HM JUNE 2025

Foxtel Business iQ: engagement

In this short video reel, let us show you how Business iQ will optimise the operations of your business, drive additional revenue streams and enhance your guests’ engagement experience.

The ultimate guest platform

Diamond Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Principal Partners

Emerald Sponsors

Affiliate Partners

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Organised by

Exploring

How outsourcing hotel services can reduce overheads, raise

AHICE returns to

Corporates and creatives converge for the 16th edition of AHICE Asia Pacific.

Hotel leaders divulge on major projects and developments at AHICE Asia Pacific.

Industry stalwarts and young talent unite for a thought-provoking Future Leaders Forum.

Lighting,

at

Key

Online

for

Pullman Sydney Penrith GM Charles Young on making Western Sydney the goto destination for

and

Fresh

at Pan Pacific Perth, General Manager Rens Breur is taking a bespoke approach to

Ruth

How

Your

Lifestyle and luxury driving global hotel industry growth

What a fantastic week it was for the 16th annual Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference (AHICE) in Adelaide during May, which saw over 1600 delegates attend three days of sessions and fantastic networking events.

Our flagship event once again drew a list of global, Asia Pacific and Australasian speakers and the calibre of content from the sessions, Q&As, masterclasses and presentations, I thought, was again world class.

So many topics were covered in Adelaide, from white label to sustainability, investment, human resources and more, relating to the Australasian, Asia-Pacific and greater hotel industry.

Two segments that have continued to capture the attention of delegates at AHICE Asia-Pacific and that continue to show global growth have been luxury and lifestyle, thanks to both the affluent travel market showing no signs of dipping and the demand for lifestyle from hotel owners and investors.

From Accor to IHG, Minor, Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, Travel and Leisure and more, these two segments are proving both resilient and exciting, with global signings firmly showing that.

Soon after AHICE, I caught up with Hilton’s President and CEO, Chris Nassetta at the New York University International Hospitality Investment Forum (NYU IHIF), who revealed it had been a record year of growth in the segments.

With recent openings in Paris, Cape Town, Dallas, Osaka, Costa Rica, Jordan and more, Hilton’s luxury and lifestyle brands have now opened their 1,000th hotel globally and Nassetta told me that was on the back of a record year of growth for Hilton, punctuated by strategic partnerships, acquisitions and nearly 100,000 rooms added to the company’s global portfolio.

“Our ultimate goal is to serve travellers for any stay occasion, anywhere in the world they want to be,” he said. “Our luxury and lifestyle portfolios are an essential part of this strategy, and today we marked an important milestone as we strive to have the best hotel brands in these categories across the globe.

“We look forward to continuing to build on our momentum with the expected opening of three new luxury and lifestyle hotels per week this year,” Nassetta said.

In 2025, he said Hilton expects to add more than 150 luxury and lifestyle hotels around the world, including the highly anticipated debut of the ‘new’ Waldorf Astoria New York, a project which will see the property once more retain flagship status for the company.

Both in Australasia and abroad, it’s an exciting time for the luxury and lifestyle segments and firmly the categories to watch in 2025 and 2026.

I hope you enjoy the latest edition of HM which is loaded up with fantastic features, including a full recap of AHICE Asia Pacific and much more.

Yours in hospitality,

James Wilkinson Editor-In-Chief, HM magazine Chair & Convenor, AHICE global conferences

Hilton’s President and CEO, Chris Nassetta, expects Hilton to add more than 150 luxury and lifestyle hotels around the world this year

around the world capturing our attention this month.

Don’t miss the full wrap up of AHICE Asia Pacific in this issue

An inclusive future W

e are very fortunate here at HM Magazine that we get the opportunity to shoot our magazine covers at beautiful hotels and, at the same time, meet a range of incredible people – from concierge to CEO – that make the industry tick.

The location and cover stars of this issue are particularly significant –although you may not recognise their faces.

Meet Hotel Etico CEO Andrea Comastri, General Manager, Saraya O’Connell, trainees Riley Breakwell and Caius Kelly; and Torrens University Lecturers Madalyn Scerri, Given Marcial and Tomos Newkirk (p14).

Hotel Etico trains and employs people with disability and sets them up for a career in hospitality with placement at hotels, bars and restaurants across New South Wales.

One of my first jobs when I came to Australia was with the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) – a disability rights organisation led by and for people with intellectual disability.

One of the commonly used phrases at CID is “not about me, without me”, meaning, that there shouldn’t be decisions being made about the lives of people with disability without their involvement.

It sounds so basic, but oftentimes it’s forgotten.

An organisation that includes people with disability in the conversation, provides adequate training and work opportunities, and supports them to live a full and independent life is a powerful asset not only to industry, but to society as a whole.

I look forward to seeing more hotel groups getting involved with Hotel Etico and leading the way in employing people with disability – not to tick a box, but because people with disability are valuable assets in an industry with people at its heart.

I’d love to hear about and from people with disability thriving in hospitality roles – so if you have a story, please get in touch.

A special thanks to our wonderful photographer Shane O’Neill for capturing these great shots at Hotel Etico.

I hope you enjoy this issue. And as always, please do reach out if you have any feedback.

Ruth Hogan Editor, HM magazine

Hotel Etico General Manager, Saraya O’Connell, provides mentorship and guidance to trainees that come through the program

MEET THE HM TEAM…

Managing Director Simon Grover

Publisher

James Wells

Editor–In–Chief James Wilkinson jwilkinson@intermedia.com.au

Editor Ruth Hogan rhogan@intermedia.com.au

Group Commercial Manager Tara Ducrou tducrou@intermedia.com.au

Production Manager Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au

Graphic Designer Ryan Vizcarra

Photography Cover photography by O’Neill Photographics.

Subscription enquiries 1800 651 422

Subscribe to HM magazine –6 issues for AU $88 (inc. GST) subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

Published by

41 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia. (PO Box 55, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia) Tel: +61 (0) 2 9660 2113 Fax: +61 (0) 2 9660 4419 ABN 940 025 836 82

In association with

James Wilkinson Editor-in-Chief

Renita Collins Director, Events and Marketing

Tara Ducrou Group Commercial Manager

James Wells Publisher

Hotel Etico trainees

Riley Breakwell and Caius Kelly

HOTEL COUNCIL

NEED TO KNOW

The essential hotel and travel industry news and trends from across the globe. Read more at HotelManagement.com.au

Hyde makes Australian debut

A design-led hotel in Melbourne’s CBD has been relaunched under the fast-growing lifestyle brand.

ENNISMORE’S LIFESTYLE BRAND Hyde has entered the Australian market with the opening of a Melbourne CBD property on May 2.

Melbourne Place, which first opened in August 2024, has been reimagined and relaunched as Hyde Melbourne Place under an agreement between the hotel owner and Ennismore.

Jodi Brown, formerly General Manager at Adelaide’s Eos by SkyCity, and most recently QT Auckland, has taken up the General Manager position at Hyde Melbourne Place.

“Melbourne’s creative spirit, bold energy, and cultural richness make it the perfect setting for Hyde’s Australian debut,” said Brown.

“With its bohemian aesthetic, playful spirit, and deep roots in music and design, Hyde Melbourne Place will offer guests more than just a stay, it will be a full sensory experience.

“We can’t wait to reveal what’s coming, including vibrant spaces, live music moments, and design that truly speaks to the heart of Melbourne’s artistic community.”

BWH moves into hotel management agreements

BWH Hotels has signed its first Australian hotel management agreement.

BWH HOTELS IS expanding into hotel management operations in the Australia and New Zealand market with the signing of Cambridge Hotel Kununurra in Western Australia, under a partnership with Cambridge Gulf Limited.

Following the management takeover in May, the property will undergo a complete rebrand to Best Western Cambridge Hotel Kununurra, which is slated for completion in June. BWH Hotels said its accommodations and services will be tailored to independent, techsavvy, and worldly guests.

“This partnership represents a significant milestone in our regional growth strategy,” said BWH Hotels Australasia Managing Director, Rod Munro.

“The expansion into hotel management is a natural progression for our business, allowing us to leverage our extensive operational expertise while delivering exceptional value to hotel owners and memorable experiences to guests.”

Cambridge Hotel Kununurra will undergo a complete rebrand to Best Western

Best Western Cambridge Hotel Kununurra will take a three-stage approach to its relaunch, with 49 fully refurbished rooms to open in stage one, before an extension of the hotel’s facilities, including a conference centre, wellness centre and a pool bar. The final stage will see the hotel’s capacity double with an extra 48 new guest rooms, by the end of 2026.

HOSPITALITY FOR ALL

Hospitality begins and ends with people. Not just the ones checking in, but the ones checking them in, serving meals, making beds, and creating moments of care. Yet, for all its emphasis on welcome, the industry has long excluded many from the opportunity to work, lead, and thrive within it.

But the truth is clear: when inclusion is embedded in operations, it doesn’t just change lives, it elevates the guest experience. A diverse team delivers richer service, deeper empathy,

and more authentic hospitality. That’s not an optional extra. That’s the business.

Still, walk into many hotels or restaurants and the disconnect is immediate. While guests bring diverse stories and needs, the staff often reflect a narrower reality. Despite years of policy, structural barriers continue to hold back change.

At the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) at Torrens University Australia, research into workforce equity reveals persistent gaps.

Women dominate frontline roles but remain underrepresented in leadership. Migrant workers, essential to operations, face wage inequity and limited career progression. And people with disability are largely invisible in employment data.

“Over one in five Australians live with disability,” says Saraya O’Connell, General Manager of Hotel Etico. “Yet employment participation lags far behind – 48% of working-age people with disability are in jobs, compared to 80% of those without.”

COVER STORY

L-R (standing): Tomos Newkirk, BMIHMS; Riley Breakwell and Caius Kelly, Hotel Etico L-R (seated): Dr Madalyn Scerri, BMIHMS; Saraya O’Connell and Andrea Comastri, Hotel Etico; and Given Marcial, BMIHMS

Dr Madalyn Scerri and Dr Anita Manfreda from Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) at Torrens University Australia reveal how a partnership with Hotel Etico is driving inclusion in the hospitality industry.

One hotel in the upper Blue Mountains is showing what a different future could look like.

Hotel Etico, Australia’s first not-for-profit social enterprise hotel, trains, employs, and supports young adults with disability through a work and training program. Based in Mount Victoria, it offers award-wage employment, hands-on hospitality experience, and helps trainees transition into open employment.

Since 2022, Hotel Etico and BMIHMS have worked in close partnership – bringing

together lived experience, operational insight, and academic research – to explore what drives the model’s success and how its lessons could inform broader change. Their findings reveal a purpose-led approach, where training is personalised, leadership values-driven, and inclusion integrated into every layer of operations.

“We are extremely proud of the impact we are creating not just at an individual level with our young adults with disability, but more importantly at an industry level,”

says Andrea Comastri, CEO of Hotel Etico.

“Our goal is to make Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector the most inclusive in the world.”

For Dr Madalyn Scerri and Dr Anita Manfreda, lead researchers on the project, this partnership reflects the impact educational institutions are uniquely positioned to drive. Dr Scerri explains, “Collaborative research provides evidence and insights needed to understand workforce shifts, challenge assumptions, and drive meaningful change.

“Our goal is to make Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector the most inclusive in the world.”

Andrea Comastri, CEO, Hotel Etico

Our role as educators and researchers isn’t just to analyse from the sidelines. It’s to work with industry to co-create more equitable, inclusive, and future-fit systems.”

The results are tangible. Program graduates are employed across New South Wales in cafés, hotels, and restaurants. Employers are rethinking hiring and training practices to unlock talent they once overlooked.

“Working with Hotel Etico has challenged us to think differently about how we attract, support, and grow talent,” says Bethany Flynn, Director of Talent and Culture at Fairmont Resort. “It’s reinforced how powerful inclusion is in building a stronger, more capable team. Beyond the workplace, initiatives like this have the power to positively shift the social fabric, with a flowon effect to guests who experience firsthand the value of inclusive hospitality.”

“We’re encouraged by the appetite for inclusion,” Comastri adds, “and the high level of engagement of some of the most well-known hotel brands in Australia. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the industry – meeting staffing demands, upskilling their workforce, and creating lasting impact.”

BMIHMS is concurrently broadening its research focus to address systemic barriers – examining emotional labour experienced by neurodivergent employees, structural disadvantages facing migrant workers in regional areas, and the continued exclusion of women from leadership roles.

That impact is spreading. BMIHMS alumni, now in leadership and hiring roles, are changing recruitment strategies. Industry partners are re-evaluating workforce practices. And a new generation of hospitality professionals is being equipped to treat inclusion as business critical.

“Our partnership with institutions like BMIHMS and Torrens has been instrumental, demonstrating how education, research, and industry can work hand-in-hand to advance inclusive employment solutions,” Comastri adds. “And we look forward to strengthening that even further.”

Hospitality has always promised welcome. Now is the time to extend that promise to the people who power the industry. Through meaningful collaboration, Hotel Etico and BMIHMS are proving that inclusion isn’t a gesture. It’s a strategic imperative and a shared responsibility. And it’s working. n

Hotel Etico General Manager Saraya O’Connell provides mentorship and guidance to trainees

Trainees Caius Kelly and Riley Breakwell behind the bar at Hotel Etico

The 279-room hotel will be part of a mixed-use development

Marriott signs new-build property in Parramatta

Western Sydney is set to welcome its first Marriott hotel in 2027.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL IS tapping into strong demand in western Sydney with the signing of its first Marriott Hotel in Parramatta.

Under an agreement with property developers JQZ, a 279-room new build premium hotel will be introduced as part of a large-scale mixed-use development on Church Street in the CBD.

Slated to open in mid-2027, the Sydney Marriott Hotel Parramatta will be the fifth Marriott Hotels and Resorts property in Australia, and the second in New South Wales.

“The signing of Sydney Marriott Hotel Parramatta marks Marriott Hotel’s debut in Parramatta, a city experiencing significant public and private investment as it evolves into Sydney’s second CBD,” said Marriott International Vice President - Developments, ANZP, Richard Crawford.

“With strong demand drivers across commerce, technology, education, and the arts, Parramatta is a strategic location for Marriott’s expansion.

“We are very confident that a Marriott Hotel, with its legacy of ‘Wonderful Hospitality’, offering the benefits of a full-service international hotel, will have excellent prospects of long-term success.”

The Parramatta hotel is expected to feature an M Club Lounge, restaurant, café, lobby lounge, rooftop swimming pool complete with a pool bar, fitness centre, and extensive function and meeting facilities.

The broader development will also include residential apartments, alongside retail and commercial tenancies, with construction already underway.

“Bringing the first Marriott Hotel to Parramatta is a profound milestone for JQZ as we expand our portfolio and diversify our assets into the hospitality sector,” said JQZ Chairman, Jianqiu Zhang.

“Marriott’s legacy of excellence and commitment to service deeply aligns with JQZ’s core values of creating spaces that inspire connection and belonging, and

their principles of integrity, inclusivity, and community-first hospitality resonate strongly our JQZ’s vision.

“Our collaboration with Marriott International represents a bold step towards positioning Parramatta on the global stage, and our shared dedication to elevating experiences servicing the needs of our local community and international travellers.”

Commenting on the partnership, Marriott International Director Hotel Development – ANZP, Tristan Cooper, said, “It’s exciting to enter the Parramatta market, and we are thrilled to do so in partnership with JQZ through delivering our globally recognized Marriott brand.

“We look forward to offering a distinct point of difference to the city’s hotel scene, and elevating its growing and vibrant skyline, with the expected opening of the Sydney Marriott Hotel Parramatta, in mid-2027.”

Outsourced Hotel Housekeeping Services

Hospitality Training & Development

Australia’s Premier Housekeeping Provider

Premium Outsourced Housekeeping Solutions

FBM delivers high-quality, tailored housekeeping services to hotels, serviced apartments, and aged care facilities.

