Accor is proud to mark the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec 3) by recognising the meaningful progress made through its Australia-wide Disability Employment Initiative, delivered in partnership with the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) at Flinders University.

This work sits at the heart of Accor's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures with heartfelt care.

Across the region, this commitment is reflected in the growing success of the Diversity Pathways project. Following a pilot programme in South Australia throughout 2024, the initiative was formally launched in Melbourne earlier this year and has since been rolled out across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. 

Since then, Accor has welcomed 35 new Heartists* with a cognitive disability across the Group's Pacific business.

The programme, co-designed with CSI at Flinders University, is delivered through a structured, multi-phase framework that increases cognitive disability awareness, builds capability at property level, and supports long-term employment outcomes. The work is underpinned by a comprehensive process that includes customised role design, pre-employment training, collaboration with Disability Employment Services, well-supported onboarding practices and ongoing feedback mechanisms.

Accor's Chief Operating Officer in the Pacific region, Adrian Williams, said the initiative represented both a responsibility and an opportunity for the hospitality industry.

“One in five Australians lives with a mental or physical disability. Creating equitable pathways into meaningful employment is one of the most powerful ways our industry can contribute to stronger, more inclusive communities. I love that this partnership with CSI is helping us rethink traditional recruitment approaches, build confidence within our teams, and create roles that celebrate people's strengths. It is work that's changing not just our hotels, but lives,” said Mr Williams.

Centre for Social Impact at Flinders University Research Fellow, Dr Jung Yoon, said: “I am incredibly grateful to Accor for their passionate and genuine commitment to these initiatives. The collaboration with Accor Pacific truly opens a new pathway to fostering an inclusive workplace and culture by promoting learning about diversity and inclusion and by creating meaningful roles for people with cognitive disabilities. This project would not have been possible without the support of the Accor champions, who will now lead the next generation of champions.”

This project is complemented by a growing number of social impact initiatives across the Pacific. These include ongoing support for DV Collective, which has helped raise more than $150,000 in 2025 to fund over seventeen thousand safe nights for women and children affected by domestic and family violence. Accor also proudly supported Australia's first National Silly Sock Day on November 25, a new annual initiative designed to raise awareness and vital funds for survivors.

Alongside this, the Group continues its partnership with Community Corporate to create employer-led pathways for refugees and migrants. More than two hundred new team members have joined Accor through this collaboration, including seventy this year alone, helping to address the low rate of stable employment achieved by refugees within their first twelve months in Australia.

Together, these efforts form an integrated approach to social care and impact that reflects Accor's belief in leading with heart, innovating with integrity and building teams that reflect the communities they serve.

As the Disability Employment Initiative continues to expand across the Pacific, Accor remains committed to setting a new benchmark for inclusive recruitment in the hospitality sector and ensuring that every person – guest, Heartist or community member – feels welcomed, valued and supported.

From luxury to economy, Accor operates more than 400 hotels in the Pacific region under renowned brands such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore's SO/, Mondrian, 25hours, Hyde and JO&JOE.

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*Note to editor: At Accor, we refer to our people as “Heartists®”. People are at the heart of everything we do, and being a Heartist® is all about the art of connecting with others in an authentic way. Our employee promise celebrates individuality, fosters growth, and ignites purpose-driven work.

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,700 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as lifestyle, with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and 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.