Accor has signed a three-year alliance with the World Monuments Fund (WMF) to safeguard cultural heritage and empower local communities.

Over the next three years, this collaboration will leverage the expertise and global reach of both companies to deliver projects that enhance destinations, connect with communities, and promote long-term resilience.

The travel and tourism industry is claimed to support up to 10% of global GDP and employment.

Accor and WMF plan to foster travel solutions that contribute to sustainable progress and address the challenges faced by the sector.

By working with WMF, Accor aims to fully contribute to the preservation of local heritage and the environmental and social development of these destinations.

Accor chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin said: “Through this meaningful partnership, Accor is deepening its commitment to safeguarding the cultural heritage while preserving the world’s most cherished destinations.

“This collaboration also aims to foster new initiatives for a sustainable and responsible development of the travel sector. We continue our purpose to pioneer the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures with passion and generosity.”

WMF's World Monuments Watch programme includes training local communities and collaborating with authorities to develop sustainable tourism models that mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism.

Accor's involvement is expected to help redefine tourism schemes, ensuring that heritage sites are preserved, visitor numbers are sustained, and local economies and community skills are developed without harming cultural heritage.

Additionally, the Accor WMF partnership aims to more evenly distribute tourism flows.

The initiatives under the partnership are set to commence by the beginning of next year.

Earlier this month, Accor expanded its presence in Singapore through the signing of two new properties with Fragrance Group and Global Premium Hotels, expected to open by 2027.