Accor & Corinthia Group launch strategic collaboration to bring Verdi Hotels to Handwritten Collection

Accor, a world leading hospitality group, and The Corinthia Group, a renowned hospitality and real estate investment firm trading as IHI plc, today announce the signing of an agreement to bring Verdi Hotels into the Handwritten Collection brand. As part of the collaboration, five Verdi hotels in Malta, Portugal and Tunisia will join the Handwritten Collection brand under a franchise agreement from November 2026, with plans to add two further properties in Hungary and the Czech Republic. 

Verdi Hotels was launched by IHI plc in 2024 as a distinct management platform in the upscale segment, operating independently from the Corinthia brand, which is positioned in the luxury hotel sector. Through this new collaboration, Verdi’s management platform will benefit from Accor’s global distribution, marketing and loyalty programmes, further strengthening its performance and operating capabilities. 

Designed to bring together characterful independent hotels, Handwritten Collection showcases properties defined by their strong personality and the genuine warmth of their hosts. Since its launch in 2023, the brand has rapidly grown to more than 50 curated hotels in 22 countries, and a pipeline of 58 hotels around the world. Combining the individuality of independent hospitality with the scale, distribution power and growth platform of Accor, the brand is designed to create long-term value for owners and investors.

We are very pleased to announce this strategic relationship with Accor. While our focus on the global growth of the Corinthia brand remains undiminished and entirely independent, the development of our second brand, Verdi, will now benefit from Accor’s extensive global marketing reach and the strength of its Handwritten Collection

Simon Naudi, CEO of Corinthia Group

We are very much looking forward to this new relationship, which will add value to our Verdi Hotels and give us the opportunity to grow the brand in new and exciting destinations

Paul Pisani, President of Verdi Hotels

This strategic partnership with Verdi Hotels marks an important step in our continued growth ambition. By combining the strength of Verdi Hotels' management platform with Accor's distribution, loyalty and brand ecosystem, we aim to unlock new opportunities, accelerate growth and create sustainable value for both parties

Philippe Bijaoui, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy brand for Accor in Europe & North Africa

The initial Verdi Hotels properties that will join Handwritten Collections include: 

• Verdi Gżira Promenade, Malta - Located on Malta's Marsamxett Harbour waterfront, Verdi Gżira Promenade is situated along the lively Gżira seafront promenade and a thriving shopping district. The hotel is within easy reach of Malta's principal business and leisure districts, making it a convenient base for both business and leisure travellers. 

• Verdi St. George's Bay Marina, Malta - Situated on St. George's Bay in St Julian's, the property enjoys a prominent waterfront location overlooking one of Malta's best-known bays. The hotel is located close to vibrant dining entertainment and commercial areas, while also providing direct access to the Mediterranean coastline. 

• Verdi Dragonara (formerly Vivaldi Hotel), Malta - Verdi Dragonara looks out across the Dragonara headland toward the open sea, where the coastline turns rocky and the pace slows. It sits just beyond the busiest streets of St Julian’s, so guests enjoy calmer surroundings and stay close to the town’s dining, leisure and business addresses. Formerly the Vivaldi Hotel, Verdi Dragonara adds a new chapter to Verdi Hotels’ presence in Malta. 

• Verdi Tunis Beach Resort, Tunisia – Nestled on the shores of the Côtes de Carthage, the resort sits along the Mediterranean coastline within easy reach of the Tunisian capital. The property combines resort facilities with proximity to the region's cultural attractions. 

• Verdi Santarém, Portugal - The hotel is situated in the historic city of Santarém, north of Lisbon, and is a perfect gateway to experience Portugal's Ribatejo region. The property is positioned within a destination known for its cultural heritage, local traditions and accessibility to other destinations in Portugal.

Q. Why are Verdi Hotels joining Handwritten Collection?

A. This collaboration combines the strength of Verdi Hotels’ management platform with Accor’s global distribution, loyalty and marketing capabilities. By joining Handwritten Collection, participating Verdi hotels will benefit from enhanced international visibility while maintaining their individual character.

Q. Does this collaboration involve any hotels under the Corinthia brand?

A. The collaboration with Accor only applies to the Verdi Hotels brand. The Corinthia brand will remain fully independent and unchanged.

Q. Which hotels are included in the initial phase?

A. The first phase includes Verdi hotels in Malta, Portugal and Tunisia, which are expected to join Handwritten Collection from November 2026 under franchise agreements. Further opportunities are being explored in additional European markets.

Q. What is Handwritten Collection?

A. Handwritten Collection is a characterful collection of bespoke properties that reflect the authentic story of each hotel. It brings together independently minded properties while providing access to Accor’s global distribution, marketing and loyalty ecosystem, helping owners benefit from the scale of a global hospitality group while preserving each hotel’s unique identity.