Accor has announced its 'Accor Key' to enable a contactless experience for guests.

This is a new step for Accor  to deliver the very best and most convenient experience for its guests.

On arrival at their destination, customers will receive their room key virtually upon downloading Accor’s digital key app. Customers will then be given access to rooms, entry to meeting rooms and floor access via lifts using their smartphone. Once departing the hotel, the mobile key will automatically be deactivated.

“Accor key” is a great example of how the Group can build solutions and deploy them efficiently in all Accor operating countries,” said Patrick Mendes, Chief Commercial Officer Accor.

"The easy to operate and highly practical application will provide a streamlined process for our guests.” Floor Bleeker, Chief Technology Officer Accor, added.

Accor key program will be delivered through a partnership with STAYmyway. Faustino Fernandez, STAYmyway founder & CEO commented that  a recent Deloitte study shows that 60% of travelers are more likely to stay at a hotel that allowed contactless check in and the ability to use a smartphone as a room key—16% even say it’s a “must have”.

"The demand is even higher for frequent travelers." he commended.

Following successful pilot programs in North America, Europe and Asia, the roll out will start in all new Accor hotels opening in 2021 and extend to existing properties with an objective to equip 500 hotels with Accor Key this year, and at least  50% of all rooms across the network within the next five years.

By providing customers access to their rooms without a physical key, Accor will also help reduce the amount of plastic used for traditional key cards and cardboard for the key holder.