Fraud is in the Air
Private jet company pretends ownership by Accor as the hotel group launches global campaign
Accor, a global hospitality leader with some 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries, is easy to target if you want your company to link with a big name brand in travel. At least that is what AccorJets thought as it sent out a press release recently announcing its by-the-day program in private jet rental. But the European fractional ownership flight operator went on to say it was “owned by Accor SA … the largest hospitality company in Europe, and the sixth largest worldwide.”
And even that claim would have been fine to include – were it true.
In a lie uncovered by PrivateJetCardComparisons, the release that was sent out widely across press and media channels did not get the scrutiny of editors until an article on that travel information site pointed out that Accor knows nothing of this private jet company and had never heard of them before.
A spokesperson for Accor told Private Jet Card Comparisons, “After consulting with our operations team, it looks like (AccorJets) is not a legitimate program, and it is not associated with Accor. Our legal team is currently investigating the matter.”
The enterprising editor also noted that “according to ICANN, the website was registered on March 15, 2021, via Cheaphosting.com. The redacted owner is possibly based in Iceland. A number listed on the Accor Jets website generated a busy signal. There was no reply to an email request to speak with a representative.”
ACCOR, the Movie, Not the Private Air Seat
Meanwhile, Accor, the legitimate and very present hospitality group, is busy with some news of its own as it launched a major media campaign last month. Its “Unveil the World” campaign is a celebration of the return to travel, the approach of summer, and the joy of great hotel stays. With travel restrictions easing across many worldwide destinations, along with significant pent-up demand among travelers, the campaign is a signal of Accor’s confidence in the resurgence of travel, while reinforcing the company’s growing focus on the leisure segment.
“Our hotels and resorts are ready to welcome back guests and have successfully implemented our ALLSAFE hygiene and cleanliness protocols, which go beyond local and national requirements. This should help reassure travelers as our hotels are amongst the safest hubs for anyone resuming their leisure or business activities. Moreover, we are offering flexible rates and last-minute cancellation on All.com,” said Patrick Mendes, Chief Commercial Officer at Accor responsible for Sales, Marketing, Distribution and Loyalty.
“Unveil the World,” uses a short film inspiring travelers to rediscover the amazing places and experiences that add beauty, depth and meaning to their lives, is being launched through ALL – Accor Live Limitless, a lifestyle loyalty program that integrates rewards, services and experiences throughout the Accor portfolio of brands.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen across social media how much everyone has missed traveling and getting to experience the things they love. The world needs symbols of optimism to boost their morale and it is our sincere hope that people will soon get the chance to enjoy their much-deserved and delayed vacations,” said Steven Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer, Accor.
Accor’s research indicates that 65 percent of respondents worldwide are likely to plan a leisure trip in the coming months. Road trips, al fresco dining, cultural experiences, and city escapes are high on the priority lists of planned excursions – areas in which Accor’s “Unveil the World” campaign will encourage with special offers, new loyalty benefits and booking flexibility.
Consumers are also looking for flexible pricing options, ease of booking online, and trusted health and safety protocols, Accor’s research notes.