Backed by years of industry experience and founded with a strong background in hotel and hospitality operations, FBM blends your brand standards with our service expertise to create bespoke housekeeping models that reflect the best of both worlds.

Our Values at FBM

At FBM, we believe a clean environment goes hand in hand with a cleaner future. As a forward-thinking housekeeping company, FBM is committed not just to spotless spaces, but to lasting impact. Our core values centre on succession planning—empowering our team with growth opportunities and long-term vision—and sustainability, where every clean counts toward a greener planet. Through our ongoing support and donations to ReForest Now, we actively contribute to reforestation efforts across Australia, helping restore ecosystems one tree at a time. FBM is where quality service meets conscious living.

Our Quality Approach

Reach out for a consultation

With our focused, balanced approach to business, we create an environment of meticulous quality, that inspires confidence in our services.

+ Focused

+ Balanced

+ Meticulous

FBM focuses individually on what each hotel requires and we proactively communicate with each client on our tracking and recommendations.

We constantly measure our performance against our clients’ expectations & brand metrics; we also utilise feedback to get the full picture of our performance.

We adapt our processes, tailoring each one to the hotel requirements. This allows for an efficient and strong foundation whilst ensuring brand compliance.

The resort will feature a rooftop bar, large swimming pool, all day dining restaurant and nearby Beach Club

La Vie expands own brand NOOE

The independent management group has signed a management agreement for its second NOOE property.

LA VIE HOTELS and Resorts is set to bring its NOOE brand to Thailand’s Bangsaray coastal region under a management agreement with developer, Irinraya Pattanawiranon.

The US$30 million NOOE Bangsaray Hotels and Restaurants, which is currently under development, will feature 100 rooms, ranging between 47sqm and 95sqm each with living area and a private jacuzzi on the balcony.

Slated to open in 2027, NOOE Bangsaray marks the second location for the brand, which stands for Never Odd Or Even, following NOOE Kunaavashi in the Maldives.

“This will be an exceptional project, and we are very privileged to be partnering with Irinraya Pattanawiranon to bring this hotel to fruition,” said La Vie Hotels and Resorts’ Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Xu, at the signing ceremony.

“NOOE is a lifestyle luxury brand in perfect balance. Our spaces spark connection, creativity, and joy. From buzzing lobbies to day club style pools and state of the art gyms, NOOE focuses on creating intentional balance

so you don’t have to think, you can just be. This is where great things are created.

“Khun Irinraya and her team have an established track record with properties in this region, and we look forward to growing international interest in Bangsaray as a premium beach destination for Thai and international travellers.”

The hotel’s exterior and interior design is expected to capture the maritime tones of the seaside destination.

NOOE Bangsaray Hotels and Restaurants is currently under development

The resort will feature guest rooms offering sea views as well as individual private pools; a rooftop bar, large swimming pool, all day dining restaurant and Beach Club across from the hotel, with private access to the beach and lounge services.

Irinraya Pattanawiranon Co. Ltd owner, Khun Irinraya, said the project offers exceptional opportunities for tourism, local employment and future guests.

“Bangsaray is just over two hours from Bangkok and has grown in popularity because it offers a tranquil escape from the busier tourist areas like Pattaya, with its clean, soft sand, and calm waters. It’s known for fresh seafood, local markets, and its relaxed beach vibe,” Irinraya said.

“Our hotel will capture that ambience and deliver luxury lifestyle accommodation for both short breaks and longer vacations.

“La Vie’s expertise in resort branding and management will ensure our property becomes one of the most desirable vacation destinations in Thailand.”

Outrigger rebuilds Thailand portfolio

Outrigger is embarking on a renewed expansion in Thailand with the acquisition of a Phi Phi resort.

OUTRIGGER HOSPITALITY GROUP has acquired a premier beachfront property on the northern tip of Thailand’s famed Phi Phi Island.

The newly acquired Zeavola Resort will undergo a full transformation and rebrand before opening as Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort on October 1, 2025.

“The addition of a new Outrigger Resort on Phi Phi Island represents a landmark moment in our strategic growth across Asia Pacific,” said Outrigger Hospitality Group President and CEO, Jeff Wagoner.

“Thailand remains one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations and we are thrilled to bring our signature style of beachfront hospitality to this extraordinary location.

“With our established operational presence in Thailand, we’re well positioned to enhance the guest experience and further strengthen our roots in this vibrant, culturally rich market.”

The resort will temporarily suspend operations to undertake an extensive renovation spanning both accommodations and shared spaces.

On completion, the resort will feature 63 suites and villas, in a “refined yet relaxed retreat”.

The latest addition becomes Outrigger’s fourth operating property in Thailand, joining resorts in Koh Samui, Khao Lak and Surin Beach and Phuket.

Professional

Valet & Concierge OUTSOURCED & SEAMLESS

We partner with you to elevate your guests experience & drive survey scores. We take care of the first impression, so you can own the lasting one.

The property will open as Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort in October

Mondrian Gold Coast features an all-day Italian restaurant and lobby bar

REDEFINING HOTEL DINING

Accor serves up a hotel dining revolution.

Accor is redefining what it means to dine in a hotel – and guests are taking notice. From bold new restaurant concepts to exciting partnerships with culinary trailblazers, Accor’s commitment to transforming the food and beverage experience is shaking up the status quo.

Accor is leading the way in curating meaningful and captivating restaurants and bars, creating destinations for both locals and guests. By focusing on locally inspired, creatively led, and operationally sharp food and beverage experiences, Accor is elevating hotel dining into something much more than a meal – it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and experience.

The Group’s food and beverage approach offers what guests want: fresh, vibrant spaces where they can relax, enjoy innovative menus, and connect with their surroundings. Whether it’s a pop-up poolside experience at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa or Latin American-inspired dining at Hacienda Sydney, these concepts are tailored to meet the expectations of today’s savvy diners.

“By treating our restaurants and bars as standalone heroes, not add-ons, we’ve seen a significant lift in guest engagement and revenue growth. And, we’re seeing this momentum continue to build with new hotel openings and refreshed venues right across the Pacific region,” said Adrian Williams, Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer.

ACCOR’S LATEST OPENINGS:

Hacienda Sydney at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour has a vibrant new look, blending Latin American flair with laid-back Australian hospitality. The refreshed venue features a Latin-inspired menu, reimagined cocktails, and stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Georgie Wine Bar at Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney brings New York-inspired neighbourhood charm to Sydney’s CBD, with a stylish art deco design, curated wine list and classic ItalianAmerican plates.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth unveiled a sophisticated new dining and drinking precinct as part of its $70 million refurbishment, featuring four distinct venues curated by House Made Hospitality. The line-up includes tilda, a luxurious distillation of Australian produce; bar tilda, a refined cocktail and whisky bar; Delta Rue, offering Vietnamese-French influenced cuisine; and Wentworth Bar, a rooftop oasis boasting one of Sydney’s largest outdoor terraces.

Best-in-class chefs are delivering

Each of Accor’s dining spaces has been thoughtfully imagined to enhance the sense of place. The design of these spaces isn’t merely about functionality – it’s about creating destinations that stand apart, offering immersive experiences that engage the senses, reflect the local culture and appeal to both travellers and locals.

“Dining is more than just a meal – it’s a window into culture, history, and tradition. When a guest sits down to dine, they’re experiencing the essence of a place,” said Ben Creek, Accor Pacific Director of Food & Beverage. “We’re committed to showcasing local flavours and creating dining experiences that connect guests to the culture and community around them.”

The rise of culinary tourism further highlights the importance of world-class dining in hotels. With more travellers seeking to indulge in local culture through food, hotels must meet the demand for diverse, high-quality dining experiences. Accor deeply understands this trend and its hotels continue tailor their offerings to reflect the growing importance of food as a key element of the guest experience.

“Sustainability is also front of mind. We’re focused on ensuring that our food and beverage operations are eco-conscious, healthfocused, and aligned with the values that matter to today’s guests,” Creek added.

Collaboration is another key to Accor’s success. The Group’s recent partnership with The Maybe Group’s Maybe Cocktail Festival – which brought 20 of the best bars in the world to Sydney for a week-long celebration and also included the hugely successful pop-up gnocchi bar Francesca at Mantra 2 Bond Street Sydney – showcases its dedication to innovation and community-driven experiences.

Accor’s food and beverage experiences are also a crucial part of its ALL loyalty program. Members earn points when they dine and drink

“By treating our restaurants and bars as standalone heroes, not add-ons, we’ve seen a significant lift in guest engagement and  revenue growth.”

Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Pacific

at Accor venues worldwide, even if they’re not staying at the hotel. These points can then be redeemed for one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar experiences, enhancing the appeal of the ALL program and of Accor’s restaurants and bars to both hotel guests and locals. n

ENNISMORE’S LATEST OPENINGS*:

Hyde Melbourne Place offers a dynamic dining experience with three distinct venues: Mid Air, a rooftop restaurant blending Mediterranean flavours with skyline views; Marmelo, a woodfired eatery inspired by the coastal cuisines of Portugal and Spain; and Mr Mills, an intimate late-night bar and supper club tucked beneath Marmelo’s staircase.

Mondrian Gold Coast boasts two distinct dining experiences: LiTO, an all-day Italian restaurant and lobby bar serving bold coastal flavours in a lively setting, and Haven, a surf-to-plate seafood restaurant and pool club celebrating beachside dining year-round.

25hours Sydney The Olympia will feature a vibrant dining scene curated by London’s Studio Paskin when it opens later this year, including The Palomar, offering Southern Spanish and North African cuisine; Jacob the Angel, an English-style café and bakery; The Mulwray, a chic cocktail and wine bar; and Monica, a rooftop bar with 1960s Hollywood-inspired décor and panoramic city views.

*Ennismore is a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands, which Accor owns a majority share.

The new-look Hacienda Sydney blends Latin American flair with laid-back Australian hospitality

At Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, tilda offers contemporary Australian cuisine

unique culinary experiences across the Accor portfolio

An additional 12 guest rooms have been

Hilton marks 50 years in Australasia

The global hospitality group unveiled a new-look Hilton Sydney to host celebrations.

GLOBAL HOSPITALITY BRAND Hilton is celebrating a successful 50 years in business in Australasia, marking the occasion with a grand function at the brand’s longest standing hotel in the region, Hilton Sydney, in May.

Hilton’s journey in Australasia dates back to 1975 with the opening of this landmark hotel, which set the standard for international hospitality in the region.

With over 55 years of global hospitality experience behind the company at that point, Hilton had established itself as a pioneer of industry firsts with innovations such as in-room televisions, air conditioning, and classics such as the Pinã Colada and the iconic Palmer House brownie.

Throughout the years, Hilton Sydney has established itself a flagship destination for business travellers, international tourists and Sydneysiders, welcoming world leaders, celebrities and VIPs through its doors and playing host to numerous major events.

Fresh from a AU$40 million transformation, Hilton Sydney continues to deliver on luxury, innovation and service.

Hilton Sydney’s transformation has seen a dramatic renovation of the hotel’s lobby, lobby lounge, executive lounge and guest

hallways, as well as the addition of 12 new guest rooms, bringing the total key count to 598.

“Hilton Sydney’s renovation is a testament to Hilton’s commitment to being The World’s Iconic Host, blending charisma, culture, and confidence through inspired design, dynamic dining, and engaging entertainment offerings,” the company said.

Hilton Sydney is one of 47 Hilton hotels trading in Australasia, with a further 12

Hilton executives welcomed VIP guests and partners to celebrate 50 years of the business in Australasia

projects under planning or construction.

Upcoming openings include Waldorf Astoria Sydney, DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland, Hilton Garden Inn Suva, Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane, and Hilton Garden Inn Sydney Kingswood.

Hilton says Australia remains central to its regional growth strategy, with continued investment in its portfolio and plans to expand into new locations across Asia Pacific.

Franchising is a key focus for Hilton’s

created at Hilton Sydney

future growth as the hospitality leader seeks to offer owners greater flexibility.

“At the heart of this commitment is The Stay – Hilton’s promise to make every Stay matter,” the company said.

“More than just a place to sleep, The Stay represents our belief that the Stay is the most important part of any trip. Whether guests are travelling for business, celebration, or discovery, we’re focused on delivering moments that are memorable, meaningful, and unmistakably Hilton.”

Hilton has garnered a reputation for landmark properties in iconic destinations across the globe, from The Beverly Hilton to Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, Hilton Tokyo, and Hilton Sydney.

This year, Hilton will enter its 100th country, adding to a growing list of new destinations that includes countries like Papua New Guinea, Uzbekistan and Namibia.

“Hilton hotels are synonymous with the best in global hospitality. Over the years, we’ve had a lasting impact on local economies and communities,” the company said.

Hilton Sydney’s lobby has been renovated as part of a major transformation

IHG and Salter Brothers ink long-term deal

Several IHG hotels will be upgraded and repositioned under luxury and lifestyle brands.

IHG HOTELS AND Resorts has signed a longterm agreement with fund manager Salter Brothers which will see several IHG hotels rebranded and repositioned under key luxury brands, including Regent Hotels and Resorts.

The brand will make a return to Australia after 28 years with the launch of Regent Melbourne in 2030 following a transformation of InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto.

Three existing Crowne Plaza properties, in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, will be repositioned under the InterContinental brand.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach, which is currently closed for works, will be rebranded to InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, opening in late 2025. The reimagined hotel will feature a pool deck with uninterrupted views of Coogee Beach, a new spa and wellness facility, a beachfront Club InterContinental and a new signature restaurant featuring an internationally renowned restaurant group.

Crowne Plaza Melbourne will become InterContinental Melbourne, introducing a Club InterContinental Lounge and a Michelin inspired restaurant and bar to the rooftop, as well as a new spa and wellness facility at the hotel, including the city’s first bathhouse.

The site of Crowne Plaza Canberra will be redeveloped into InterContinental Canberra – offering a rooftop Club InterContinental Lounge and Suites, extensive conference and event spaces together, a signature restaurant and luxury day spa facility – with a second hotel to be added under the Hotel Indigo brand, bringing a personalised boutique experience to the city.

Voco Gold Coast – the first voco hotel to open globally – will undergo a refurbishment and expansion of its leisure facilities to create a new hinterland facing pool deck and bar, and a kids club.

“We are delighted to announce an extended long-term agreement with Salter Brothers, which further strengthens our existing, highly successful relationship,” said IHG Hotels and

Crowne Plaza Canberra will be redeveloped into InterContinental Canberra

Voco Gold Coast will undergo a refurbishment and expansion of its leisure facitilites

Resorts Managing Director, Australasia Pacific, Matt Tripolone.

“This partnership accelerates IHG’s Luxury and Lifestyle growth in Australia and enables Salter Brothers to reposition key assets and unlock long-term value in this space.”

Tripolone said IHG is “thrilled” to see the return of Regent Hotels and Resorts to Australia after nearly three decades.

The Regent hotel will represent “the epitome

of modern upper luxury… blending timeless heritage with cutting-edge design”, according to IHG, and will include extensive conference and event spaces, multiple restaurants and bars, a spa and Regent Club.

“With three InterContinental properties also on the horizon, and a new hotel, Hotel Indigo Canberra, in our sights, we’re delighted to have cemented our leading Luxury and Lifestyle position in the country,” Tripolone added.

“Overall, this agreement underscores the strength and evolving nature of Australia’s hotel market and highlights the growing trend for conversions in our industry as guests increasingly seek immersive Luxury and Lifestyle experiences across the country.”

Salter Brothers Managing Director, Paul Salter, said: “We have a strong history with IHG spanning more than a decade, and are fully committed to our partnership which continues to drive growth for our assets.

“This new agreement represents over $1bn investment in the Luxury and Lifestyle segment and highlights our conviction in providing distinctive lifestyle experiences for travellers globally, with an emphasis on timeless style, culinary mastery and wellness facilities for guests.

