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Accorhotels becomes first foreign chain to re-enter Iran

15 Sep 2015 by GrahamSmith

Accorhotels will become the first foreign hotel operator to re-enter Iran next month.

The French group will open a dual-branded property next to Tehran's Imam Khomeini International airport (IKIA).

The Axis hotel has been rebranded as Ibis IKIA and Novotel IKIA, with 196 and 296 rooms respectively. A footbridge directly links both hotels to the terminal.

The properties are a 45-minute drive from central Tehran.

A widely expected business travel boom is now expected once sanctions are lifted. Accor is the first international hospitality company to operate in the market since the 1979 revolution.

Sébastien Bazin, Accorhotel's chairman and CEO, said: "We are very excited about signing this partnership with Aria Ziggurat in Iran. We are certain that Novotel and ibis will fit perfectly into the growth momentum that Iran’s hospitality sector is enjoying.

"Our brands are looking at huge growth potential in this country, which is home to almost 80 million people and is expanding its economy. Our ambition is to develop an important network in the country thanks to our global portfolio of brands covering all segments, from luxury to midscale and economy."

Accor has signed a management agreement with Aria Ziggurat to open the dual-branded hotel.

Accor rebranded as Accorhotels three months ago (see news, June 8).

accorhotels.com

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