Bring out the candles and the birthday cake. Accor’s Ibis, lauded as the world's best known economy hotel brand, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Established in 1974 in Bordeaux, France, the brand’s core promises of affordability, innovation and quality, has been established in more than 2,500 locations in 79 countries across three brands: ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget.
Accor has a pipeline of more than 320 ibis hotels and will touch down in the 80th country by the end of the year, with the opening of the ibis Styles Reykjavik Muli in Iceland.
This year ibis will launch a new brand culture programme, global employee ambassadorship and brand campaign.
“Ibis is a true power brand. Known the world-over, Ibis democratised travel, making quality travel experiences possible for everyone, irrespective of budget,” said Karelle Lamouche, chief commercial officer, Premium Midscale & Economy brands, Accor.
“The Ibis brands are where people start their career and where people first start to travel. People start, and stay, with ibis. This has been true for 50 years and will remain true for the next 50 because we know ibis is a rare gem and people are what makes the difference,” Lamouche added.