The AFL today announced that it has entered an exclusive partnership with Australia’s largest hotel group, Accor, as the official hotel partner of the AFL.

Under the terms of the two-year partnership, the AFL, its clubs and subsidiaries will stay at Accor hotels across Australia and New Zealand.

Accor operates over 200 hotels across Australia, including many hotels close to AFL venues. Accor’s hotel brands cover the full spectrum from 5-star Sofitel and Pullman hotels, through to mid-market Novotel and Mercure, and economy Ibis hotels. Accor also operates a number of apartment-style brands such as Quay West, The Sebel and Grand Mercure. 

AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said: "We are pleased to welcome the Accor hotel group to the AFL and we look forward to utilising the Accor network over the next two years.

"As Australia's game there is a natural synergy between the AFL and Australia's largest hotel group. This partnership ensures the vast number of people that make up the AFL industry have access to an exceptional level of service and support in relation to accommodation."

Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath said, “We are very pleased to have been selected by the AFL as their exclusive hotel partner, but what makes this agreement particularly special is that it goes well beyond simply providing accommodation. Accor is very selective in terms of which organisations we partner with, and we will be looking to work with the AFL in areas such as Indigenous programs, job development and a range of activity across digital and social media that benefit both our organisations.

“Accor has the range of accommodation styles to suit the needs of the AFL and its clubs and no other group can offer such a wide choice of locations across the country. It was logical for such a premier sporting organisation to join with Australia’s largest and most dynamic hotel group. We believe it will be an outstanding partnership that will benefit both parties considerably.

“We have had a long experience working with major sporting bodies such as the Australian Olympic team, Swimming Australia and the National Rugby League so we are very much used to looking after the needs of elite sports people.”

As part of the agreement, 70 Accor hotels including Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, The Sebel Launceston, The Sebel Playford Adelaide, Novotel Brisbane, Mercure Perth and Mercure Wellington will accommodate AFL corporate travel and teams.