Accor and WMF join forces to support the preservation of World Heritage sites

This three-year collaboration supports projects in France, Latin America, Greece, and India, with each location selected for its cultural significance and potential for long-term impact through sustainable tourism practices.

 “Cultural heritage is at the center of the tourism industry and a major part of why people fall in love with travel. The industry has a deep responsibility to protect, conserve and treasure important sites. Our partnership with WMF is a testament to our dedication as we continue to pioneer responsible hospitality and connect cultures with heartfelt care. Across these four projects we hope to inspire a new approach to protecting cultural heritage and I look forward to witnessing their progress and success.” – Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO Accor

Overview of the selected sites

Chapel of the Sorbonne – France
This classical 17th-century structure, located in the Latin Quarter, is currently closed to the public due to structural degradation. The initiative aims to reopen the chapel as a space for education, public access, and community engagement, in coordination with the City of Paris and the Chancellery of the Sorbonne. Restoration efforts will focus on both architectural integrity and civic utility.

Qhapaq Ñan – Andean Road System
Once an extensive Inca trade and communication network, Qhapaq Ñan spans over 30,000 km across six countries. Despite its UNESCO status, the network faces challenges such as erosion, development pressures, and inconsistent site management. The partnership will focus on enhancing transnational cooperation and sustainable management.

Serifos Historic Mining Landscape – Greece
Located on Serifos Island in the Cyclades, this site includes late 19th and early 20th-century mining infrastructure, such as the Mega Livadi loading bridge, administrative buildings, and tunnel systems. Years of neglect and the absence of legal protection have left it vulnerable. The project will support technical planning and stakeholder consultation for long-term conservation and controlled visitor access.

Historic Water Systems of Bhuj – India
A historic network of reservoirs and stepwells now facing disrepair, due to urban development and climate change. With support from the CEPT Research and Development Foundation, the project will reconnect the city with its traditional water systems, blending historic methods with modern water resilience strategies.

“Supporting communities in the stewardship of their cultural heritage has long been central to our work. By supporting projects that create new economic opportunities, improve site management, and elevate local storytelling, this partnership makes it possible to protect cherished places while delivering a unique visitor experience. Accor’s commitment to this effort demonstrates how the hospitality industry can play a meaningful role in shaping a more inclusive and responsible future for cultural heritage.” – Bénédicte de Montlaur, CEO of the World Monuments Fund

The collaboration reflects a wider shift in the hospitality industry toward active participation in heritage stewardship and climate-resilient tourism development. Each site was evaluated for its alignment with Accor’s sustainability goals and potential to benefit surrounding communities.