Accor has reported higher-than-expected first-half operating profits and raised its 2010 guidance, led by a resurgent business travel sector. The improvement was driven by higher occupancy and rates across the group’s Sofitel, Pullman and Novotel brands.

French hospitality giant, Accor, plans to almost double the number of hotels in its global portfolio to 7,000 in the next seven years. The €1.4bn expansion will target high-growth emerging markets, particularly in Brazil and India, and will include opening a new hotel every week in Asia over the next two years.

Accor and InterGlobe announce today the establishment of an investment fund for a portfolio of India hotel assets in which an affiliate of Pacifica Partners (Pacifica) will take a significant stake of up to 36% equity in the fund, subject to requisite regulatory approvals. Accor and InterGlobe will each hold 32% equity in the fund.

Accor employees from around Asia Pacific are winging their way to Thailand, touching down this weekend on the island paradise of Phuket to commence final preparations for the “Accor Race to Survive 2010”.

Accor announced its strategic expansion plans for Vietnam. This plan includes additional hotels within the Novotel, Mercure hotel brand, launching of the ibis brand and MGallery label and the ambitious goal of doubling the number of rooms under management in the Vietnam by 2012.