Accor, a world leading hospitality group, and The Corinthia Group, a renowned hospitality and real estate investment firm trading as IHI plc, today announce the signing of an agreement to bring Verdi Hotels into the Handwritten Collection brand.
FLORIANA, Malta, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Accor, a world leading hospitality group, and The Corinthia Group, a renowned hospitality and real estate investment firm trading as IHI plc, today announce the signing of an agreement to bring Verdi Hotels into the Handwritten Collection brand. As part of the collaboration, five Verdi hotels in Malta, Portugal and Tunisia will join the Handwritten Collection brand under a franchise agreement from November 2026, with plans to add two further properties in Hungary and the Czech Republic.
Verdi Hotels was launched by IHI plc in 2024 as a distinct management platform in the upscale segment, operating independently from the Corinthia brand, which is positioned in the luxury hotel sector. Through this new collaboration, Verdi's management platform will benefit from Accor's global distribution, marketing and loyalty programmes, further strengthening its performance and operating capabilities.
Designed to bring together characterful independent hotels, Handwritten Collection showcases properties defined by their strong personality and the genuine warmth of their hosts. Since its launch in 2023, the brand has rapidly grown to more than 50 curated hotels in 22 countries, and a pipeline of 58 hotels around the world. Combining the individuality of independent hospitality with the scale, distribution power and growth platform of Accor, the brand is designed to create long-term value for owners and investors.
Simon Naudi, CEO of Corinthia Group, said: "We are very pleased to announce this strategic relationship with Accor. While our focus on the global growth of the Corinthia brand remains undiminished and entirely independent, the development of our second brand, Verdi, will now benefit from Accor's extensive global marketing reach and the strength of its Handwritten Collection."
Paul Pisani, President of Verdi Hotels, added: "We are very much looking forward to this new relationship, which will add value to our Verdi Hotels and give us the opportunity to grow the brand in new and exciting destinations."
Philippe Bijaoui, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy brand for Accor in Europe & North Africa, commented: "This strategic partnership with Verdi Hotels marks an important step in our continued growth ambition. By combining the strength of Verdi Hotels' management platform with Accor's distribution, loyalty and brand ecosystem, we aim to unlock new opportunities, accelerate growth and create sustainable value for both parties."
The initial Verdi Hotels properties that will join Handwritten Collections include:
Verdi Gżira Promenade, Malta - Located on Malta's Marsamxett Harbour waterfront, Verdi Gżira Promenade is situated along the lively Gżira seafront promenade and a thriving shopping district. The hotel is within easy reach of Malta's principal business and leisure districts, making it a convenient base for both business and leisure travellers.
Verdi St. George's Bay Marina, Malta - Situated on St. George's Bay in St Julian's, the property enjoys a prominent waterfront location overlooking one of Malta's best-known bays. The hotel is located close to vibrant dining entertainment and commercial areas, while also providing direct access to the Mediterranean coastline.
Verdi Dragonara (formerly Vivaldi Hotel), Malta - Verdi Dragonara looks out across the Dragonara headland toward the open sea, where the coastline turns rocky and the pace slows. It sits just beyond the busiest streets of St Julian's, so guests enjoy calmer surroundings and stay close to the town's dining, leisure and business addresses. Formerly the Vivaldi Hotel, Verdi Dragonara adds a new chapter to Verdi Hotels' presence in Malta.
Verdi Tunis Beach Resort, Tunisia – Nestled on the shores of the Côtes de Carthage, the resort sits along the Mediterranean coastline within easy reach of the Tunisian capital. The property combines resort facilities with proximity to the region's cultural attractions.
Verdi Santarém, Portugal - The hotel is situated in the historic city of Santarém, north of Lisbon, and is a perfect gateway to experience Portugal's Ribatejo region. The property is positioned within a destination known for its cultural heritage, local traditions and accessibility to other destinations in Portugal.
About Handwritten Collection
Handwritten Collection, launched in 2023, brings together characterful hotels that reflect the story, personality, and passions of the people who care for them. Each address offers a distinct environment where human connection and individuality shape stays for travelers seeking more than accommodation alone. With a growing footprint and 50 hotels in 22 countries worldwide, Handwritten Collection continues to expand into new destinations. Handwritten Collection is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,800 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL Accor, a booking platform and loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
handwrittencollection.com | all.com | group.accor.com
About Verdi Hotels
Founded in summer 2024, Verdi Hotels is an independent upscale lifestyle hotel brand built around guest experience and local connection. Each Verdi Hotels property draws on the character of its neighbourhood, from the morning market down the street to the makers and growers nearby, so guests discover a place as locals know it. With sustainability and adaptability at the heart of how it operates, Verdi Hotels creates stays that flex to each guest and invites every visitor into a connection shaped by them. Verdi Hotels currently operates seven properties across Europe and North Africa.
verdihotels.com
About Accor
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,800 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program, embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
Q&A
Q. Why are Verdi Hotels joining Handwritten Collection?
A. This collaboration combines the strength of Verdi Hotels' management platform with Accor's global distribution, loyalty and marketing capabilities. By joining Handwritten Collection, participating Verdi hotels will benefit from enhanced international visibility while maintaining their individual character.
Q. Does this collaboration involve any hotels under the Corinthia brand?
A. The collaboration with Accor only applies to the Verdi Hotels brand. The Corinthia brand will remain fully independent and unchanged.
Q. Which hotels are included in the initial phase?
A. The first phase includes Verdi hotels in Malta, Portugal and Tunisia, which are expected to join Handwritten Collection from November 2026 under franchise agreements. Further opportunities are being explored in additional European markets.
Q. What is Handwritten Collection?
A. Handwritten Collection is a characterful collection of bespoke properties that reflect the authentic story of each hotel. It brings together independently minded properties while providing access to Accor's global distribution, marketing and loyalty ecosystem, helping owners benefit from the scale of a global hospitality group while preserving each hotel's unique identity.
Press Contacts
Sara López Morosetti – [email protected]
Accor PR & Media Relations Manager – Mediterranean Countries
Agnieszka Kalinowska – [email protected]
Accor Senior Manager Media Relations & PR Poland & Eastern Europe & CIS
Julia Pimentel – [email protected]
Director of PR & Communications – Corinthia Group
Media Contact
Murphy O'Brien, Murphy O'Brien, 1 2147975464, [email protected]
SOURCE Accor
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