“We look forward to working with IHG throughout the journey of these exceptional hotels, and welcoming domestic and international guests to experience these incredible properties under their new brands in the coming years.”

THE LUXXE TOUCH

Partnering with leading hotel chains, LUXXE delivers exceptional housekeeping services tailored to enhance the guest experience. With over 1,000 dedicated team members, we provide fully outsourced housekeeping solutions that uphold the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and care. At LUXXE, we are more than a service provider—we are a trusted partner committed to excellence in every detail.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will reopen as an InterContinental in late 2025

NEED TO KNOW

Trilogy grows New South Wales portfolio

As part of a deal with Accor, the two NSW hotels will continue to operate under the Mercure and Peppers brands.

INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Trilogy Hotels has added a further two Accor brand hotels to its New South Wales portfolio in May.

On May 1, 2025, Trilogy commenced operations of Peppers The Hills Lodge in Sydney’s Hills District, and Mercure Newcastle Airport.

Both hotels will remain under the Peppers and Mercure brands, with Accor continuing to provide brand distribution and loyalty programs.

“The Hills and Newcastle regions deserve wonderful hotels, not only as an amenity for these communities to enjoy,” said Trilogy Hotels CEO, Scott Boyes. “Hotels like The Peppers Hills Lodge and Mercure Newcastle Airport are platforms for locals to kick off an international hospitality career.

“This is a responsibility we embrace and a commitment we look forward to delivering on.

“We would like to thank all of our partners for providing the platform for us to do what we love doing most – operating their hotels.”

Built in 2015, the Mercure Newcastle Airport, located 300 metres from the airport terminal, features 95 guest rooms, a fully equipped gym, conference facilities, restaurant and bar.

“We are excited to collaborate with Trilogy Hotels, we are looking forward to seeing

what is possible with Trilogy’s management expertise and Accor’s brand,” said GWH Executive Director, Grahame Chevalley.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this partnership on our business and the community overall.”

With Newcastle Airport undergoing a major upgrade to the tune of AU$250 million upgrade, which will see a new international terminal opening in mid-2025, the region is set for further tourism growth.

Trilogy

Following the addition of new international routes and freight facilities, annual visitor numbers are expected to increase by 850,000 and inject AU$6.2 billion into the visitor economy over the next 20 years.

“We are delighted to be working with a wellrespected local business like GWH,” Boyes said.

“We have great confidence in the Newcastle market and are delighted to add the Mercure Newcastle Airport to our growing portfolio of wonderful hotels.”

Trilogy Hotels executives Tony Ryan, Scott Boyes and Grant Alchin

has commenced management of Mercure Newcastle Airport

Owned by Garry Lingard and Lyndsay Edmonds, the 97-room boutique Peppers The Hills Lodge in Sydney’s Hills is set within picturesque grounds, making it a popular wedding and conference destination.

The low-rise Tudor-style hotel offers guests fine dining at Nobles Restaurant and Bar, and features four function rooms, a heated swimming pool and full-service day spa.

The Lodge is located between commercial, retail, medical, and leisure precincts, including Norwest Business Park, which employs approximately 30,000 people across 800 multinational companies, including Woolworths, ResMed, and IBM.

The area is expected to see major residential and commercial expansion over the next two decades.

Lingard and Edmonds said Trilogy was chosen for its “innovative and collaborative approach to hotel management”.

“This approach aligns with our company values and vision for The Hills Lodge,” they said.

“Their ability to blend local insights with global best practices will undoubtedly improve the hotel’s operational efficiency and guest experiences. We look forward to this new chapter in our Lodge’s history.”

Boyes said the owners are “deeply invested in this rapidly growing and thriving part of Sydney”.

“Trilogy is dedicated to continuing the Lodge’s story and enhancing its reputation as the finest hotel in the area,” he said.

“We are grateful to Garry and Lyndsay for their partnership and trust, we are also delighted to be working with Accor, which will continue to provide brand distribution and loyalty under the premium Peppers brand.”

Peppers The Hills Lodge in Sydney’s Hills District also joins Trilogy’s management portfolio

New government, same challenge

Continuity in government means continued focus on issues that matter.

By James Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer, Accommodation Australia

It’s been a little over a month since the Australian people overwhelmingly returned the Albanese Labor Government to power. This certainty is good news for our industry –it allows us to get on with business.

We have a good working relationship with the Government – and our Tourism Minister Senator Don Farrell – and look forward to more co-operation over the next few years.

Continuity in government can be good – because it brings certainty and the big challenges holding us back have not changed.

The biggest priority for this government will be to increase international tourism demand.

In March 2025, short-term visitor arrivals

were 761,230 – an increase of just 190 on last year, that’s effectively 0% growth.

And this number is still nine percent below pre-COVID – we had 836,350 short term visitors in March 2019.

On top of this, New Zealand is now the largest source country, accounting for 14.0% of all visitor arrivals, followed by the USA and then the UK.

We love our Kiwi cousins, but we know they are often here to visit friends and relatives and do not boost the visitor economy in the same way as visitors from other countries located further afield in places like Europe or North and South America.

All praise for Adelaide

South Australia sets the standard for hotel and tourism development.

By James Doolan, Strategic Director, Hotel Council Aotearoa

IN A PREVIOUS column, I wrote about Rotorua and its sound decision-making around tourism. But even Rotorua has nothing on Adelaide and South Australia, generally.

South Australia is now deep into a multi-year reimagination of tourism’s potential, making great choices around supporting tourism supply and demand. The results are definitely starting to show.

On the supply side, South Australian leaders have recognised that “drop” (airlines and airports) and quality accommodation (hotels and lodges) are essential if any destination wants to attract free-spending visitors.

To get more people into the state, Adelaide Airport’s terminal was expanded in 2020. United Airlines recently announced direct flights between USA and Adelaide, the result of consistent campaigning from tourism leaders and strategic financial assistance to get the new route up and running.

The SA Government has actively pursued new hotel development, with its longstanding support of the AHICE conference just the start. South Australia offers financial incentives such as mezzanine loans that help bring new hotel development projects to fruition, especially in the Adelaide CBD and Barossa Valley. The

Adelaide Economic Development Agency cites 30 major pipeline projects worth more than $9.12 billion, and that’s on top of wonderful recent openings including the Sofitel Adelaide, Adelaide Marriott Hotel and Eos by SkyCity.

When new hotels open, surrounding streets and laneways are transformed. Free-spending visitors seek out opportunities to eat, drink and spend. Hotels – especially high-quality hotels of the type that Adelaide has attracted – are “regeneration beacons” that activate and transform city-centres for the better. The prospect of wealthy hotel guests encourages local business owners to invest more in their own, smaller-scale operations. This is why Adelaide now boasts a much-improved offering of world-class restaurants, cool coffee shops, hidden-gem bars and high-end retail.

Once supply is on track, it’s time to drive demand. Once again, South Australia is first-in-class. The South Australian Tourism Commission reports transparently on its expenses under three logical headings: Tourism Development; Tourism Events; Tourism Marketing. Last year, $97 million was invested in events with another $33 million in more generalised destination marketing. South Australia has deployed these funds to build a

An upward trend in the Chinese market is some good news, with 70,990 arrivals in March compared with 58,240 in March 2024, but what we really need is to focus on diversification.

We should not be reliant on China or – to a lesser extent the USA – or any single country.

We need to focus on emerging markets like India, South Korea, South-East Asia especially Vietnam) and we look forward to tackling this with the new Government – which, thankfully, has many people familiar with the issues important to members.

calendar of compelling events, many of them recurring annually during low and shoulderseasons. The AFL Gather Round and LIV Golf would not happen without state-sponsored subvention payments. These mega-events drive up hotel rates and occupancies, which is great news for those hotel investors and small business owners who took a punt on Adelaide.

Most importantly of all, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas “gets it”. He understands that it’s possible to champion new and emerging industries, or transformative projects such as AUKUS, while at the same time providing meaningful financial support to foster a modern, high-end and well-performing tourism industry. Malinauskas’ deep understanding of the power of tourism sets the tone. Hotel GMs tell me how easy it is to get things done quickly in Adelaide.

For those looking on enviously from New Zealand (and Auckland in particular), the population of South Australia is 1.9 million.

Qantas invests in Adelaide

Qantas has launched direct flights between Adelaide and Auckland and opened a new Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport.

QANTAS HAS ANNOUNCED new flights between Adelaide and Auckland set to take off in October 2025, marking the airline’s return of non-stop international flying from South Australia.

The new route unlocks greater choice for South Australians across the airline’s expanding international network, including seamless connections to North America via New Zealand on the airline’s popular QF3 service from Auckland to New York.

Available to book now, the new seasonal route will add more than 30,000 seats between the two capital cities, boosting inbound tourism to the state.

“We’re celebrating two huge milestones in Adelaide – launching a new direct international flight and our first Qantas Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport,”

said Qantas Group CEO International, Cam Wallace.

“This is fantastic news for our South Australian customers who will have access to a direct international flight to Auckland as well as opening up connections to New York via Auckland.

“For the millions of customers that visit our lounges, we know just how important it is to have a premium pre-flight experience and we’re so pleased to be bringing this to Adelaide.

“The new lounge has been designed based off feedback and the features we know our customers value the most.”

South Australia Premier, Peter Malinauskas, said the new flights were a win for the state.

“It is great news that Qantas is reestablishing a direct international flight out of

Adelaide with this new service to Auckland,” he said.

“There is no better friend to Australia than New Zealand – and this connection is only set to bring us even closer.

“It also connects South Australians through to New York City with a single stop, strengthening our bond with a key economic and AUKUS partner.

“We hope that this marks the beginning of a long-term commitment by Qantas to grow their international services out of Adelaide.”

The all-new Qantas Business Lounge at Adelaide Airport

STAR power

Penrith’s first and only five-star hotel, Pullman Sydney Penrith, and the adjoining Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC) are positioned for strong growth in meetings and events following the recent expansion of the precinct to include a broad range of facilities owned by the current reigning NRL Premiers, Penrith Panthers.

The enhanced precinct now features 11 event venues – including the 1,000-seat capacity Convention Centre and 900-seat Evan Theatre – expanding hosting capabilities to up to 2,800 seated or up to 10,000 exhibition-style across the precinct.

There are 17 food and beverage venues, free parking, as well as a range of team-building opportunities, such as indoor skydiving at iFly, Aqua Golf and cable skiing at Cables Wake Park. And behind the precinct lies The Backyard, an expansive outdoor space that offers a blank canvas for larger-than-life events and experiences.

All of this is located across the road to Penrith’s BlueBet Stadium, the home ground of the Panthers.

Leading a team of 72 employees across the precinct is General Manager, Charles Young, who joined in March from Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection.

For Young, the close connection to the sporting giants, Panthers, makes the job even more special.

AN EXPANDED PRECINCT AT PULLMAN SYDNEY PENRITH IS SET TO MAKE WESTERN SYDNEY THE GO-TO DESTINATION FOR MEETINGS AND EVENTS. RUTH HOGAN REPORTS.

“I’m very happy to be here,” Young told HM.

“Everyone talks sports, and that’s a language I love to speak. I played Aussie Rules football since I was a kid… I played my 100th game at 55. So, I have had to learn NRL, and what better club to learn with than here with Panthers.”

With the Panthers Penrith Leagues Club on site, event clients can now gain access to the knowledge and expertise of Panthers Academy, providing opportunities to involve past and present players, health and wellbeing experts, coaches, and other key figures as speakers on leadership strategies, team dynamics, sports science, health and wellness.

Since opening in August 2023, the 152-room Pullman Sydney Penrith and the WSCC have been

performing well, with hotel occupancy sitting in the ~70% region, predominantly in leisure.

The hotel features a fitness centre and sauna, in-room sleep therapy menu, modern European restaurant, Marcel Bar and Bistro, and a contemporary day-to-night bar, Tori.

“We have a lot of repeat guests,” Young said.

“We’ve had some guests coming back 65 times – and we’ve only been open 18 months.

“They’re finding a home away from home here in our facility, because we take care of them so well.”

It should come as no surprise, however, that corporate travel numbers have doubled on last year, with meetings and events showing similar growth.

John Pugliano leads the culinary offerings at Marcel Bar & Bistro and the WSCC

Young expects these segments will continue to soar with the expansion of facilities and the upcoming opening of nearby Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) in 2026.

“The airport is going to provide so many opportunities here in Penrith,” Young told HM.

“That will bring a lot more corporate business, domestic and international.”

While it is expected to take three to four

years for the airport to ramp up to maximum capacity, Young says there is a lack of accommodation facilities in the area.

“Right now, there is not enough accommodation inventory here to meet the demands of the airport,” he said, pointing to future growth plans.

“The master plan for this precinct will be growing to cater for that influx of international and domestic travellers,” he added.

The WSCC has finessed its offering by signing a partnership with a partnership with global event technology leader Encore for in-house event production, and the recent appointment of Executive Chef, John Pugliano (ex-Nobu in London, Eaton Hotel in Hong Kong and Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort in Dubai), who is known for his interactive live cooking stations, personalised chef experiences, and bespoke, locally sourced menus.

Young and his team are now focused on working with corporate clientele, local businesses and associations, including the Chamber of Commerce, and leveraging the power of the Panthers brand to take the business to the next level.

“We want to collaborate – to do business together, not separately,” Young said.

Among its partnerships is an alliance with local Olympic canoeists, Jess and Noemie Fox.

“With the Canoe Slalom World Championships coming up (September 2025 at Penrith Whitewater Stadium), we will be working with them and offering them use of the facilities here,” Young said. n

WSCC can host up to 1000 guests seated

Furniture and panelling in Pan Pacific Perth’s new lobby have been created using repurposed materials

EXPERIENCESBespoke

FRESH FROM A $50 MILLION REFURBISHMENT AND WITH A NEW GENERAL MANAGER AT THE HELM, PAN PACIFIC PERTH IS PRIMED TO CAPTURE GROWING CORPORATE AND LEISURE DEMAND. RUTH  HOGAN REPORTS.

Australia’s first and largest Pan Pacific hotel, Pan Pacific Perth, is reenergised to capture a growing leisure and corporate travel market with the completion of a large-scale renovation project and a new General Manager at the helm.

A feature of the Perth skyline for nearly 55 years, the former Sheraton hotel was taken over by Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) in January 2011 and has since operated as Pan Pacific Perth.

SINGAPOREAN DESIGN MEETS WESTERN AUSTRALIA STYLE

Singapore design firm FDAT Architects is behind the hotel’s refreshed interiors spanning all 488 guest rooms and suites, lobby, Pan Pacific Club Lounge and the hotel’s meeting and event spaces – the largest of any hotel in the city at over 2,500sqm.

Recognised as a leader in sustainable hospitality with all properties across its Australian and Singapore hotel portfolios certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism

Council (GSTC), PPHG was careful to ensure that this transformation project aligned with its eco-friendly ethos.

Decorative panels have been created from repurposed denim, Australian herbs have been hand-pressed into wooden materials, and recycled oceans plastics have been given new life as colourful tables in the lobby.

The new look aims to reflect the natural landscape and wildlife of Western Australia, alongside Pan Pacific’s Asian heritage.

“Throughout the hotel, you can see true

Pan Pacific Perth has the largest hotel event space in the city at over 2,500sqm

Singaporean design blended with Western Australian colours – from the sand and blue marble alternating between each of the rooms,” Pan Pacific Perth General Manager, Rens Breur, told HM.

The hotel’s four existing food and beverage venues remain, with plans to refresh these offerings in the works.

Restaurant Uma has already introduced a new signature South American-inspired menu “Journey Through The Amazon”, curated by Executive Chef Xerxes Bodhanwala, celebrating the diverse and bold flavours of the continent.

“The new menu brings together all corners of South America, from the highlands of Peru, to the busy streets of Chile, through the soul of Brazil, and the ancient spirit of Machu Picchu,” according to the hotel.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS BUSINESS

Now with its refreshed interiors, Breur is refining its service offering to differentiate the hotel from its competitors and drive greater commercial performance.

