Pullman Hotels & Resorts, part of Accor’s global Premium portfolio, has unveiled a global brand transformation and a new vision for its hotels. The initiative follows the debut of Pullman xChange in Dubai, a series of events for leaders, creators and innovators.
The transformation positions Pullman hotels as places of exchange, reflecting the changing needs of today’s travelers. The new Pullman Portal, inspired by Pullman’s railway history, serves as a sculptural entryway marking the transition into the hotel environment. The design signature is currently installed at Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lake Towers, with future openings including Pullman Perth Airport and Pullman Hamilton. Renovation programs will extend the portal design to additional hotels across the network.
Meeting and event spaces have been reconfigured for flexibility, designed to function as keynote venues, creative studios, workshops, or cultural stages. Culinary and mixology experiences are central to the new Pullman model. Bars serve as social spaces, active throughout the day and evening. The brand will introduce Unexpected Pairings in 2026, a bar ritual where guests draw from a deck of playing cards to explore food and cocktail combinations.
Pullman has also introduced a learning program for staff, focusing on empathy, cultural awareness, and connection-building. About 60 percent of Pullman’s 20,000+ employees, known as Heartists, have completed the training, with the remainder scheduled to finish in 2026. The program aims to support guest interactions with insight and care.
The inaugural Pullman xChange was held from 13 to 14 November 2025 at Pullman Dubai Downtown. Developed in collaboration with the House of Beautiful Business, the event included workshops, artistic performances, and discussions on innovation and cultural shifts. Speakers included Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO & COO of the Dubai Future Foundation, neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow, cyberpsychologist Elaine Kasket, and architect Adib Dada. Future editions of Pullman xChange are planned for Europe, Asia, and South America.
“Pullman’s transformation marks a bold step into the future — one that fuses our heritage of movement and modernity with a renewed sense of purpose”, said Benoît Racle, global brand president, Premium, Accor. “Each hotel is conceived as a place of exchange, where ideas and people move freely, fostering creativity and connection. Launching this transformation alongside Pullman xChange felt instinctive, as the event truly brings our brand philosophy to life. It embodies our new spirit — dynamic, connected, and alive with possibility. And this is only the beginning of a movement that will continue to unfold across our hotels worldwide.”
“Pullman’s transformation echoes the incredible momentum we’re witnessing across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific — regions that are redefining global travel through bold innovation, cultural confidence, and an elevated guest experience. Our presence across MEA APAC is both long-standing and future-focused, with destinations like Dubai playing a central role in shaping the brand’s next chapter. At its core, Pullman is about bringing cultures together and offering guests spaces that spark inspiration and a sense of belonging,” said Kerry Healy, CCO, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Accor Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific.
Pullman operates more than 150 hotels in over 40 countries, with over 70 projects in development. The brand plans to surpass 200 hotels within five years. New properties launching in 2026 include Pullman Royal Key Wellness Resort in Guadeloupe, Pullman Kolašin Breza in Montenegro, Pullman Tokyo Ginza in Japan, and Pullman Hamilton in New Zealand.
The transformation integrates new design elements, flexible meeting spaces, culinary innovations, and staff training to align Pullman hotels with its global vision of exchange and connection.
