Fairmont Ready To Take On The World

These are exciting times for Fairmont Hotels International.

Its recent acquisition by Accor Hotels – a deal that includes the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotels brands – takes Fairmont into new territory and, according to Kevin Frid, chief operating officer North & Central America for Accor, allows it to compete on the world stage.

Frid was in Toronto last night (Oct. 5, 2016) to welcome a group of travel trade types along with representatives from a number of Fairmont’s properties across Canada for an update on the hotel group.

He pointed out that Accor is the largest hotel operator in the world and what the Fairmont deal gives that company now is a significant footprint in North America and just as importantly, a strong presence in the luxury market.

“We’re no longer the little guy,” Frid told his audience.

“I believe [Fairmont] has the best collection of properties in the world,” he said.

However, Frid made it clear that the company wasn’t resting on its laurels, pointing to significant ongoing investments, improvements and renovations taking place at Fairmont’s properties in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria and elsewhere in Canada.

He said that Fairmont was also gearing up for an exciting 2017, and its iconic properties are preparing to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday in a big way.

Seen in the photo, from l to r, are Fairmont’s Patricia Courtney; Accor’s Kevin Frid; and Fairmont’s Mike Taylor.