Biznes Fakty
The Orbis brand is disappearing from the market. It will be replaced by Essendi
The Polish hotel chain Orbis has rebranded as Essendi following more than a century of existence, according to the company’s announcement. This change arises from a decision made by its parent company, AccorInvest group, aimed at streamlining its operations.
As highlighted in the press release, this transformation is part of a broader initiative to unify the group’s identity. „AccorInvest and Orbis are now embracing the new name Essendi. This transition does not signify a departure from past accomplishments; rather, it represents a further step in our development, based on the same principles, team, and expertise accumulated over the years. The new branding is a component of the transformation initiated in 2020, which aims to enhance our leadership position in the responsible hotel sector across Europe,” the announcement stated.
The company asserts that since 2020, it has consistently prioritized its most lucrative assets in Europe, specifically in the economy and midscale segments, by optimizing its hotel portfolio through active asset management (including acquisitions, renovations, sales, and exchanges). As reported, by the conclusion of 2024, the estimated value of the Essendi group’s hotel portfolio will reach EUR 7.8 billion, with revenues projected to rise to EUR 4 billion (an increase of 3.1% year-on-year).
The famous Orbis globe PAP/Radek PietruszkaOver 100 years of Orbis
The company emphasizes that its evolution also signifies a „dedication to sustainable growth and advocating for this trend within the hospitality sector.” Essendi’s ESG strategy includes aims such as a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, achieving climate neutrality by 2050, and a portfolio comprised entirely of Green Key certified hotels. „The rebranding marks the culmination of our transformation and the commencement of a new chapter in the group’s journey. Thanks to our teams’ dedication, we have seen tangible results: we have reinforced our status as a European leader, optimized our portfolio, enhanced profitability, and stabilized our financial standing,” stated Gilles Clavié, the company’s CEO, as quoted in the Essendi press release.
„Our new identity embodies our ambition: to actively influence a more sustainable and efficient future for the hospitality industry, built on strong foundations – people, properties, and ESG values (…). In Poland, we carry forward the legacy of Orbis, a brand that has established hospitality standards over many decades. We remain mindful of this heritage,” remarked Dominik Sołtysik, COO Eastern Europe at Essendi.
The Orbis brand originated in 1920 in Lviv as the Polish Travel Agency Orbis, with the first hotels joining the company in 1951. In 2020, the brand was acquired by AccorInvest. Currently, Essendi operates 576 hotels across 24 countries, encompassing brands such as ibis, Novotel, and Mercure. The company employs approximately 20,000 individuals.