“This is a business of humanity.”

Rens Breur, Pan

Pacific Perth

With its expansive event spaces including versatile function areas and two ballrooms with dedicated pre-function spaces, large-scale conferences, weddings and large celebrations are a key focus for the business.

Breur’s focus in taking the business to the next level commercially is delivering a tailored experience for guests and event clients.

“With a product like this, you really want to focus predominantly on the corporate market, and in doing that, truly deliver a bespoke offering – which isn’t easy to deliver in a 488room hotel,” Breur said.

“That means that everything from A to Z will be under the microscope from the perspective of experience. And what does bespoke truly mean? It really needs to be that unique interaction with them about an event that they’re not getting anywhere else, that lies in that connection.

“It’s that element that’s quite important in how this property grows to that next level, because everything else – the beautiful product – is here already.”

Breur is hopeful that there will be more corporate and sporting events for Western Australia in the coming years.

“Perth is a very buoyant, evolving market but it could certainly benefit from more of the larger conventions coming to town,” he said.

“There are some larger sporting events that are coming this way… the WWE (taking place in October 2025) will fill the city. But it could use more of these types of events.”

BUSINESS OF HUMANITY

Delivering great service, relies on great people. Breur spent his first weeks at the hotel meeting with each member of staff, one on one.

“This is a business of humanity,” he said.

“If I have somebody in front of me that has that right energy, right character, and the right values, I’m very interested in that person.

“That’s in a role where we can indeed mentor or teach them like the skills required. The skills that come within DNA, I cannot teach.” n

Guest rooms have been designed with comfort and sustainability in mind

Bathrooms alternate with sand and blue marble

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa is delivering a women’s wellness retreat this August

Well:

TO DO

GENDER-SPECIFIC WELLNESS OFFERINGS ARE ON THE RISE, WITH HOTELS LAUNCHING DEDICATED OFFERINGS TO DELVE INTO THE HEALTH CONCERNS OF WOMEN AND MEN.

Aholistic approach to wellbeing has long been touted as the way forward and hotels have taken heed, opting for a rounded approach to wellness, spanning food and beverage, exercise and massage, relaxation and sleep.

Now, many hotels, resorts and wellness retreats are refining their offerings further, with the launch of tailored offerings for men and women.

Elysia Wellness Retreat, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, is seeing increasing numbers of men who are embracing a broader understanding of wellness.

“Around 20% of our guests are men.”

Amy O’Neill, Elysia Wellness Retreat

“When I started at Elysia 10 years ago, we’d see one male in every group of 30 in the program each week,” said Elysia Wellness Retreat’s Operations Manager, Amy O’Neill.

“Now, around 20% of our guests are men, typically aged 45 and above and checking in for a solo stay, a number which will continue to rise with accelerating awareness of men’s mental health challenges and the importance of open communication, as well as growing acceptance for those taking time out for self-care, or to seek support.

“We want men to leave the daily grind behind and come into an environment designed to nurture their physical, mental and emotional health, whether that’s a digital detox, a full mind and body reset, a spot of pampering, or connecting with like-minded guests.

“It’s all about broadening our understanding of what makes us feel well.”

Elysia has launched tailored offerings for male guests, including a dedicated seminar on men’s health and wellbeing, a seminar on biohacking for longevity exploring food as medicine, and a session on sleep, offering practical tips to optimise sleeping habits.

“Some of our male guests are nervous initially and concerned about stepping outside their comfort zone, especially if a partner has booked the stay for them,” O’Neill said.

“Overwhelmingly, their feedback at checkout is positive – they love the nutritious food, find the treatments rejuvenating, really enjoy the team-based activities, get a lot out of the guest speaker sessions, and feel proud of themselves for trying something new.”

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa is leaning into women’s health through a partnership with Female Physio Co.

The three-day Female Physio Co. Women’s Wellness Retreat, taking place from August 1-3, has been designed for women across all life stages with expert-led sessions, luxury treatments, and restorative experiences.

The retreat will include a pelvic floor 101 and longevity nutrition workshop and activation session, a floating sound-healing and breathwork session, Pilates, and choice of a spa treatment at Spa by JW. Activities will be paired with nutrient-dense, farmto-table dishes from hatted restaurant Citrique, as well as welcome amenities and culinary nourishments. Participants will also receive a voucher for a one-onone consultation with Female Physio Co.

“We’ve created this retreat to be a celebration of women’s health – meeting women where they are at and giving them the tools and space to reconnect with their body,” said Female Physio Co. Founder, Sarah Percy.

“Whether preparing for pregnancy, managing hormonal changes, or simply in need of a reset, this weekend is designed to help women feel educated, empowered, and recharged.”

Vanity Group, a supplier of luxury amenities to hotels across the globe, focuses on partnering hotels with “credible, well-aligned, leading brands, irrespective of their gender skew”.

According to Vice President Sales and Marketing, Naomi Rheinberger: “It’s about personalisation, not gender”.

“This allows us to curate experiences with trusted brands in the beauty and wellness space that are genuinely tailored to a guest’s needs,” said Rheinberger.

“That might mean offering a turndown item in their preferred scent through our fragrance partners, addressing specific skin concerns with targeted inroom skincare regime, or even providing haircare addons like scalp health consultations (something we’ve most recently explored with luxury Haircare brand Christophe Robin).

“Ultimately, it’s about creating meaningful moments that feel personal – whoever the guest is.”n

Increasing numbers of men are seeking wellness offerings

A holistic approach to wellbeing is being adopted by many hotels

Outsourcing certain services can help hotels operate more efficiently

Bring in the experts

HOTELS ARE OPTING TO OUTSOURCE A RANGE OF SERVICES TO REDUCE OVERHEADS, RAISE STANDARDS AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCY.

In a high-cost environment with recruitment and retention continuing to be ongoing challenges for the industry, many hotels are opting to outsource certain services to save on labour costs and reduce overheads.

Outsourcing provides immediate access to a trained, fully managed team, removing the burden of hiring, absenteeism, and compliance from in-house leadership.

But there are many more benefits to outsourcing that hoteliers might not be aware of, from increased guest satisfaction and lower claims to commercial opportunities, in some cases.

Here are some of the hotel services that can be outsourced and the benefits they bring:

VALET AND CONCIERGE SERVICES

Hotels may seek to outsource valet services to enhance guest experiences or to improve on their current offering by bringing in a valet and concierge specialist.

By outsourcing valet services, hotels are relieved of the stress of managing their driveways as it is managed by the operator.

“While hotels understand that minor incidents can happen occasionally when managing large volumes of vehicles, however consistently high incident rates are entirely unacceptable,” Horton said.

First Class Valet National Director, LesleyAnn Horton, says skilled labour hire equals lower claims.

Many hotels are choosing to outsource housekeeping services

“We have seen hotel claims numbers drop off a cliff when enlisting our services.”

Horton says the addition of a valet services also brings commercial benefits to the business.

“Valet parking is the one service-based offerings that can be outsourced and can also be commercialised,” she said.

“A hotel cannot commercialise services such as housekeeping, security, reception, or even maintenance. Valet is also a service that benefits the guest, however, can be offered at a justifiable price.

“Furthermore, an elevated guest experience can directly contribute to an increase in occupancy rates. Coupled with a professional, well-executed valet program, hotels can justify premium room pricing.”

HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Hotels are increasingly opting to outsource housekeeping services for many reasons. Outsourcing housekeeping offers access to a trained workforce, more streamlined operations, improved compliance, and greater cost-efficiency. It also allows hotels to offload the complexities of workforce planning and training, providing added peace of mind.

Exclusively servicing hotels, ahs hospitality delivers professional housekeeping services to meet each hotel’s unique needs.

Housekeeping teams are structured like an internal department, with a dedicated housekeeping manager, supervisors, and trainers who integrate with hotel operations.

The ahs hospitality team is supported by advanced technology, including an in-house app to improve efficiency.

“Trust and reputation drive our partnerships, but ultimately, hotels value consistent service and the simplicity of managing a contract rather than a department so they can spend more time focused on guest experience,” says ahs hospitality Sales and Marketing Manager, Justin Jones.

Another benefit for hotels is an opportunity to “mitigate risks around productivity and profitability, while also leveraging quality assurance”, according to ahs hospitality Commercial Manager, Kristen Slade.

FBM is another specialist in outsourced housekeeping for hotels, from boutique hotels to larger chains, offering daily room cleaning and public area maintenance, deep cleans, linen coordination, and on-site housekeeping supervision.

“Outsourcing gives hotels flexibility, reliability, and efficiency,” says FBM Director, Martin Baer.

Some hotels are opting to outsource valet services to experts

“Managing in-house housekeeping can be time-consuming and costly, especially with recruitment, training, and fluctuating occupancy levels. By partnering with FBM, hotels get access to a skilled, ready-to-go team that can scale up or down as needed – without compromising on quality.”

Baer highlighted the importance of working closely with clients to ensure staff understand the property, the brand, and expectations.

“When the relationship is strong and communication is open, those challenges are easy to overcome,” he said.

ROBOTIC CLEANING

As well as offering end-to-end housekeeping solutions, Luxxe Outsourced Hotel Services has introduced robotic cleaning technologies that reduce manual strain and improve productivity.

“One of the most exciting shifts we’re leading is the integration of robotic cleaning

Outsourcing property maintenance and landscaping can take the burden off hotels

technology into hotel environments,” said Luxxe CEO, Craig Coughlin.

“This enhances both safety and performance – reducing manual strain on team members, limiting water and chemical use, and delivering consistently high cleaning standards in large public areas.

The integration of robotics also plays a growing role in enhancing cost efficiency by reducing water and chemical usage, minimising manual strain, and enabling staff to focus on high-touch guest areas.

“It’s not just about cost-cutting – it’s about building a safer, smarter, and more sustainable way to operate,” Coughlin said.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE

As well as offering housekeeping services, Ozone Linen and Hospitality Services provides maintenance, landscaping, at-height external glass cleaning, carpet and upholstery steam cleaning, and more.

Rather than relying on a range of providers, hotels are choosing a provider with the expertise, resources and comprehensive knowledge of their hotels.

Ozone’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Tyson Maddison, says collaboration is the key to any successful partnership.

“Through meticulous planning, ongoing communication, precise processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement, consistency with the desired standard is always assured,” Maddison said.

And the financial impact speaks for itself.

“By reducing fixed expenses and optimising operational workflows, hotels not only save money but also gain the flexibility to invest in guest-centric initiatives,” Maddison said. n

Fiji time for AHICE

THE ASIA-PACIFIC HOTEL INDUSTRY CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION (AHICE) FIJI INVESTMENT IN TOURISM SUMMIT RETURNS ON JUNE 24-26, 2025.

Hotel leaders from across the Pacific are set to converge on Fiji’s Denarau Island next month to discuss market challenges and opportunities at the Asia-Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) Fiji Investment in Tourism Summit, hosted by HM Magazine.

Following its debut event last year, which drew a bumper crowd of over 330 leading owners, investors, operators, suppliers and advisors, the 2025 event is shaping up to be bigger and better, with an expanded program of events from June 24-26.

Commencing on the evening of Tuesday June 24, AHICE will welcome delegates to a networking dinner, providing the first opportunity to meet and connect with local and international industry colleagues.

This unique Winemaker Dinner in partnership with De Beaurepaire Wines from Rylstone in New South Wales will be led by De Beaurepaire Vigneron and Director, Will de Beaurepaire, inviting VIPs to engage in a fun evening of great conversation, food and wine.

The cost to attend will be FJ$150 per person and numbers are strictly limited so pre-registration is essential.

In an AHICE first, a charity golf day will be held at Denarau Golf and Racquet Club from 10:00am4:00pm on Wednesday June 25.

The golf day will be in the format of two- or fourball Ambrose teams, with approximately 48 players. The cost will be FJ$150 per person inclusive of green fees and golf club hire. All funds raised will go entirely to charity, courtesy of Tappoo. More details on the charity partner will be revealed soon. There are only 20 spots available, so book fast.

Wednesday evening will see a Gala Networking Event at Sheraton Fiji Resort and Spa, presented

AHICE returns to Fiji this June

AHICE Fiji will include a full day of conference sessions in 2025

by Marriott International and Tappoo, boasting the very best local food and beverages.

Thursday June 26 will see a full day of AHICE Conference sessions at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. Delegates can expect keynote presentations, insightful Q&As, in-depth market analysis, and topical panel sessions featuring some of Asia-Pacific’s leading hotel owners, investors, operators, executives, advisors and suppliers.

STR Business Development Manager – Pacific, Paul Hammond, will present a ‘by the numbers’ market outlook for Fiji and the South Pacific to kick off the conference, before a keynote presentation on the South Pacific Real Estate Market Outlook by JLL New Zealand Hotels and Hospitality Director, Nick Thompson.

There will be a range of Q&A sessions from hospitality and aviation leaders including Marriott International Area General Manager and Vice President Pacific Islands, Neeraj Chadha: Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, Andre Viljoen; and IHG Hotels and Resorts Managing Director – Australasia and Pacific, Matthew Tripolone.

Panel sessions will cover a wide range of topics including hotel and tourism investment, hotel technology, hotel operations, tourism, hotel design, development outlook, white label and sustainability and more.

The festivities do not end there, with a Gala Networking Event taking place from 7:00pm at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, followed by an AHICE After Event Networking Bar at Club Wyndham Denarau Island, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, presented by Travel and Leisure Co and Tappoo. n

ahiceconference.com/fiji

Fijian culture will be front and centre at this year’s event

Inside the

ACTION IN ADELAIDE

THE HOTEL INDUSTRY’S CORPORATES AND CREATIVES CONVERGED AT THE 16TH EDITION OF AHICE ASIA PACIFIC IN MAY. RODERICK EIME REPORTS.

Against a stunning Adelaide skyline backdrop, the 16th Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE) took place at the iconic Adelaide Oval with more than 1600 delegates from 40 countries in attendance and a stellar lineup of speakers and exhibitors, including the Premier of South Australia, the Hon. Peter Malinauskas.

With the aroma of Vittoria coffee wafting through the vast auditorium, the breakfast session kicked off with Baker McKenzie’s Dora Stilianos taking her panel on a deep dive into Hotel Management Agreements (HMA) which tackled such gnarly subjects as the relevance of Key Money and Performance Tests. JLL’s Ross Beardsell noted that such tests were crucial in identifying lagging GOP and how to plan around such pain.

In a logical progression, HM Editor Ruth Hogan was joined on stage by Bousserind Comson of Hotstats and Matthew Burke of STR to crunch the numbers, revealing continued demand despite a ‘noisy’ market.

Marriott’s Rajeev Menon joined James Wilkinson for a Q&A where he observed that

markets in Asia remained reasonably robust.

Howard Kemball stepped in to convene an Australasian panel for their outlook on trends and challenges in the market to which Trent Fraser was quick to identify regional leisure’s double-digit growth as driving his demand.

When the Premier, Peter Malinauskas, joined James Wilkinson on stage for a muchanticipated keynote chat, he was quick to thank the AHICE team for bringing some muchneeded rain to his dry state. Topics such as the very welcome UA direct flights to Adelaide were covered. The overwhelming success of AFL’s Gather Round and SA’s bid to co-host 2026 UN climate change meeting with Federal support were also discussed.

Howard Kemball was back on stage to chat with James Doolan (NZ) and James Goodwin (AU) to gauge their respective associations’ expectations for the year ahead. Doolan highlighted Auckland’s challenges, noting success in Rotorua and Queenstown balanced the scale somewhat. The spectre of a ‘lazy’ bed tax was another topic for anguished discussion.

