Accor’s 96 hotel properties are booming in the Queensland state capital, with Brisbane’s hotel occupancy surpassing levels set in 2019 due to domestic travel and major events being held in the city. Chief Executive of Accor, Sarah Derry, said that sports, arts, and entertainment attractions strongly support the current statistics.
“Taking Magic Round as an example, when you think about the opportunity we have with events like that – 130,000 spectators bringing AU$28 million into the economy. That’s phenomenal. And that’s the power of events and sport,” Derry said.
International holidaymakers from China currently make up approximately 30 percent of the 2019 levels, and inter-state visitors are a crucial focus for the state’s hotel and tourism business. Derry noted that the slower opening of borders in the state and international air capacity contributed to the less-rapid response in other states.
“Queensland has been reliant on the Chinese and Japanese markets, which were some of the later countries to come back. We’ve also got big markets we can tap into, like India.”
Accor is also exploring investment opportunities in Brisbane in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic Games, which will bring significant business and infrastructure development to the city.
“We need to make sure that we have enough accommodation in and around Brisbane and in those more regional areas as well,” Derry said.
“I truly believe that regional areas and certainly suburban areas of cities as well deserve truly high-quality accommodation and food and beverage offerings. I think that’s where a call can play a really important part.”
Regional and suburban areas within the state are said to have been on Accor’s radar, with Derry visiting locations and meeting owners in Townsville and Magnetic Island whilst in Queensland.
“We have owners who are purchasing in places like Tully, Charters Towers and regional towns that may have only had a motel or the local hotel as accommodation offerings.”
