A federation devoted entirely to the hotel industry
In 2026, members of the GNC chose independence. They have re-created a federation fully dedicated to the issues facing the hotel industry, after more than 30 years of association with UMIH. The change of name to France Hospitalité, announced on 6 October, is the culmination of that process. The federation now presents itself as France’s leading organisation devoted to hoteliers in all their forms.
Official press release (FR) • GNC becomes France Hospitalité
The context explains the decision. According to the federation, the hotel industry has changed significantly in recent years, driven in particular by hotel groups that invest, innovate and help set new standards for the profession as a whole.
The issues it highlights are specific to the sector: the attractiveness of hospitality careers and quality of working life, investment in more sustainable buildings and practices, intermediation by the major digital platforms, hotel classification, the accumulation of regulations, taxation it considers anti-competitive, and the balanced management of visitor flows. For France Hospitalité, these matters call for dedicated expertise, representation and capacity for action.
Economic weight underpinning the move
Founded in 1989, the organisation brings together most of the French and international hotel groups operating in France, including Accor, Louvre, B&B, InterContinental, Hilton, Radisson, Barrière, Marriott and Les Hôtels très particuliers. With 3,500 hotels and 300,000 rooms, it represents almost half of France’s classified hotel stock.
The federation places this representativeness in a broader context. Tourism accounts for around 8% of GDP and 2 million jobs in France. The hotel industry is a key driver within it: it generates 44.3% of tourism value added and invests €3bn a year.
The sector employs 215,000 people, 42% of whom are under 30, as well as 45,500 apprentices. Half of France’s 220.2 million annual overnight stays are spent in hotel groups, giving France Hospitalité’s members direct weight in the country’s visitor numbers.
Serge Trigano takes the chair
The presidency goes to Serge Trigano, a leading figure in French tourism whose career has taken him from Club Med to Mama Shelter. He has set the federation a course built on independence and cooperation.
Serge Trigano says France has an asset the whole world envies – the art of hospitality – with hotels at its heart, and that the sector, a genuine driving force of the tourism economy, deserved a voice commensurate with what it contributes to the country. France Hospitalité, he says, will be that voice: independent in what it says, collective in how it acts, and open and collaborative in its methods. He adds that the aim is a federation that dares to do things differently, that experiments, cooperates and opens up to society and to others – and that it will do so in the way one welcomes guests: with trust and conviviality.
The name itself embodies the project. “France” reflects the role members play as ambassadors for the destination, both at home and abroad. “Hospitalité” refers at once to their profession, their promise and a stance of openness towards the wider tourism ecosystem.
An approach built on dialogue
France Hospitalité is announcing a change of approach. The federation intends to defend the profession’s interests without adopting a defensive posture, to favour dialogue with the public authorities over opposition, and to co-develop solutions with civil society and innovators, including those outside the hotel industry.
LTH analysis – This breakaway comes as employer representation in the hotel and restaurant sector is being reorganised. In Île-de-France, GHR Paris Île-de-France has just announced its rapprochement with UMIH, whose presidential election is scheduled for 13 October. Integrated chains now have a distinct voice, whose influence will be tested in forthcoming negotiations with the public authorities and in the run-up to the next presidential election.
Internally, governance is designed to give every member a voice, from large international groups to small and medium-sized family groups. It spans all segments, from economy to luxury, and all management models. Its work will draw on members’ expertise to anticipate changes in the sector and put forward proposals at national level.
Beyond representation, the federation will offer members new services and tools designed to help them develop their skills, test new solutions and, ultimately, accelerate the growth of their businesses.
Four priorities for France’s hotel offer
The roadmap is built around four priorities. The first is to continue developing the hotel offer while integrating digital and sustainability challenges. The second aims to encourage French people to discover their own country through stays at every price point.
The third focuses on international visitors, with the aim of lengthening stays and attracting a more diverse clientele. The fourth seeks to build year-round tourism, drawing on the shoulder season, business travel, seminars, events, sport and culture.
Chief executive Antoine Angeard, who took the helm of GNC in the spring, outlines the organisation’s role. He says its task will be to stay close to businesses, understand their challenges, anticipate the transformations under way in the sector and bring that expertise to the public debate in a practical, measured way. The aim, he explains, is to support the transformation of the hotel industry and to make the federation a place where people come together, think and act.
Employer representation in transition
The federation also highlights the sector’s social dimension. It presents hotels as a recruitment pool where social mobility remains a reality, particularly for women and for young people with few or no qualifications, and as players committed to environmental protection, heritage preservation and local appeal.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
GNC rebrands as France Hospitalité, chaired by Serge Trigano
French hotel chains’ trade body goes independent after 30+ years alongside UMIH
Members include Accor, Louvre, B&B, InterContinental, Hilton, Radisson, Barrière and Marriott
3,500 hotels and 300,000 rooms, nearly half of France’s classified hotel stock
Hotels account for 44.3% of tourism value added and invest €3bn a year
Antoine Angeard leads the federation as CEO