Sonia LeFevre of Hotellerie hosted an energetic power session, tackling the trend

of smaller ‘micro’ hotels. AHICE regular Caspar Schmidt of QCC Collection was at ease in this sector with his prefabricated units, while panellists like TFE’s John Sutcliffe acknowledged his low-cost model. MM:NT was able to preserve a guest experience while offering rooms as small as 11 sqm. To the amusement of the audience, it was noted that a jail cell was typically 12 sqm.

Following the Expedia-sponsored morning tea, Ruth Hogan was joined by Hilton’s Mary Hogg to talk all things HR on the occasion of the brand’s 50-year anniversary in Australia. To some surprise amongst the audience, Hogg revealed that TikTok was the primary recruitment source for young candidates. She also defended Gen Z, noting that they have zero tolerance for poor employer behaviour and have clear career expectations.

In another Q&A with James Wilkinson, Crown Resorts CEO David Tsai noted that a properly functioning casino property can have a catalysing effect on growth in its immediate area. He also mentioned that the Sydney casino, particularly the feature rooftop bar, was in line for improvement.

Investment outlook occupied much discussion throughout AHICE and Part 1 of the panel discussion was hosted by CBRE’s Michael Simpson. Always good for a quote, Dr Jerry Schwarz maintained he was currently “holding” despite his recent $25m acquisition

Over 1600 industry leaders descended on Adelaide this May for AHICE events

of NSW’s Leura Gardens. Julian Clark of Lancemore examined several topics, observing that while investment seemed to be heading back to the cities, his regional investments were meeting expectations.

The subject of franchising has waxed and waned over the years, but Ruwan Peiris of THSA assembled a panel to examine its current relevance in this volatile market. It was Sam Davies of IHG who identified that franchising held particular relevance to conversion properties, while Accor’s David Silcock agreed, adding that it was an easier choice for first-time owners who needed the massive distribution available through big names.

Regional tourism was one of several consistent threads throughout the two-day program and experienced Joost Heymeijer gathered a panel to examine the outlook.

Savills Nick Lower observed that the pandemic elevated regional tourism here in Australia, while Grant Wilckens, founder of the G’Day Group, noted his Discovery Parks were certainly benefiting from this market refocus, often outperforming hotels in the regions. If anything was impeding growth in the regions, it was red and green tape, as pointed out by Mandala’s John Zeckendorf.

Following another excellent networking lunch sponsored by Ecolab, Jesper Palmqvist of STR examined the Asia Pacific development outlook with his panel of experts.

While it was clear much of the market activity was stable, it was the conference’s hottest topic, wellness, that was identified as the standout growth sector. In terms of

Co-Host Message

Minister for Tourism, Hon Zoe Bettison MP

Leaders took to the stage to discuss topics ranging from investment and development to people and culture

expansion, it was branded residential that was agreed by the panel as ‘ripe’.

IHG’s Rajit Sukumaran then joined James Wilkinson for another probing Q&A where he reinforced the growing demand for branded residences. While he shared the sentiment with many other operators that Tokyo was continuing to attract development interest, he stressed that construction should be for the future with less emphasis on the ‘now’.

Robert Williams of Watson Farley and Williams and his expert panel again discussed the sometimes contentious topic of White Label. While Trilogy’s Scott Boyes cannily observed that franchising would always be a lesser cost than a conventional HMA, Thomas

John of Panache raised eyebrows with his unique ‘Lanchise’ concept, a strategic hybrid of leasing and franchising.

The outlook for Australasian Capital Markets was examined by Duane Keighran, looking at where transaction demand is headed.

Real estate broker Sam McVay said that while easier, smaller deals were predominant, and a sudden boost in private wealth over the last five years was pushing investment capital across traditional sectors. Karen Wales of Colliers added that Asia was a fertile source of funds and that investors saw Australia as a safe haven in these uncertain times.

It was time for James Wilkinson and Dillip Rajakarier from Minor Hotels for their regular

IT WAS AN honour to host the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) in Adelaide for the fifth consecutive year. AHICE provides an opportunity to demonstrate why South Australia is the destination to work and play. Our hotel offerings continue to go from strength to strength, as leading chains recognise our State as a place to invest.

Since hosting last year’s event, we’ve seen the opening of the Adelaide Marriott in the historic GPO building, Crowne Plaza Mawson Lakes, The George Hotel in the tourist hotspot of Glenelg, and the unique Monarto Safari Resort in Australia’s largest open range park. We also welcomed the news IHG Hotels and Resorts has been named as the operating partner of an exciting new luxury resort in the Barossa.

Our year-round events calendar continues to bring people into our State and booking out our hotels. The Friday night of the now bucket-list sporting event, AFL Gather Round was the strongest night ever for hotel rooms occupied and revenue across greater metropolitan Adelaide. This followed our world-renowned festival season, which saw March 2025 record the strongest month ever for room nights occupied in Adelaide.

I look forward to welcoming back the leading industry delegates to South Australia for another wonderful AHICE in 2026.

Q&A. The Oaks brand redesign was noted, while he also remarked how the so-called ‘White Lotus effect’ had boosted booking and enquiries for Anantara’s Thailand properties by more than 100% while enhancing Thailand’s profile as a luxury destination overall. Upcoming destination? Saudi Arabia. The outlook for New Zealand and the Pacific came under the microscope with a panel helmed by JLL’s Nick Thompson. Again, it acknowledged that while Auckland was lagging,, Queenstown was promising and as Ifti Hussain from Sudima noted, he saw gaps waiting to be filled in Wellington. Outrigger’s Jason Zvatora said his newly acquired Beachcomber and Treasure Island properties were about to undergo a longoverdue refurbishment.

Principal Partner Message

Andrew Bullock, Chief Executive Officer

Rock’n’rollers rejoiced with a surprise appearance of Toby Rand, Ashenmoon lead singer and live music advocate, who reinforced the concept of adding live music to hotel venues as a tangible way to add ‘vibe’ and energy to hotel in-house venues.

In a quick and sharp presentation, JLL’s Andrew Langsford gave an expert overview. He said traditional real estate investments had been turned on their heads, with retail and office space being replaced by hotels as safe investments. He was also confident that interest rates would ease in the next few weeks.

Are mid- and upscale hotel segments driving growth? That was the question Baker and McKenzie’s Sebastian Busa asked of his panel. Trent Conroy of Choice agreed, especially in regional areas where conversion opportunities

existed. Minor Hotels’ Craig Hooley noted that by adding people are often travelling for value not necessarily for experience in many regional markets. IHG’s Cameron Burke said White Label branding was also conducive to this sector. He also identified SE Queensland as a region with great potential.

James Wikinson invited Accor’s Camil Yazbeck to look at this sector as well. He believed that building for the community is a way to use local activity to attract international guests and that branded residences could also be valuable in this sector.

As an adjunct to AHICE’s Rising Star program, a select group of top young executives, moderated by Ashurst’s Emmy Ko, shared their vision for the future, reexamining several topics from the previous

WHAT A GREAT few days in Adelaide for AHICE 2025. This conference remains the region’s most influential stage for hospitality leaders to share knowledge, forge connections, and explore the future of our ever-evolving industry.

At 1834 Hotels, we’re proud to be part of the ever-evolving hotel landscape, partnering with our hotel owners to deliver operational excellence, drive profitability, and enhance long-term asset value. Our portfolio has grown to represent a diverse cross-section of regional and metropolitan properties across Australia, and with it, our commitment to tailored solutions and trusted relationships has never been stronger.

AHICE provided an opportunity to connect meaningfully with likeminded operators, investors, brand partners and thought leaders – reinforcing just how critical collaboration and adaptability are in today’s market. The strength of our sector lies not just in big ideas, but in consistent, on-the-ground delivery.

We thank the HM team for another outstanding event and look forward to contributing further to the conversation as our industry continues to evolve.

Keynote Toby Rand and industry leaders dressed in Stuart Trevor’s sustainable designs

South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas in conversation with James Wilkinson at AHICE

day. The overriding sentiment being that personal fulfilment was more important than professional achievement in many cases. Josie Hungerford from Trilogy reminded upcoming executives to be mindful of their own path and take responsibility for it.

Rod Salter chatted with James Wilkinson in the next Q&A where the growing demand for wellness experience bolstered his recent acquisition of the Spicers Retreats portfolio, following a value-add philosophy.

To conclude, Ruth Hogan chatted with Ascott Limited’s David Mansfield, who outlined the growth strategy for Lyf’s co-living brand and Oakwood’s exciting move into Adelaide’s CBD.

Delegates enjoyed a rock-n-roll filled Gala Networking Event with Toby Rand and local Adelaide musicians playing up a storm, before

Principal Partner Message

Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Pacific

A wide range of exhibitors showcased their products and services at this year’s event

AHICE After Dark at Luma, The Playford.

Day 2 saw the Australian launch of the all-new INN Tech Hotel Technology Summit, covering key trends and emerging on-property tech tools.

To kick off, Melissia Kalan from ARMA posed questions to her panel of Revenue Management (RM) experts, and it was clear that many properties lacked proper RM strategies.

Michael Heyward of Emekeli Research highlighted the lack of universal measurement metrics in RM and how this was hindering revenue optimisation. In contrast, Chris Ormiston of Agilsys highlighted the disconnect between occupancy and utilisation and how this can be optimised with corrected forecasting.

Enzyme Consulting’s Andrew Cameron asked his expert panel about the role of technology in hotels and how it can assist in the guest journey.

Vijesh Yoganathan of Canary Technologies set the scene by reminding the room that the guest journey begins and ends well before and after the actual stay and that hotels should recognise the numerous ‘touch point’ opportunities on that timeline, gathering data wherever possible.

Shiji’s Anthony Stevens mentioned that technologies exist to assist humans in creating a more personal experience. He used examples such as Uber, e-passports, facial recognition, and self-service kiosks as technology tools that can free staff from routine tasks and streamline the guest journey.

Robert Bell of Hub OS reminded the audience that, with guest expectations constantly evolving, relevant technologies must be embraced sensitively without overstepping.

Using technology platforms on-site was the topic of FutureLog’s Benjamin Krieg’s expert panel.

Michael Benikos of ASSA ABLOY set the scene by nominating the self-service kiosk as the vital tool, enabling hotels to absorb more guest volume without having to roster extra staff. Such a use frees staff from ‘transactional’ interactions, allowing them to engage in more meaningful personal conversations.

THSA’s Rodger L Powell bemoaned the necessity of a physical credit card at check-in while other businesses such as airlines have long since eliminated the need. Embedded

AHICE 2025 WAS another valuable opportunity for our industry to come together to share ideas, challenge perspectives, and shape the future of this wonderful sector. The topics this year have inspired our team, sparking timely conversations and bold thinking as we continue to look for new ways of adding value to our owners.

It was energising to see such strong focus on regional development, emerging talent, and the pivotal role of hospitality in shaping inclusive local economies. As the largest hotel operator across the Pacific, Accor is proud to be investing in these growth corridors and playing an active role in community regeneration.

We love the opportunity to come together for AHICE in Adelaide – it’s an essential opportunity to connect with leaders of our industry, including investors, consultants, agents and key talent. What I particularly loved was hearing such a broad range of voices on stage - from fashion creatives to future leaders. The diversity of perspectives truly reflected the richness of our industry and the energy that drives it forward.

Thank you to HM Magazine for hosting another powerful AHICE. It is always a privilege to come together with our peers to learn, share and collaborate. I look forward to seeing where the next 12 months take us!

CONFERENCES

television apps and energy control systems were also discussed.

Andrew Cameron returned to the stage to discuss boosting profitability with Chris Ormiston, reiterating the need to utilise profile data to predict guests’ possible desires before check-in and maximise the utilisation of hotel facilities, hence revenue.

Communications specialist Chris Waite convened a lively power session dealing with the value of OTAs in the hotel booking and reservation mix.

Setting the scene, Shaizeen Contractor of Trilogy said her research showed that customers will research 21 hotels prior to booking.

Friendly sparks flew when the use of OTAs versus native loyalty systems became a talking point. GHA’s Andrew Boshoff stirred the

pot, asserting that client retention increased from 10% to 40% when clients moved to a loyalty platform.

Todd Lacey tackled the impact of AI in the booking process, contending that booking.com was using the tool to accelerate the customer connection rather than replace it.

The AHICE program resumed with HM Editor Ruth Hogan, quizzing Accor’s Marcus Keller on the worldwide brand elevation of the stalwart Sofitel brand and how owners were reacting to this imperative. The introduction of the new Emblems brand for landmark properties in the ultra-luxury space was also a talking point.

TFE’s Antony Ritch sat with James Wilkinson to analyse the rise and rise of TFE and TOGA in the Asia Pacific arena. Ritch was keen to point out the major refurbishments

taking place at all Adina properties and their development of multi-use ‘villages’, highlighting the distinct marketing advantages these bring.

Sustainability is close to the hearts of all hoteliers – and so it should be. Andrew Cameron returned to the stage to convene an expert panel to tackle this complex topic.

Kamal Atal of The Ascott Limited made the point that sustainability is no longer a cost but rather an investment, while Diana Rico-Roa of ESG Plus pricked our collective conscience by pointing out that hotel facelifts are prone to hiding the property’s “sick internal organs,” thereby avoiding upgrading the vital components affecting its ‘green’ credentials.

Ecolab’s Lionel Kapetanakos raised health, hygiene and safety issues around water supply, while Voyages CEO Matthew Cameron-Smith extolled the importance of elevating indigenous experiences to his business strategy.

Luxury is a keystone element in hospitality, but as panel host, Senior Lecturer Dr Anita Manfreda noted, it is often misunderstood and misrepresented.

The panel was unanimous in its recognition of the evolving luxury demographic. Marriott’s Richard Crawford noted that 50% of the luxury market is now Gen Z and Gen X, but supply was only increasing by 5%.

The topic of wellness was raised again, and it was said to contribute to a hotel’s ‘quiet luxury’ quality, transcending simply outsourced massage tables. IHG’s Gareth Long added that any wellness offering needed to add ‘soul’ to be considered true luxury.

Principal Partner Message

Tony Marshall, Vice President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific

AHICE 2025 WAS a standout event once again. From thought-provoking keynotes to productive conversations and meaningful networking, this year’s event brought together some of the brightest minds in hospitality. It provided a valuable opportunity to connect with industry leaders, partners, and prospective customers - fostering the kind of in-person discussion that drives real progress.

The insights shared throughout the event offered a compelling view of where the sector is heading in 2025 and beyond, highlighting the momentum of innovation and the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement. A particular highlight this year was the launch of the INN Tech Hotel Technology Summit, which showcased cutting-edge solutions and featured sessions led by leading hotel owners and operators.

AHICE continues to play a vital role in transforming digital connections into lasting professional relationships, and we’re excited to see how the conversations sparked here shape the future of hospitality.

Young leaders took to the stage to discuss careers in hotels

Regarding luxury cliches, Richard Crawford rattled the cage and insisted on being quoted as saying, “Lifestyle is not a ‘thing’, it’s just a contemporary way of doing things.”

Following the IHG-sponsored morning tea, James Wilkinson met with EVT director Norman Arundel and discussed the success of lifestyle brand QT and its international expansion as well as the emerging LyLo budget brand.

We all know the importance of aviation in sustaining tourism markets, and Rodney Harrex of 1834 Hotels spoke with a highprofile panel that included SA’s Tourism Minister, Zoe Bettison, who noted with obvious reference to Adelaide’s new UA direct flights, that anything that connects markets has to be a good thing. Additionally, the pending arrival of Qantas’ new Airbus A3501000 aircraft is creating excitement. Luxury Escape’s Adam Schwab was quick to extol the virtues of LCCs in creating demand for upscale products.

Chatting with Radisson’s Elie Younes, HM Editor Ruth Hogan established that the global group had aspirations in India, China, and Australasia. He reinforced that before growth, a brand like his needed to develop harmony with owners in their respective markets, recognising that both guests and investors emanating from the same region defined markets like Australia.

