its feet, closing the conference with unforgettable flair.
Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor Pacific, said: Leadership today is about more than just performance – it’s about perspective, partnership, and purpose. This conference brought our community together to exchange bold ideas, celebrate success, and reaffirm our collective ambition – to be the most sustainable, inclusive, and high-performing hospitality network in the region. At the heart of this is our unwavering focus on delivering strong results for our owners and partners, and optimising performance across every hotel we operate.
From strategic vision to frontline execution, the event reaffirmed Accor’s commitment to developing its people, delivering standout guest experiences, and leading with purpose.
ABOUT ACCOR
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels & resorts, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay, gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor’s mission is reflected in the Group’s purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
Naomi Hammond
Communications Manager – Pacific
+61(0) 434 738 380
Accor
