Sofitel celebrates World Children’s Day 2026 by giving back to local communities worldwide

• Over 21 Sofitel hotels worldwide are expected to take part in World Children’s Day 2026 activities throughout November.
• Participating hotels will partner with local schools and charitable organizations to offer children complimentary cultural, creative and educational experiences.
• Sofitel employees, known as Heartists, will bring the program to life through storytelling, creative workshops, cooking classes and Le Goûter, the traditional French afternoon treat.
• Experiences will range from fashion-inspired workshops in Paris and marine discovery in Krabi to photography celebrations in Melbourne and festive charitable activities in Sydney.

This November, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts, a pioneer of French luxury hospitality, will mark UNICEF’s World Children’s Day 2026 with month-long community activities across its global network. Participating hotels will partner with local schools and charitable organizations to welcome children for complimentary cultural and educational experiences designed to inspire creativity, curiosity and connection.

Bringing Sofitel’s vision of Committed Luxury beyond the traditional hotel experience, the initiative will draw on the spaces, talents and expertise of its hotels and Heartists, Sofitel’s employees, to create unforgettable experiences for children in their local communities. Through French-inspired storytelling, creative workshops, hands-on cooking classes and Le Goûter, the cherished French tradition of an afternoon treat, children will be invited to discover and engage with French culture in an inclusive and playful setting.

Building on Sofitel’s commitment to children

The initiative builds on Sofitel’s long-standing partnership with the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation. For 15 years, Sofitel has continued to donate to the foundation through every booking made through its family offer to support projects focused on literacy, education and cultural exchange.

This reflects Sofitel’s wider commitment to giving back, creating wonderful opportunities for children and making a positive difference beyond the guest experience.

For this year’s World Children’s Day, Sofitel is bringing this commitment directly into its hotels, working with local organizations to reach children in the communities surrounding participating properties.

Guillaume Petavy Meynier, VP Global Marketing Sofitel & Sofitel Legend, said: “At Sofitel, caring means giving something of ourselves: our time, our attention and our passion. For World Children’s Day, our Heartists are opening our doors to local children and sharing what they love and do best. A story brought to life, a recipe made together, the joy of discovering something new. Through these moments, we want every child to feel welcomed, valued and free to imagine. Contributing to the communities we call home is both a joy and a responsibility. Our commitment comes to life through the care we give, the knowledge we share and the memories we create together.”

A celebration of French culture and creativity

Storytelling will sit at the heart of the program, with Sofitel Heartists leading interactive reading sessions designed to spark imagination and curiosity. Participating hotels will bring the initiative to life through a range of imaginative experiences, from fashion-inspired design workshops and chocolate dress decorating at Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg to creative workshops with local artists at Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa, and marine discovery and rock-pool exploration for local students at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort will invite children to discover local stories and connect with nature through a hands-on beach clean-up. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, Sofitel Saigon Plaza will partner with Lawrence S. Ting Foundation to spread festive joy among children receiving hospital care, with a special visit from Santa bringing thoughtful gifts and freshly baked treats.

Elsewhere, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins will celebrate emerging young photographers through an exhibition and an exclusive behind-the-scenes hotel tour for competition winners, while Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is planning a festive surprise, with Santa abseiling down the hotel to deliver gifts to children supported by local charities.

Meanwhile, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk will host an afternoon of playful discovery for young guests, featuring interactive poolside activities, from splash aerobics to yoga, alongside creative play and games at AstroKids Club.

At Sofitel Cotonou Marina, 40 children from local community centre Centre Eya will enjoy a playful introduction to the world of hospitality, meeting the Heartists behind the scenes before dreaming up their own hotels and becoming hoteliers for the day in a ’Kids Takeover’.

Drawing on Sofitel’s French creative spirit, the talents of its Heartists and the unique character of each destination, these experiences will create incredible moments of discovery and connection for children. With over 21 hotels expected to participate globally, the initiative forms part of Sofitel’s wider Committed Luxury approach, bringing together hospitality and positive local impact.

About Sofitel

A pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, Sofitel embodies heartfelt and committed luxury, seamlessly blending local culture with the French zest. Sofitel is for free-minded travelers who have an appreciation for an effortless and elegant sense of modern luxury. Sofitel now boasts more than 120 hotels in the world’s most sought-after destinations including: Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera, Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul and Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema.

In 2009, the brand introduced Sofitel Legend, a portfolio of rare addresses rooted in destinations shaped by extraordinary History and culture such as Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama City, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend Peoples’ Grand Xi’an and Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

More recently, the brand unveiled Sofitel Residences, redefining luxury living with prestigious properties that combine refined design with Sofitel’s renowned service and French elegance.

Sofitel is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group counting over 5,800 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL Accor, a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

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