All ears were activated for the keynote speaker, Stuart Trevor, who enthralled the room with the story of his clothing company. The company doesn’t manufacture any clothing

Principal Partner Message

Callum Kennedy, Group General Manager

but repurposes fashion into highly desirable items while reducing pressure on the waste created by so-called ‘fast fashion’.

The ever-ebullient Andrew Bullock of 1834 Hotels sat down with Ruth Hogan to discuss his successful boutique hotel company. He revealed that the key to small hotels was the centralisation of services and the ability to fine-tune the guest experience. There was also interest in the acquisition of the Elanor Group, of which Adelaide’s landmark Mayfair Hotel is a part.

In the following Q&A, Barry Robinson from Travel and Leisure Co revealed he was the largest owner of assets in Australia, as well as the company’s exciting expansion into the Middle East in the lesser-known Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. He also revealed

the recent acquisition of the languishing Castaway at Mission Beach, which will be a refurbishment project.

It was only fitting that after a sumptuous lunch, Emma Fraser should gather a panel to discuss the role of F&B in hotels, a consistent thread throughout AHICE.

While conceding that F&B adds room nights, QT’s David Sude argued that F&B is still a convenience rather than a destination. Winemaker William de Beaurepaire postulated that the celebrity chef era is fading, suggesting diners would rather see chefs at work in the kitchen than just turn up to take a bow and leave.

Hilton’s Jonathan Bowmaker says too many hotels see F&B as a cost rather than a revenue centre, leading to cuts that dilute

HEADING TO AHICE to see our EVT team and fellow industry leaders discussing insights, learnings and future mapping, it was great to see the industry buzz. Amongst the buzz, was something that resonates every second of the day for the EVT team, and that’s knowing your customer.

Across all pillars of our business from Thredbo ski fields to Event Cinemas, right through every hotel in our portfolio - we always put our customers at the centre of what we do. The key to success? Listening and evolving.

Of course, we listen by engaging directly with our customers. But what has amplified our ability to respond, is the investment in intelligent customer listening tools, to inform us in real time on what is working, where we need to improve and what’s trending so we can plan ahead. By listening, we can wake up every day and do things better. We’re agile and always evolving, which underpins our success in creating experiences that escape the ordinary.

From Lylo, our social accommodation offering, which involved our target customers in the design process, to our customer informed QT signature service “Unexpected and Unrequested”, and our Food and Beverage concepts that embed themselves into their local neighbourhoods and communities - we continue to learn, innovate and take action.

At EVT, everything comes back to knowing our customer. We listen to grow.

A gala networking event showcased the best of South Australian food and wine

the experience. Nathan ‘Chef’ Broadhead countered by saying that with effort and vision, hotels can create fabulous spaces.

Dean Dransfield stepped in on short notice to field the gnarly topic of money and investment. Initially identified by Serene Capital’s Andrew Brandon, it soon became clear that amongst the panellists, uncertainty around interest rates trumped tariffs as the ‘fly in the ointment’ with investors. It also arose that we have an advantage on exchange rates with the current resurgence of international capital in our market.

Returning to one of AHICE’s favourite topics, THSA’s Rodger L Powell interrogated asset managers on their outlooks. Besides announcing the formation of an Australasian chapter of the Hotel Asset Managers’ Association (HAMA), Powell asked how Australia’s relatively high-cost base and low ADR impacted asset managers’ outlook. Beyond that, the panel soon addressed the importance of the GM as the single most important factor in any hotel’s success.

Recognising that hospitality is, at its core, a people business, Professor Simon Pawson addressed the staffing challenges prevalent at all levels of the industry.

Predictably, the topic of ‘culture’ quickly became the nub of the discussion, which, EVT’s Silvia Cohen said, emanates throughout a team from the top down. ATT’s Kelly Dodd also noted that ‘employee mobility’ was a largely misunderstood issue, while Emma Hynes from IHG warned against ignoring the Employee Value Proposition (EVP).

Principal Partner Message

Paul Hutton, Area Vice President APAC & Head of Australasia

While ‘lifestyle’ may be a nebulous term to some in our industry, it has nevertheless come to define a specific niche in hospitality offerings, with the rising trend in ‘collection’ brands, Mark Palermo from Squite Patton Briggs gathered his experts to debunk any misconceptions.

Accor’s Brett Forer recognised that unique storytelling drives the brand, as guests love a good story, and that embracing and fostering community is crucial in creating a valuable gathering space. Raphael Antonini from Salters recognised that this requires a strong USP with ‘pop’.

Next up was Accor’s Adrian Williams, who was excited to talk with Ruth Hogan about breathing new life into the iconic Boulevard Hotel on Sydney’s William Street. He also emphasised the value of aligning with sports events, experiences, and sponsorship as a very Australian thing that adds extra value to Accor’s extensive loyalty base. Naturally, too, Accor’s high visibility at airports was acknowledged as a valuable initiative.

Keynote speakers are always a feature at any AHICE and hearing the story of ReLove moved many in the room, hopefully to action. ReLove accepts secondhand furniture and appliances from refurbished hotels for people in crisis. Let’s hope more brands respond.

It’s all well and good to have a story but if no one knows it, it’s lost to history. PR maven, Gaynor Reid, formerly of Accor, now working with TravMedia quizzed some of the stars of travel media.

In short, it boiled down to relationships,

and as Nicole Bolger of Luxury Escapes pointed out, you need to know the journalist you’re pitching to and how they want your story delivered. While stalwart News Ltd journalist, Brad Crouch, stressed the importance of a ‘news angle’ and a catchy image. Beware of AI is another takeaway.

Amid the clank of CinCin cocktail glasses, JLL’s Peter Harper assembled a panel of investors to find out what was fuelling their growth.

Stuart Verrier of AP Airports noted that despite the increased number of visitors from hot destinations like India and Vietnam, people were not staying at airport hotels as he felt they should be. Greg Shaw pointed out that Sydney was firing for his investments, and that would retain his focus. Jure Domazet of Doma has his eye on Brisbane based on simple supply and demand.

With the sun setting over the scenic River Torrens, Robert Williams of Watson Farley & Williams hosted ‘The Closing Bell’ where industry insiders gaze into their respective crystal balls for 2025 and beyond.

Perhaps lubricated by truth serum, some of the great hotel stories flowed free, sparked by Gadi Hasson of Helios telling the tale of Selina and Harvey Thompson of Eaton carefully censoring his many stories from Sydney’s Boulevard.

AHICE Asia Pacific will make its return to Adelaide from May 5-7, 2026. n ahiceconference.com/asiapacific

THE AHICE CONFERENCE once again proved why it’s the preeminent gathering of hotel and accommodation leaders in Australia. As someone who has attended for many years, I found this year’s event particularly energising. The enthusiasm in the room was palpable, driven by a shared optimism about the sector’s future growth. What stood out was the sense of collaboration – between operators, investors, developers, and brands. The discussions were not only futurefocused but refreshingly honest. We tackled challenges head-on and celebrated the innovation that’s reshaping our industry. It was wonderful to host the opening event at Hilton Adelaide and it gave me great pride to see many of Hilton’s leaders share their knowledge and insights across a number of panels. I also had the privilege of attending the Future Leaders Forum, which set the tone for the week. The calibre of young panellists and moderators was exceptional, making it an uplifting and deeply encouraging gathering. Their energy, perspectives, and enthusiasm for the industry certainly left a lasting impression on me.

This year’s AHICE also felt especially meaningful as it coincides with a major milestone for Hilton - our 50th anniversary in Australia in 2025. The energy and forward-thinking spirit at AHICE perfectly reflected the values that have driven Hilton’s success over the past five decades. This remarkable milestone highlights our deep commitment to this market and the enduring relationships we’ve built along the way. It’s a time to honour our legacy, celebrate our people, and look ahead to a future defined by continued growth, innovation, and excellence in hospitality.

AHICE announcements

Accor’s Chief Operating Officer in the Pacific, Adrian Williams speaking at AHICE Asia Pacific

Accor signs landmark deal with Bayview International

Accor secures management of a trio of hotels with Bayview International Hotels and Resorts.

ACCOR HAS ASSUMED management of The Sydney Boulevard Hotel in East Sydney, Bayview Geographe Resort in Busselton Western Australia, and Wairakei Resort Taupo in the North Island of New Zealand.

“This is an exciting milestone for Accor as we continue to expand our presence in the Pacific,” said Accor Chief Operating Officer in the Pacific, Adrian Williams.

“These three properties are well-loved by locals and visitors alike, and we are thrilled to bring them into the Accor family.

“Our vision is to elevate their guest experiences through our powerful brands, ALL loyalty program, and world-class service offering.”

All three properties will continue to operate under their current names while extensive

AHICE ASIA PACIFIC SAW HOTEL LEADERS DISCUSS A HOST OF MAJOR PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENTS, WITH MANY EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS REVEALED ON STAGE.

Principal Partner Message

David Elia, Chief Executive Officer

SINCE 2016, HOSTPLUS has proudly partnered with AHICE to deliver the premier hotel and accommodation industry event in the Asia Pacific. The 2025 event at Adelaide Oval was no exception, bringing together industry leaders to forge connections, share ideas, and gain insights into the sector’s future. Hostplus supports the hotel and accommodation industry by delivering for our employers and their staff every day. Representing over 1.8 million members, and with more than $115 billion in funds under management, Hostplus’ size and scale help us deliver greater value and financial outcomes for our members. Driven by an active investment strategy, the Balanced (Mysuper) option has a track record of delivering strong investment returns over the long term. Thank you to our loyal members and employers for choosing Hostplus.

refurbishments take place, before being relaunched under Accor brands.

“With a comprehensive refurbishment plan in place, we can’t wait to unveil their refreshed identities and welcome even more travellers to these remarkable locations,” Williams added.

Recognised as one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels, The Sydney Boulevard Hotel features 277 guestrooms, including seven suites, 11 meeting spaces, a ballroom, a restaurant and café, and an exclusive top-floor meeting room with breathtaking views of the CBD and Sydney Harbour.

Bayview Geographe Resort, located three hours south of Perth in Busselton, features 137 rooms, a variety of villas, an indoor heated swimming pool, a tennis court, a golf putting green, and direct beach access.

Wairakei Resort Taupo, set in the geothermal wonderland of Wairakei, just north of Lake Taupo, includes 187 guestrooms, a nine-hole golf course, a geothermal swimming pool, a day spa, multiple dining venues, and extensive conference facilities.

“Accor is honoured to welcome Bayview International as a partner and we are grateful to be entrusted with the care of these three remarkable hotels,” said Accor’s Global Chief Development Officer for Premium, Midscale & Economy, Camil Yazbeck, who was also speaking at AHICE.

“This agreement reflects the shared values of our two companies, and our deep commitment to long-term success.

“Our approach is to stand side-by-side with our development partners – bringing an owners’ mindset, offering guidance and

Accor’s Global Chief Development Officer for Premium, Midscale & Economy, Camil Yazbeck, also discussed the Bayview deal in his Q&A session

unwavering support throughout the unique lifecycle of every property.

“We look forward to working with Bayview International as we strengthen and shape the future of these hotels with exciting upgrades and the compelling guest experiences for which our exceptional hospitality brands are renowned.”

Founded in 1993, Bayview International Hotels and Resorts has built a strong legacy of memorable hospitality experiences.

Bayview International Hotel and Resorts Vice President Projects and Product

Principal Partner Message

Development, Derek Yan, said partnering with Accor represents an exciting new era for the company.

“We have a proud tradition of delivering fantastic hotel experiences, and this collaboration will allow us to elevate these three properties to new heights,” Yan said.

“With Accor’s global expertise and strong brand portfolio, we are confident that these hotels will thrive, offering even greater experiences for our valued guests. It reaffirms our commitment to growth and excellence in the region.”

Matthew Tripolone, Managing Director - Australasia & Pacific

IT WAS GREAT to be back in Adelaide for AHICE 2025 to catch up with partners, hear from key government and industry leaders and feel the optimism in the air. Market trends and growth, profitability and the importance of strategic collaborations were just some of the big topics on the agenda.

As IHG’s SVP & Managing Director East Asia and Pacific, Rajit Sukumaran, noted in his on-stage conversation with James Wilkinson, there are continued opportunities for growth in Australasia Pacific, with luxury & lifestyle and resorts particularly strong in this region.

We made several signing announcements in the lead up to AHICE 2025 including InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa, InterContinental Brisbane, Holiday Inn Townsville and voco Darwin Suites. These signings are testament to IHG’s strong growth momentum, with both new builds and conversions, and it was wonderful to celebrate these with partners and teams.

Thank you and congratulations to James, Ruth, and the entire HM team, for bringing the industry together and hosting such an enriching event

THSA’s Rodger Powell announced the launch of a regional asset managers association at AHICE Asia Pacific

Asset managers unite

The region’s top asset managers have united to form an ANZP chapter of the Hospitality Asset Managers Association.

AUSTRALIA’S MAJOR ASSET management firms have come together to form a Australia, New Zealand, Pacific chapter of the Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) in a bid to provide Colliers, Gatehouse, JLL, Mulpha, Pro-invest Group, Salter Brothers and THSA are among the firms to have signed up to establish this new regional chapter, which launched at the Asia

Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE).

Speaking on stage at AHICE, THSA Managing Director, Rodger Powell, said it will give a voice on issues relative to owner investment and asset management, and lift the professionalism of this sector.

“We’re very excited. It’s a new step forward for our part of the sector, and

Principal Partner Message

we think it will help, ultimately, owners to get better return on their investment,” Powell said.

HAMA has thousands of members in the US and Europe. Its members are required to have a minimum of two years’ experience in the practice of asset management, ensuring a high standard of practice across the network.

Peter Harper, Managing Director - Head of Investment Sales Australasia, Hotels & Hospitality Group

JLL HOTELS & Hospitality was honoured to serve as a Principal Partner at this year’s exceptional AHICE conference. Our team featured prominently throughout the three-day event, including being a part of the Day 1 Breakfast Masterclass on “Owner Friendly Hotel Management Terms in Australia” and contributing expertise across several insightful panel discussions. Key themes emerging from the conference included a significant uptick in investment activity over the past six months, an optimistic investment outlook driven by increased Asian capital inflow to the region, market stabilisation expected as supply growth slows to support occupancy recovery, continued expansion of white label operators and hotel franchising models, and strong public support with positive projections for regional tourism investment. We anticipate a promising outlook for the industry through the remainder of the year and look forward to announcing several landmark transactions in the coming months. Our sincere appreciation goes to the HM Magazine team for orchestrating another successful event that connected over 1,600 industry professionals.

Principal Partner Message

Jason Nuell, Regional Vice President ANZP

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL WAS thrilled to return to Adelaide for AHICE 2025 to reconnect with our industry partners and discuss the evolving market demands impacting hoteliers today.

For Marriott International, it was an opportunity to share insights on our expansion in ANZP. The introduction of new brands and hotels in new markets and secondary cities, like the recent announcement of Sydney Marriott Hotel Parramatta, is part of our strategy to have a Marriott Bonvoy hotel in every destination our members wish to travel.

After record growth in the region in Q4 2024, the year is off to a strong start, pacing above 2024. Driven in part by international visitors drawn to our properties during Marriott Bonvoy’s strategic partnerships with the Australian Open and Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025, we’ve seen an increase in visitation from USA, China and Japan. We’ve also experienced growth in our retail and group business segments.

A large proportion of our corporate travellers participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program as a way to earn points on business and redeem them on leisure. We pride ourselves on the delivery of everyday perks and exceptional experiences that go beyond the hotel room via our Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform.

Discussions at AHICE made clear that with cost of living challenges facing today’s travellers, they are looking to invest more meaningfully in experiences. We look forward to bringing more incredible moments to life this year to our growing base of 237 million global members who choose our hotels for our global leading brands, service excellence, unique offerings, and rewards. The program is a significant asset that drives our strong hotel performance and with 46 operating hotels in ANZP and a pipeline of 9 in the region we are well positioned to meet the demand for domestic and short-haul bookings.

