Accor’s 2025 Pacific Leaders Conference celebrates innovation, impact, and excellence on the Gold Coast
The conference concluded with the prestigious 2025 Accor Pacific Awards Gala Dinner, where outstanding hotels, teams, and individuals were recognised for their achievements.
Over 350 senior hospitality leaders from across the Pacific region gathered on the Gold Coast for Accor’s 2025 Pacific Leaders Conference, a landmark event designed to shape the future of the group’s hotel operations, culture, and commercial strategy across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and beyond.
Held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, this year’s theme, LEAD: Leadership, Elevate, Accelerate, Deliver, united the Accor leadership community in its focus on driving sustainable growth, investing in people, and fostering innovation in a rapidly evolving travel landscape.
The conference opened with a welcome event at the newly launched Mondrian Gold Coast, where “surf shirt chic” set a playful tone for two days of collaboration and creativity. Delegates also enjoyed a sunrise Surf Life Saving session at Northcliffe Surf Club, a nod to local lifestyle and wellbeing.
With Melissa Doyle as MC, the agenda featured a full program of keynote sessions, workshops, and leadership forums. Global Accor executives including Jean-Jacques Morin, Group Deputy CEO, and Patrick Laurent, CFO for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, delivered strategic insights on financial resilience, market trends, and performance priorities.
A standout panel featuring leaders from Accor’s Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia Pacific division, led by Duncan O’Rourke, explored cross-regional perspectives, while an Emerging Leaders Forum gave aspiring general managers a platform to develop their leadership skills.
An emotional high point came with a keynote from Australian Paralympic gold medallist Curtis McGrath, who shared his powerful story of purpose and perseverance, resonating deeply with Accor’s mission to lead with meaning.
Brand strategy was also in the spotlight, with forums led by Global Brand Presidents Benoit Racle and Jean-Yves Minet, offering a forward-looking view of how Accor’s brand portfolio is adapting to meet the needs of next-gen travellers.
Throughout the venue, the Supplier Hub provided a dynamic showcase of partners and innovations powering Accor’s guest experiences, operational excellence, and future-focused strategies.
Celebrating Hospitality Excellence: The 2025 Accor Pacific Awards
The conference concluded with the prestigious 2025 Accor Pacific Awards Gala Dinner, where outstanding hotels, teams, and individuals were recognised for their achievements in guest experience, sustainability, financial performance, and innovation.
Novotel Perth Murray Street took out the top honour as Hotel of the Year, applauded for its all-round operational excellence and community impact.
Winners across ten key categories included:
-
Art of Hospitality – The Sebel Twin Towns Coolangatta
-
Work of Heart – ibis Hamilton Tainui
-
Responsible Hospitality – Peppers Salt Resort & Spa Kingscliff
-
Financial Excellence – Novotel Brisbane South Bank
-
Social Care & Impact – Novotel Perth Murray Street
-
Iconic Brand Delivery (Global Brand) – Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport
-
Iconic Brand Delivery (Regional Brand) – Peppers Silo Launceston
-
Food & Beverage Innovators – Salter Brothers – Mercure Hotels
-
Pioneering Mindset – Pacific Breakfast Project
-
Business Unit of the Year – Qantas Lounges Perth
The night featured a special address by Pierre-André Imbert, Ambassador of France to Australia, who acknowledged Accor’s French roots and its enduring influence on Pacific hospitality.
Closing the event on a high, Australian music icons Sneaky Sound System brought the energy with a live performance that had the room on its feet.
Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor Pacific, summed up the spirit of the event: “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 ambition to be the most sustainable, inclusive, and high-performing hospitality network in the region.”
The 2025 Pacific Leaders Conference was not only a celebration—it was a rallying call. As Accor looks to the future, the message is clear: bold leadership, strong collaboration, and purpose-led innovation will continue to define its journey.
AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.