Australia’s largest hospitality player, Accor, will take over three hotels run by a Malaysian platform, as smaller operators are absorbed by the major chains – and tap their loyalty programs – to remain competitive.

The three hotels – two in Australia and one in New Zealand – will get a makeover before they join a slew of new offerings the French company is preparing to launch across the Pacific this year and beyond. Accor is battling with its major rivals, including IHG and Marriott, to strike management agreements for hotel properties across the region.