AHICE 2025 reinforced that growth, audience understanding, brand alignment, and loyalty are the cornerstones of success for our industry.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to the organisers of AHICE and HM Magazine for another exceptional and inspiring event.

Oakwood Premier under construction in Adelaide

The Ascott Limited announced that construction has commenced on an Oakwood Premier hotel in the CBD.

CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY on a new Oakwood Premier property in Adelaide.

Set to open in May 2027, the 133-room Oakwood Premier Adelaide will be set within a striking architecturally designed tower located within walking distance of major commercial, medical, and tourism hubs.

The hotel will include a rooftop bar and restaurant with private dining and meeting spaces, ground level Oakbar, and a gym.

The Ascott Limited says the hotel “will redefine elevated hospitality in the city’s evolving southern precinct”.

“This new property marks an exciting milestone in our expansion strategy and signals our confidence in the strength of Adelaide’s tourism and business sectors,” said The Ascott Limited, Australasia Managing Director, David Mansfield GAICD.

“Oakwood Premier Adelaide will offer an exceptional standard of accommodation, with a focus on luxury, design, and amenity. We are thrilled to partner with Maps Property Group, Piteo Architects, and Techne Build to bring this vision to life.”

Oakwood Epping in Melbourne’s north also commenced construction recently and is slated to open in March 2027.

The new-build hotel is slated to open in May 2027

Sofitel Queenstown is among the properties in the NZ Hotel Holdings portfolio

NZ Hotel Holdings portfolio for sale

CBRE announced the sale of the NZ Hotel Holdings portfolio at AHICE Asia Pacific.

NEW ZEALAND HOTEL group NZ Hotel Holdings (NZHH) is divesting its seven hotel assets, becoming the largest hotel portfolio ever brought to market in the nation.

A partnership between NZ Super Fund, Russell Property Group and Lockwood Property Group, NZ Hotel Holdings was formed in 2019 to develop hotel assets, supporting domestic and international tourism in New Zealand.

The NZHH portfolio of internationally branded hotels includes Auckland properties, Four Points by Sheraton, QT Auckland, and Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart, as well as Rydges Rotorua and Rydges Wellington, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa, and BreakFree on Cashel in Christchurch.

“With tourism now back on a growth curve, strong market fundamentals with increased international interest, the opportunity is here to pass on the portfolio to an investor seeking scale, geographic diversity and holistic coverage of New Zealand’s key tourism markets,” said NZHH Chief Executive Marcus Reinders.

The sale is being managed by CBRE’s Michael Simpson, Peter Hamilton and Nick Hill with an International Expressions of Interest Campaign now underway.

CBRE said the sale is aligned with the investors’ strategy to develop high-quality assets and to re-invest the proceeds of these developments into further growth opportunities.

Rydges Rotorua is up for sale

“This is the largest and most comprehensive portfolio of investment grade hotels ever brought to market in New Zealand,” said CBRE Hotels Pacific Managing Director, Michael Simpson.

“New Zealand is an aspirational travel destination, world-renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

“The portfolio offers expansive coverage of all of New Zealand’s major markets, with the portfolio hotels appealing to business and leisure travelers across all market segments.”

Club Wyndham Mission Beach is set on a 14-kilometre stretch of beach

Travel and Leisure Co.’s latest acquisition

Travel and Leisure Co. has acquired a beachfront resort in Queensland.

TRAVEL AND LEISURE Co. is set to acquire Queensland’s Castaways Resort and Spa Mission Beach, President and Managing Director, International Operations, Barry Robinson, announced at AHICE Asia Pacific on Thursday May 8.

The property, set on a 14-kilometre beach between Cairns and Townsville, will be renamed Club Wyndham Mission Beach and join the Club Wyndham South Pacific portfolio.

“Mission Beach is a tropical North Queensland gem lending itself both to the growing number of travellers who simply want to unplug and relax, and those who want to experience Australia’s

incredible natural wonders for themselves,” said Robinson.

“It is also an ideal stopping point between Airlie Beach and Cairns for our club owners taking immersive road trips.

“With occupancy rates averaging close to 90% in our vacation club, we look forward to showcasing Mission Beach and introducing the highlights of the surrounding region to our Club Wyndham South Pacific owners and their guests,” he added.

The resort features 48 studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and loft-style apartments, two swimming pools with ocean views, a restaurant and bar with substantial dining space and Drift day spa.

Over the coming months, the apartments and some common areas will undergo a staged refurbishment, with the property remaining open and operating throughout this time.

The acquisition, brokered by ResortBrokers, comes as the Cassoway Coast Regional Council, Queensland Government and Australian Government undertake a $19 million Mission Beach Town Centre Revitalisation Project to upgrade the town’s infrastructure, including its Village Green.

Club Wyndham Mission Beach will be the 67th property in the Club Wyndham South Pacific portfolio, and the 36th club offering in Australia for the close to 60,000 owners of the region’s leading vacation ownership club.

Principal Partner Message

Lachlan Hoswell, Managing Director, Australasia

WITH A ROBUST pipeline and several milestone projects underway, including the Radisson RED Auckland, Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton, and Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Fiji, we’re accelerating growth with brands that match the unique identity of each destination. These developments reflect the confidence our partners have in our brands and the strength of our systems.

A key takeaway this year was the increasing importance of digital innovation and operational efficiency. Australasia holds enormous potential, and we’re excited to be part of shaping its hospitality future through strategic development, innovation, and authentic guest experiences that make every moment matter.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Adelaide will feature 84 guest rooms

New Wyndham hotel for Adelaide

Wyndham signs a new-build property on Adelaide’s South Terrace.

WYNDHAM HOTELS AND Resorts signed its first Ramada Encore by Wyndham property in Adelaide, South Australia, the company announced during AHICE Asia Pacific.

Located at 81 South Terrace, Ramada Encore by Wyndham Adelaide, South Terrace will feature 94 guest rooms, modern design and tech-forward features, according to Wyndham.

Principal Partner Message

Barry Robinson, President & Managing Director, International Operations

Positioned in Adelaide’s cultural and commercial heart, close to the Adelaide Convention Centre, the hotel is intended to meet current market demands for both business and leisure travel.

“This landmark agreement marks a significant milestone in the brand’s regional expansion and underscores

confidence in the state’s thriving tourism and business sectors,” Wyndham said in a statement.

“This prime location ensures visibility and accessibility, making it an attractive investment opportunity in a region experiencing significant growth.”

The opening is scheduled for Q1, 2028.

TRAVEL + LEISURE Co. was proud to again be a principal partner of AHICE, and return to Adelaide for an energising two days, networking with fellow professionals and hearing valuable insights about our industry.

I talked with James Wilkinson on stage about the rising trend of shared ownership in an ever-increasing number of industries, and its promise for mixed-use developments. Shared ownership is the way of the future and we are particularly excited by the benefits for hotel developers and owners.

We chose to make a major announcement during AHICE 2025 – our acquisition of Club Wyndham Mission Beach, a beachfront resort boasting 48 apartments, two swimming pools with ocean views, a restaurant and bar and day spa in tropical North Queensland. This will be our 67th property in the Club Wyndham South Pacific portfolio and the 103rd property overseen by Travel + Leisure Co. in the Asia Pacific region, and beyond.

Our team and I are confident our time with government and industry leaders at AHICE 2025 was well spent and will prove to be fruitful for ourselves and the wider industry this year. We look forward to seeing the exciting developments which will come from the conference.

Thank you James, Ruth and the rest of the AHICE event teams for uniting the industry for another brilliant discussion. We look forward to being part again in 2026.

Tomorrow’s leadership

INDUSTRY STALWARTS AND YOUNG TALENT UNITED FOR A THOUGHT-PROVOKING FUTURE LEADERS FORUM. RODERICK EIME REPORTS.

The fourth edition of the Future Leaders Forum, presented by Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, returned as part of a stellar program for the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE).

The under-35s leadership event drew a crowd of over 150 to network with peers, discuss career challenges and hear from industry stalwarts.

The opening interactive session opened with Accor’s Nick Lockyer and Michelle Bradshaw discussing how to recognise an upcoming leader and what characteristics they possess. Bradshaw revealed that a lack of obvious ego and a sense of vulnerability is a good indicator. Would that young person be able to achieve positive outcomes

The Future Leaders Forum provided an opportunity for under 35s to network with their peers and connect with industry leaders

The Future Leaders Forum marked its fourth edition in 2025

in a collective environment – or are they predisposed to operating in a “silo”?

Furthermore, spending quality time with quality people, whether at work or home, is an environment conducive to advancement.

Next, Taylor O’Brien from Accor hosted a panel investigating opportunities in property and development where a select group of young achievers shared their experience in the industry.

IHG’s Anna Church was quick to point out an open mind was crucial, recognising that new environments are neither good nor bad, just different. Chris Boyd from JLL stressed that wide experience, especially international, helped to develop one’s character and enhance employability.

Hannah Rose from Knight Frank, emphasised being conversant with emerging technologies like AI is important in the industry, but maintaining an individual’s core skills at least equally important.

Taylor’s takeaway was don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable, it will always expand your capabilities.

Nicole Burg announced the opening of Young Hotel Leaders (YHL) in Melbourne and invited delegates to participate.

A fun quiz revealed the room’s knowledge (or lack thereof) of current hospitality affairs.

Nicole Burg from La Vie Hotels interviewed Voyages CEO, Matthew Cameron-Smith, about his rise through the ranks to gleen some pearls of wisdom.

When asked about his desire to be a leader, Cameron-Smith revealed he wasn’t

particularly conscious of his ambition but acknowledged it was a matter of staying curious and to keep going.

Beyond that he stressed being an active part of the community, especially when operating regionally.

Nick Hill from CBRE convened a panel of hotel heavy hitters to round off the day’s sessions and gain some insight into the outlook for 2025 and beyond, and how young

executives can respond and make the most of sometimes uncertain forces.

Mulpha’s Patrick Lonergan encouraged rising stars to continue to explore opportunities by saying ‘yes’ to possibilities and leveraging pathways for personal and professional benefit.

AHICE regular, Lucia Grambalova from Hotel Capital Partners, reinforced the policy of encouraging future leaders to not fear the uncomfortable and promote growth. And if you decide to say ‘no’ do it for the right reasons. She also stressed the need to be financially literate and confidently read P&L statements and balance sheets.

Steven Skarott from Salters drilled further, reminding the room of the benefit of ‘stretch roles’ and how such challenges are the key to growth.

Natasha Larkin, Accor’s HR supremo, encouraged candidates to keep resumes up to date and avoid sending full CVs for efficiency. She went on to alert the audience to the importance of developing a personal brand by including accurate and relevant work examples as well as some anecdotal talking points that can encourage conversation with prospective employers.

To conclude, the panel agreed that patience was a key skill in achieving long-term goals, with Steven Skarott offering the final take with “don’t let the pursuit of perfection get in the way of progress”. n

La Vie’s Nicole Burg and Voyages CEO Matthew CameronSmith in a Q&A session

Accor’s Michelle Bradshaw in conversation with Nick Lockyer

Design Inn presented a masterclass on lighting

HOTEL DESIGN IN THE spotlight

LIGHTING, AI, ADAPTIVE REUSE AND MANY OTHER TOPICS WERE UP FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS YEAR’S DESIGN INN SYMPOSIUM. RODERICK EIME REPORTS.

Over 250 architects, designers, hoteliers and suppliers gathered at Hilton Adelaide on Tuesday May 6 for the annual Design Inn Symposium – the region’s largest and leading hotel architecture and design conference.

This year, an extended full-day conference, supported by Grohe as Principal Partner, covered a range of topics from adaptive reuse to AI in design, refurbishment costs, creative control and much more.

The opening panel session discussed the concept of adaptive reuse and the hurdles and challenges of converting ageing office and commercial spaces into modern, storied hotels.

Brenton Smith of Bates Smart stressed the importance of retaining the legacy and stories of these structures, making full use of the building’s history and heritage, while Richard Dalman discussed the environmental and economic benefits including reduced carbon impact by avoiding an expensive demolition process.

Kristi Wayman of Pro-Invest was eager to point out the general lack of “greenfield” opportunities in our cities and, not forgetting heritage constraints, made the process of adaptive reuse attractive.

In a Design Showcase, Charlotte Wilson and Rachel Yabsley of SJB discussed their work on Sydney’s The Eve Hotel in Surry Hills within TOGA’s lifestyle, mixed-use precinct.

A Design Q&A, hosted by IHG’s Jonathan Conroy, shone a spotlight on the new Intercontinental Barossa Resort and Spa. Sonia Lefevre, MD of Hotellerie, discussed the importance of creating an experiential destination that is in harmony not just with the environment but also with the people and community it represented.

Lead architect, Chris Watkins of Baukultur, said the project successfully embraces both simplicity and efficiency and was “free of folly”, a mindset the owners were totally on board with. This harmony, he said, ensured a rare alignment with destination, design and purpose.

An ‘illuminating’ masterclass, moderated by Studio All’s Liam Petrie-Allbutt focused on the importance of lighting in hotel design. Andrew Minty of Gallagher Jeffs highlighted

the rise of smart systems to reduce overall energy consumption.

Fay Greenhalgh mentioned that designers can be prone to ‘overlighting’ spaces and that minimal lighting is often all that is required, especially in heritage properties that were originally lit by candles and gas. She also warned against considering lighting design as an afterthought, but to include it in the core design.

Petrie-Allbutt also stressed that colour temperature was critical to matching the environment, i.e. warm tones in cool climates and vice versa.

Australia’s first 1 Hotel was the subject of another Design Showcase. Falk Peuser of FK described the challenges and processes involved in redeveloping and restoring this former wharf and warehouse site on the banks of the Yarra River.

Samson Tiew of One Design Office discussed how he embraced the owner’s vision for a visually stunning, functional, and sustainable

A panel discussed the recently announced InterContinental Barossa Resort and Spa

property. He incorporated natural cues into an urban environment and reused elements of the existing historic buildings, like rusted steel roofing trusses and waterlogged pilings.

Putting the F&B buzz into bars and restaurants was the next talking point, led by QCC Collection’s Caspar Schmidt with James Bradey from Liquid & Larder and Jason Williams of House Made Hospitality.

The panel recommended a consistent and defined concept for dining and drinking spaces rather than jumping on the latest trends. The advice was to “look backwards” for established concepts and build upon those while retaining a consistent Australian flavour.

Guy Blunden of WMK Architecture and a panel of experts addressed the timely topic of refurbishment costs.

Grace Lei Guo of Stack Studio recounted her experience on the recent Hilton Sydney refurbishment. Marie Colangelo of Salter

Principal Partner Message

Steven Higgins, LIXIL Australia & New Zealand LWT APAC

Brothers warned that too much customisation can escalate costs alarmingly in the procurement process, while Andrew Pickering of SHAPE insisted on evidence of a refurb rather than trying to reuse and retain too many fittings.

The panel also discussed the merits of partial versus full refurbishment, taking into account operating profit impacts, longevity of fittings, and guest experience.

Ivan Sunde of Onyx ASW led a debate on AI’s impact on the hospitality industry. Interestingly, a show of hands in the room indicated a surprising acceptance of this controversial technology.

Julie Ockerby from Meli Studio argued against AI in hotel design, fearing it will bring about bland conformity and predictability while damaging human creativity and a loss of craft. AI can be a tool, she argued, but not the artist.

Andrew Lym-Penning from UniSA took a different approach, highlighting the danger of not being involved with AI and the risk of being left behind. He says it heightens the human touch without replacing it.

Dominic Gaetani of DKO reminded us that while AI can be useful, it does not possess the emotional intelligence and storytelling capability that only humans have. Ashley Hastings from Woods Bagot reinforced this by asserting AI is not simply a source of creativity, rather an amplifier of it.

