For the second consecutive year, AccorHotels is the Official Accommodation Partner of the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.

To celebrate, the hotel group has enlisted the help of ‘Shebeast’, the apt drag name of Gavin Loveday, associate director of sales and marketing at Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, to paint rainbow crossings at two CBD hotels.

A three-metre rainbow crossing will be painted on the driveway of Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, the starting point of the Mardi Gras parade on 2 March, located on Oxford Street.

Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour will also reveal a rainbow-painted crossing in their driveway to celebrate the partnership.

Simon McGrath, chief operating officer at AccorHotels Pacific, said the announcement was a momentous occasion for the group.

“We are incredibly proud to once again partner with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival,” he said.

“After seeing how much pride and joy our partnership last year brought to both our team members and guests, it was without doubt that we would show our support as Official Accommodation Partner in 2019.”

McGrath said the group is proud to take a leading role in championing diversity and inclusivity.

“For us, accepting diversity is not enough. Instead, we celebrate and encourage the diversity of our people and guests each day,” he said.

“Embracing diversity and equal opportunities, leads to a positive and productive workforce which ultimately results in career development, greater debate, decision-making and outcomes for our business, Australia’s hospitality industry and boarder society.”

In addition to the rainbow crossings, AccorHotels will host a series of Mardi Gras Festival talent at its hotels and invite all its Sydney CBD properties to animate their lobbies with activations and external signage displays throughout the festival.