BANGKOK, 5 February, 2004 � Accor has signed a new contract to manage its second Novotel in Shenzhen, the 200-room Novotel Bauhinia Shenzhen, giving the company a commanding presence in China�s first special economic zone.

Accor Senior Vice President � Asia, Mr Reggie Shiu, said that Accor continues to seek prime opportunities around the country to expand its growing hotel network.
�Accor is expanding very rapidly in China. Novotel Bauhinia Shenzhen represents the 31st management contract we have signed around the country and Accor places great emphasis on this project. We are positive that it will be beneficial for Accor and our partner, Shenzhen Idea Industry Development Co Ltd, reflecting the confidence we have in our partnership.  �Shenzhen plays a vital role in the region around the Pearl River Delta, and Accor�s expanding presence in this city signifies the importance the area holds. � 

Shenzhen Idea (Chuang Yi) Industry Development Co Ltd�s main commercial interests are real estate and trading, and in just eight years the company has grown into its current strong business position. 

According to President, Mr Lin You Wu, President, Accor stood out from its competitors not only because of its management expertise, but because the Novotel brand fits their Shenzhen property. 

�Novotel Bauhinia Shenzhen boasts a great location with modern architecture, when complemented by the Novotel promise of efficiency and excellent service, it will undoubtedly be the first choice of business travellers. The hotel will also benefit from Accor�s extensive worldwide sales network,� he added.

Novotel Bauhinia Shenzhen is currently undergoing an extensive renovation and is expected to open in August 2004, in time for the �Fifth Shenzhen World Horticulture Expo 2004� scheduled for September 2004. Accor also manages Novotel Watergate Shenzhen located in the city�s financial district on Shennan Zhong Road, bringing the total number of Novotels in China to 12 (10 operating and two in pre-opening).

The 200-room Novotel Bauhinia Shenzhen is only 30 minutes from the airport and near the Shenzhen High-Tech Development Zone, home to over two dozen international and domestic technology related companies. Once completed it will offer a Chinese Restaurant, Coffee Shop, lounge bar, meeting facilities for up to 350 guests, fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool.
 
With 150,000 associates in 140 countries, Accor is the European leader and one of the world's largest groups in travel, tourism and corporate services.