LVMH and Accor's Orient Express sets its sights on new tech billionaire class

LVMH and Accor’s Orient Express is positioning its first giant yacht to draw a new wave of billionaires, leveraging technology-fueled wealth. The brand, a joint venture between Accor and Louis Vuitton owner LVMH, is reviving its 19th-century travel concept with two ultra-luxury yachts and a yet-to-launch historic art deco train. Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin said AI-driven wealth growth will help accelerate Orient Express’s push into luxury experiences, citing a projected 9–11% rise in spending on high-end experiences this year versus 1–4% growth forecasts for personal luxury goods, per a Bain study. The operating profit and enterprise value have not been disclosed. Orient Express’s assets are estimated at about €1 billion (€1.07 billion). The partnership’s reciprocal buyout options suggest LVMH could be more likely to purchase, while Accor faces shareholder pressure to boost returns.