Accor has hired nearly 100 refugees and migrants from 18 different cultural backgrounds across 17 of its operated hotels and Qantas lounges, through a partnership with Community Corporate.
This cohort of employees – 68% of which are women – bring a rich mix of 22 spoken languages to hotels such as Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Mantra Hindmarsh Square Adelaide, Pullman on the Park Melbourne, Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour, Mercure Perth on Hay and Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street.
Through the national partnership, which was established in early 2024, Accor is exploring new pathways to recruit and support refugee and migrant talent, building a more inclusive workplace in the process.
According to survey data from the Australian Institute of Family Studies, only 6% of refugees find employment in their first six months and just 23% within two years.
Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Williams, believes more hospitality businesses should be welcoming this largely untapped talent pool.
“Hospitality is, at its core, about people – and the richness of our industry comes from the diversity of those who power it,” said Williams.
“Inclusive hiring is not just a value we talk about – it is something we actively put into practice, because we see the extraordinary impact it has.
“This partnership is changing lives, strengthening our teams, and reminding us of what is possible when businesses lead with purpose.
“I encourage our peers across the hospitality industry to join us, because it makes our industry and society stronger.”
In 2024, Accor and Community Corporate held roadshows across five major cities, connecting with over 500 job seekers, and providing cultural confidence training for more than 40 Accor leaders.
In 2025, the roadshow expands to new regions, including Tasmania and the Gold Coast, with the goal of employing another 100 refugees and migrants by the end of 2025.
“We need more corporate partners like Accor,” said Community Corporate CEO and Founder, Carmen Garcia.
“They walk the talk – investing in the human outcomes and helping to change the narrative of what is possible when refugees are given a fair go.”
Accor has also joined the Multicultural South Australia Ambassador Program, which supports organisations with practical steps toward becoming more culturally inclusive.
Later this year, Accor will trial new digital training modules in diversity, safety and inclusion to build cultural confidence across its hotels.
Set up for success
One young woman from Afghanistan, Bibi Zahra, is now in stable employment and studying for a Diploma of Nursing at the University of South Australia, as a result of the support from Community Corporate and Accor.
Zahra arrived in Australia in 2023 under an orphan relative visa after fleeing instability under the Taliban and spending time in Iran where education and opportunity were out of reach.
After being reunited with her sisters in Australia, she took ad hoc jobs in farming and construction, working long hours for over eight months to support her family.
She took part in Community Corporate’s SETS program, completed a Job Bootcamp in early 2025, and gained the skills and confidence to secure a role with Accor at the Qantas lounge in Adelaide – her first permanent job in Australia.
“More than just learning, I felt seen and empowered, realising that I had the skills and resilience to find out a successful career,” said Zahra.
“Community Corporate didn’t just give me job skills – they shaped my future.”