Accor brings together its team for the inauguration of Rooftop Coreto, at Tribe Belo Horizonte Savassi

Tribe Belo Horizonte Savassi officially opened Rooftop Coreto on the 16th, completing the gastronomic trio of Trintaeum Restaurante and Broa Café, under the direction of executive chef Ana Gabi and mixology curated by Cassin Batista.

The opening brought together Accor executives, owners, investors, and partners, celebrating the chain's expansion in the country and the strength of gastronomy as a strategic pillar of the hotel business.

With over 10,000 restaurants and bars, 60 food and beverage brands, and 100,000 employees operating globally, Accor reinforces the role of its Food & Beverage (F&B) division as a driver of growth and customer engagement. The chain estimates that gastronomy concepts can represent 35% to 45% of hotel revenue, solidifying the sector as one of the main value generators for hotel owners.

Roberta Vernaglia talks about brand expansion and consistency

For Roberta Vernaglia, Senior Vice President (SVP) Marketing & Digital Strategy, Premium, Midscale & Economy Americas – Accor, the chain's trajectory is marked by consistency and sustainable expansion.
With 15 years of experience at Accor, Vernaglia began her career in brands and now leads the entire portfolio and digital strategy in the Americas.

"Accor's main focus over the past fifteen years has been expansion. Today, we have over 470 hotels across the Americas. Strengthening brand consistency was essential to achieving leadership in the segments in which we operate," says Vernaglia.

The executive emphasizes that Tribe's arrival in Belo Horizonte reinforces the presence of a globally recognized brand. Following the success of its first hotel in Colombia, Tribe Belo Horizonte Savassi is the brand's second hotel in the Americas.

"The reception in Medellín was excellent, and we believe that Belo Horizonte shares the same spirit of discovery and community that defines Tribe. The city has a knack for innovation and a cuisine that perfectly aligns with our proposal," adds Roberta.

Olivier Hick highlights the network's robust operation and French DNA

With a 39-year career at Accor and eight years leading operations in Brazil, Olivier Hick, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Premium, Midscale & Economy Brazil – Accor, reinforces the importance of the Brazilian market.

"We've been present in Brazil for 50 years. We started with a single hotel and today we have 330 operations across the country, in addition to more than 52,000 rooms and ten active brands," explains Hick.

According to him, the company's goal is to reach 450 hotels by 2030, with 52 new units already signed.

"We're working to grow between eight and ten hotels per year. Brazil is a strategic, welcoming market with enormous potential for international brands. Tribe represents this new generation of hospitality: flexible, connected, and with its own identity," the executive emphasizes.

The COO also recalls that the brand was chosen for Belo Horizonte due to its affinity with the city's cosmopolitan and creative audience.

"The young, contemporary audience of Belo Horizonte identifies with Tribe's style. We're looking at a project that values ​​design, culture, and local energy. It's a French concept with a Minas Gerais soul," he adds.

Abel Castro reveals growth and investment strategy in the Americas

With 20 years at Accor, Abel Castro, Chief Development Officer (CDO) Americas – Accor, is responsible for the network's development across the continent.

He leads a team of 16 professionals and works on defining growth strategies, attracting investors, and expanding brands.

"Our role is to design the strategy and execute the expansion plan. In 2023, we signed 28 contracts and opened more than one hotel per month. This year, we should surpass these numbers, with new records in the Americas," says Castro.

The executive highlights two recent significant moves: the conversion of Treasure Island in Las Vegas to the Handwritten Collection brand — becoming Accor's largest hotel in the world, with 2,884 rooms — and the signing of 22 new contracts in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Argentina.

"Tribe is a brand that reflects much of what we believe in the future. Intelligent design, efficient operation, and a genuine connection with guests. Its success in Belo Horizonte demonstrates how relevant this proposal is to the Brazilian market," he summarizes.

Pedro Guimarães focuses on 100% Minas Gerais and sustainable cuisine

At the helm of Trintaeum Restaurante, Rooftop Coreto, and Broa Café, restaurateur Pedro Guimarães celebrates the partnership with Accor and the opportunity to showcase the strength of Minas Gerais cuisine to the world.

"Tribe has a modern and essential concept, but also values ​​regional cuisine. Our goal is to offer 100% Minas Gerais cuisine, with products from small, medium, and large local producers," says Guimarães.

Sustainability work is reflected not only in the ingredients, but also in the appreciation of suppliers.

"We closely monitor the entire production process. We release documentaries about our producers, showcasing the leading role of those who cultivate, harvest, and transform Minas Gerais. It's a way to provide visibility and create a genuine connection," explains the restaurateur.

Chef Ana Gabi is behind all three venues, while bartender Cassin Batista leads the mixology, adapting classics with local ingredients and creating signature dishes. Sommelier Cinira Varela is responsible for a wine cellar comprised exclusively of Minas Gerais wines, reinforcing the concept of identity and territory.

Tribe reinforces accessible design that conquers the world

Founded in Perth, Australia, in 2017, Tribe was born with the purpose of offering bold design and functionality at affordable prices.

Today, it operates in countries such as Australia, Cambodia, Colombia, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Latvia, Thailand, and the United Kingdom, with 22 units in operation and 25 in the implementation phase.

Tribe Belo Horizonte Savassi is the expression of this global concept translated into the Minas Gerais accent: welcoming, creative and contemporary.

Report and photo: Mary de Aquino