Accor-owned hotel brand M?venpick has opened its first Italian property in the southern city of Bari, as the French hotel giant strengthens its position in the ¡°strategically important¡± market.

The upscale brand has debuted M?venpick Hotel Bari following a major renovation of what was formerly the historic Palace Hotel.

The property, located close to the city¡¯s old town district, features 186 rooms and 12 flexible meeting spaces for events of up to 300 attendees.?Other facilities include a restaurant, fitness centre and spa.

Switzerland-based M?venpick, which was acquired by Accor in 2018, has been expanding across Europe with recent openings in Greece and Belgium, and a forthcoming property in Montenegro.

The M?venpick opening boosts Accor¡¯s presence in Italy to more than 75 hotels across 14 of its brands.

Christine Pesin,?Accor¡¯s VP of franchise operations in Italy and Malta, said:?¡°Italy continues to be one of Accor¡¯s most strategically important markets. The launch of the first M?venpick in Italy reflects our long-term vision to grow thoughtfully across key destinations, in close collaboration with local partners and communities.¡±?