How Accor Supports Refugee Inclusion

Starting over in a new country often comes with uncertainty. Alongside finding housing, learning a new language, and adapting to a different culture, many refugees also face the challenge of rebuilding their careers and finding meaningful employment.

The hospitality industry has always been built on welcoming people from all backgrounds. At Accor, that commitment extends beyond our guests. Through employment partnerships, skills programs, and community initiatives, we're helping refugees develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and explore hospitality careers across our global network.

How does Accor support refugee employment?

Many refugees arrive with valuable professional experience, transferable skills, and ambitions for the future. However, navigating an unfamiliar job market, understanding local hiring practices, and building professional networks can make finding employment more challenging.

To help bridge this gap, Accor partners with SINGA, an international organization that creates opportunities for newcomers through professional, social, and entrepreneurial programs.

Together, we support initiatives that help participants prepare for employment by providing:

• Career coaching and mentoring
• Employability workshops
• Professional networking opportunities
• Practical support for entering the local job market

These programs equip participants with the skills, confidence, and support they need to build successful careers in hospitality and beyond.

Creating pathways to hospitality careers

Hospitality offers a wide range of career opportunities, making it an industry where people from different backgrounds and experiences can thrive.

Across Europe and beyond, Accor works with local organizations, NGOs, and community partners to create meaningful pathways into hotel and hospitality careers.

In France, partnerships involving Accor hotels, NGOs, and Accor Heartist Solidarity have enabled refugees to access internships, hospitality training programs, and professional guidance. Programs such as École des Cuistots Migrateurs in Paris help participants develop practical hospitality skills while gaining hands-on experience in professional kitchens.

Elsewhere, initiatives in cities including Lyon provide employability support alongside language development, helping participants build confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Similar collaborations in Portugal, Australia, and Brazil continue to support refugees and asylum seekers through vocational training, job readiness programs, and access to employment opportunities across the hospitality industry.

Why diversity strengthens hospitality

Hospitality is all about people. Every day, team members from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences come together to create memorable guest experiences.

By welcoming people with diverse perspectives, we build stronger teams, encourage fresh ideas, and create workplaces where everyone feels valued. For refugees, employment is about more than earning a living. It's an opportunity to rebuild confidence, continue growing professionally, and find a sense of belonging in a new community.

Creating inclusive teams also helps us better reflect the diverse guests and communities we serve around the world.

Building careers with purpose

Every career opportunity is a chance to learn new skills, build confidence, and create a brighter future.

Through refugee inclusion initiatives and partnerships, Accor continues to help people develop their careers, gain valuable work experience, and take the next step toward long-term success. These programs demonstrate how hospitality can open doors, create meaningful opportunities, and support professional growth.

Whether you're starting your first hospitality job or continuing your career in a new country, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow, and create your own path at Accor.

Explore our current hospitality opportunities and discover where your career journey could begin.