The Co-Founders of non-profit, ReLove, took to the stage to share their mission to help people fleeing domestic violence, those seeking asylum and the homeless, in rebuilding their homes with quality secondhand furniture from hotel refurbishments.

Adelaide’s first Marriott hotel was also in the spotlight with Eva Sue from Woods Bagot detailing the clever design details that pay tribute to the rich history of the location, at the heritage site of the GPO. LIXIL’s Steven Higgins discussed the selection of bathroom fittings and innovative water-saving technology in the hotel.

The final panel of the day explored creative control in an evolving hotel landscape, with designers discussing the challenges of navigating numerous stakeholders and differing viewpoints during the design process.

Design Inn Symposium returns to Adelaide on Tuesday May 5, 2026.

AS A PROUD Principal Partner of Design Inn 2025, GROHE Australia was once again delighted to support an event that brings together the industry’s most creative, influential, and forward-thinking leaders.

This year’s symposium provided an outstanding platform for discussion, learning, and collaboration highlighting the evolving priorities of hotel design and the importance of innovation in enhancing guest experiences.

A clear focus throughout the event was the growing importance of sustainability, wellness, and delivering thoughtful, future-ready design. These themes are closely aligned with GROHE’s core values, particularly our commitment to intelligent water-saving technologies that combine high performance with sleek aesthetics.

We were especially encouraged by conversations around biophilic design, smart technology integration, and the evolving expectations of travellers seeking both comfort and conscience in their stays.

At both Design Inn and AHICE, GROHE’s team had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with developers, operators, architects, and designers.

These conversations helped reinforce the value of design-led solutions in driving both operational efficiency and elevated guest satisfaction.

The events also provided an excellent opportunity to reconnect with long-standing industry partners and establish new connections that will shape exciting future collaborations. We’re proud to continue contributing to these vital industry conversations.

Leading manufacturers and suppliers showcased their products and services in this year’s exhibition

The 2025 event saw a debate on the impact of AI on design

Design excellence

WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN 2025 AUSTRALASIA-PACIFIC HOTEL DESIGN AWARDS.

The winners of the 2025 Australasia-Pacific Hotel Design Awards were announced at the 2025 Design Inn Symposium, which was held at Hilton Adelaide on Tuesday May 6.

The awards recognise excellence in hotel interior design across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific (including Hawaii) for projects completed and opened in 2024, that demonstrate design innovation, a commitment to sustainability design practices and deliver exceptional guest experience.

The StandardX, Melbourne, designed by Hecker Guthrie and Woods Bagot, was the big winner, taking the honours of Hotel of The Year – New Build, as well as the top prize of the 2025 Paul Davis Award for the Australasia-Pacific Hotel of the Year.

“This is a hotel that has boldly stayed true to its design narrative at every touchpoint,” judges said.

“From both an architectural and interior design perspective, the hotel has drawn inspiration from the surrounding neighbourhood to feel truly of place. The Corten facade is a nod to the industrial character of Fitzroy, with a scale and character that sits well in its context – whilst its bold colouring has made it an icon in the skyline.

“The industrial character continues through the interior design but softens through additional layers to

create an eclectic and immersive environment which embodies the rebellious nature of the StandardX brand.

“The inclusion of artworks and artefacts from local artists and makers are curated to create a public space that feels lived in, and captures the vibrancy of Fitzroy, resulting in a guest experience which feels authentic and cool, as a lifestyle hotel should.”

The winner of Hotel of The Year – Conversion was Drifter Christchurch, designed by CTRL Space.

The judges said: “Within one of the heritage buildings that thankfully survived the Christchurch earthquakes, designers CTRL Space have created a boutique hotel that offers both shared and private guest rooms, and that also celebrates social interaction.

“Retained heritage features, quirky modern additions, and an unashamed bold use of colour combine to create an exciting new accommodation offering for central Christchurch that is a whole lot of fun.”

In the refurbishment category, the winner was Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, designed by FK.

The judges said: “This complex and demanding project celebrates the legacy of the Wentworth Hotel as Australia’s first international luxury hotel. FK needed to carefully plan the public areas to improve flow and to address the needs of the modern luxury traveller while creating an intimate check-in experience. The additions to the hotel included two new F&B venues which activate the lobby for both hotel guests and locals, and connects the hotel to the street.

“For this two-year project, which included refurbishment of the 436 guestrooms, the designers were able to inject a sense of Australiana through the choice of palette, as well as local art, while offering guests an environment that evokes the glamour of international travel of a bygone age.” n

Sarah Alessi, Woods Bagot, accepting two awards for The StandardX Melbourne

Chris Stevens, CTRL Soace, and Luke Moran, LA Co. accepting the award in the conversion category for Drifter Christchurch

DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK 2025Australasian

ACCOR

KEY LEADERS SHARE THEIR INSIGHTS INTO AUSTRALASIA’S EVOLVING HOTEL DEVELOPMENT LANDSCAPE.

Lindsay Leeser, Pacific Chief Development Officer

The mood across the Pacific is optimistic – and rightly so. While the world faces its share of economic challenges, the hotel industry in the Pacific is charging ahead with confidence, resilience and a clear eye on the future.

At Accor, we are proud to continue our growth trajectory, with close to one hotel opening per day globally last year. It is true that interest rates remain high, and construction costs are elevated – but the fundamentals of our industry are strong. According to a recent Deloitte report, hotels have climbed to the fifth most preferred asset class for investors, and transaction volumes are on the rise. Hospitality continues to prove itself as a resilient and rewarding investment.

The trends are equally encouraging. Independent owners are increasingly turning to collection brands like our Handwritten Collection. Hotel Woolstore 1888, Sydney – Handwritten Collection is a brilliant example of a unique property that now has a global platform and loyalty ecosystem through its connection to Accor.

Branded residences, once the territory of classic luxury, are now thriving across lifestyle and premium segments. Mondrian Residences Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast exemplifies this shift.

Signings for Accor’s premium brands have increased 150% since 2019, with global brands such as Pullman, Mövenpick, and Swissôtel, and regional brands such as The Sebel and Peppers, offering strong returns on investment.

We are focused on destinations with strong potential, including Tasmania, Fiji, and key airport and tourism precincts. Longer-term, the rise of the global middle class, especially in India and Southeast Asia, will continue to shape demand across the Pacific.

Scale matters, and our track record in strategic acquisitions, from Mirvac to Mantra Group, speaks for itself. Our recent deal with Bayview International Hotel and Resorts, adding three iconic properties to our portfolio, further strengthens our presence and performance across this great region.

We are focussed on creating hotels that serve not just visitors but locals too – places to stay, gather, work and play. In a region full of energy and opportunity, the future of hospitality in the Pacific is brighter than ever.

ASCOTT AUSTRALASIA

David Mansfield, Managing Director

Nobody could accuse 2025 of being a boring year. With economic and political uncertainty here and abroad, the resilience and fragility of the accommodation sector have both been on display, ultimately delivering a strong sense of resolve among the industry.

The cautious optimism with which we started the year has proven sound. As we approach the mid-point of this year, there’s an opportunity to reflect on what has challenged us in the accommodation industry, where the opportunities are, and what to expect in the future.

From natural disasters in Queensland and NSW, to tariffs upending market confidence across the globe, navigating what it means for the tourism sector is ever-changing. During Cyclone Alfred, CoStar STR data showed that on the 11th of March, occupancy in the Gold Coast region was down 38%, versus the same day last year. In the Northern Rivers region, occupancy was down 60%. In the face of these challenges, I’ve remained inspired by the way in which our industry has rallied to meet the needs of the community and guests.

Looking forward, I’m buoyed by the ways in which our industry centres the changing needs of guests. We know travellers have an appetite for culture-led travel that is continuing to grow across 2025/26. Our ‘Quest to see Australia’ initiative is answering this need, with a multi-property booking tool and road-trip itineraries that guide guests to the best of our country’s food, wine, nature and First Nations experiences.

Practically speaking, blending work and leisure is more important than ever to guests. Our 197-unit Lyf Bondi Junction property, launched in April, is perfectly timed to capitalise on this with its vibrant communal spaces and networking mixer events. Across our Ascott brands, we’re seeing a continuation of value-based travel. According to Statista, more than 80% of global travellers believe sustainable travel is important, and we’re experiencing enthusiastic uptake of our sustainability initiatives – our partnership with Hotel for Trees has resulted in more than 10,000 trees planted (and counting).

Ultimately, I believe our period of reckoning, reflection and innovation has moulded us into an entirely new industry: one that seeks above all to remain adaptive, intentional and future-focused.

Ennismore’s lifestyle brand Hyde made its Australian debut in Melbourne in May

CHOICE HOTELS ASIA-PAC

Trent Conroy, Head of Investments and Portfolio Growth

The Australasian greenfield development market continues to witness feasibility challenges, with elevated construction costs, inflation, and tighter lending conditions dampening new supply pipelines. In this environment, Choice Hotels Asia-Pac is focusing on strategies with lower capital intensity and faster speed to market, like asset repositioning and refurbishment into midscale and upscale brands –this is emerging as a favoured option for many hotel investors.

Our conversion-friendly brands appeal to developers and investors seeking to mitigate the risks and costs of new builds. We see sustained momentum as owners reposition properties into our brand family, leveraging our extensive sales network and loyalty platform.

Our internal analysis has identified over 1,500 independent hotels in Australia as strong candidates for conversion, representing a tremendous opportunity. Unlike ground-up developments, conversions require less capital, can be executed faster and deliver ROI sooner.

Supporting this trend is the evolving landscape of hotel operating models. The rise of white label management from both established and emerging operators has created unprecedented flexibility. Hybrid structures are becoming more common, with owners pairing a Choice Hotels brand with a third-party operator under either hotel

management agreement (HMA) or leasehold structures, allowing owners to select the model best suited to their investment strategy and operational preferences.

Investor interest in regional Australia also remains strong, with branded properties often delivering above-average returns in these areas.

We’re actively working with investors to unlock value in these markets.

Finally, the growth of multi-unit franchisees within the Choice Hotels network highlights our model’s scalability and operational benefits, with owners, both freehold and leasehold, leveraging centralised operations, cluster staffing models, procurement synergies and greater leverage with lenders. Coupled with support from Choice Hotels, the portfolio effect can unlock compelling financial outcomes.

Amid development constraints, Choice Hotels’ focus on conversions, flexible models, and regional expansion to enable robust, scalable growth is appealing to both first-time investors and experienced groups, positioning the company for continued momentum in 2025 and beyond.

EVT

Norman Arundel, Director of Hotels & Resorts Operations

With cost-of-living pressures rising at home and conflict unfolding across the globe, you might expect demand for hotels to cool and growth to slow. But at EVT, we’re seeing the opposite. Despite the noise and uncertainty, guest

demand remains strong across all segments – particularly in Australia’s mainland capitals, where domestic and international travellers continue to seek quality, well-run hotels. That demand is driving continued expansion across the EVT hotel network. We’re seeing clear growth opportunities for QT, Rydges, and Atura, each delivering distinctive value to their markets. Interest in Lylo is especially strong, driven by the brand’s superior yield per square metre and high appeal to a growing budget traveller segment. At the same time, our Independent Collection has become one of our fastest-growing segments, offering hotel owners the ability to retain their own brand while leveraging EVT’s management expertise. The value proposition is unique, and the results speak for themselves. That said, we’re not mistaking momentum for inevitability. We know sustained growth relies on what we do every day: running great hotels, delivering results for our owners, and maintaining exceptional guest experiences while elevating our people, communities and environment. At EVT we take a simple view, if we listen to our customers and continue to innovate whilst looking after our existing hotels and relationships with care and consistency, growth will follow. In an industry often preoccupied with the basics of good branding, loyalty programs, and distribution platforms - each important in their own way – we haven’t lost sight of what really matters: responding to our customers, agile operations and strong relationships. That’s where EVT places its focus. That’s what’s driving our momentum.

HILTON Tushar Raniga, Director of Development Australasia

Australasia’s hotel sector is entering a dynamic phase of growth and transformation, and Hilton remains confident in the region’s long-term potential. As we celebrate 50 years of Hilton in Australasia, our legacy in the region underscores our commitment to driving meaningful growth and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Tourism recovery is accelerating, with international arrivals nearing 2019 levels and full recovery expected by 2026. Regional travel and staycations are also driving demand – especially in destinations like Albany and Busselton – where our Hilton Garden Inn brand is performing strongly. These regional markets offer prime opportunities for further expansion of our focused service brands. With stabilising interest rates and renewed offshore capital interest, investor sentiment is strong and we see a shift of capital into the hospitality asset class given its bright prospects. Construction cost pressures remain, but the shift toward conversions is opening new avenues for growth.

Luxury continues its upward trajectory. We’re excited to bring our Waldorf Astoria brand to Sydney’s Circular Quay and are actively exploring opportunities to expand iconic brands like Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and LXR in the region.

Event-driven demand remains a powerful driver. From major concerts to hallmark events like Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, C&E business continues to deliver strong trading results across our Hilton portfolio.

We see major potential in expanding our full spectrum of offerings –from luxury to focus service – across high-performing cities like Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane, as well as emerging areas like the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. As always, Hilton’s focus remains on delivering exceptional guest experiences while driving industry-leading returns for our owners across Australasia.

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS

Cameron Burke, Director of Development – Australasia & Pacific

As our industry continues to navigate an ever-evolving development landscape, new capital deployment strategies focusing on asset repositioning and acquisitive opportunities in both secondary and tertiary markets is becoming increasingly prevalent for investors and developers alike. For IHG Hotels and Resorts, this intersection of conversion capability and regional momentum is fuelling the growth of our estate across the Australian market.

In the first half of 2025, we announced the signings of InterContinental Barossa Resort and Spa, Holiday Inn Townsville, and Voco Darwin Suites which collectively speaks to our conviction in the potential of regional Australia. These locations are rich in latent demand but constrained by an undersupply of quality accommodation. For IHG, they represent compelling opportunities to harness the strength of our globally renowned brands and unlock enhanced returns for the benefit of our owners.

In parallel, the soon-to-open Voco Gosford and Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina further illustrate our commitment to reshaping Australia’s regional accommodation offering. These projects are thoughtfully aligned with increasingly discerning traveller preferences, particularly the demand for destination-led experiences that set new standards of quality within their local markets.

Hilton Sydney has invested $40 million in a recent refurbishment

In key capital cities, conversion opportunities have never been in greater demand. From underperforming assets to legacy properties in need of reinvention, IHG’s extensive experience in conversions offers a compelling pathway to revitalisation and return. A leading example of this is our recently announced InterContinental Brisbane, which will be transformative in its repositioning and showcase how an existing property can be elevated into a flagship destination under the right brand and stewardship.

As we look ahead, IHG remains focused on accelerated growth by identifying opportunities where our brand resonance, operational excellence, and local market insight converge to deliver lasting owner value. With strong investor appetite, a dynamic pipeline, and a reactive focus on regional expansion and conversion-led transformation, we see extraordinary potential to elevate the Australian hotel landscape through IHG’s suite of market-leading brands. It’s not just about expanding IHG’s footprint – it’s about reshaping what great hospitality looks like across every corner of Australia.

LA VIE HOTELS AND RESORTS

Jerry Xu, Chief Executive Officer

As we move into the second half of 2025, La Vie Hotels and Resorts continues to execute its long-term strategy with focus, consistency, and a clear sense of purpose. As the region’s leading independent hotel management company, La Vie is committed to delivering exceptional results for its partners while supporting distinctive, guest-focused hotel experiences across the Asia-Pacific region.

At the heart of our model is a dual offering: white-label hotel management and franchising with established international brands. This approach gives hotel owners the flexibility to choose the strategy that best fits their goals – whether that means operating under a globally recognised name or maintaining an independent identity with professional support behind the scenes. In both cases, we bring hands-on operational leadership, strong commercial systems, and a results-driven mindset focused on long-term value creation.

Our in-house lifestyle brand, NOOE, also continues to gain traction, with a second property set to open in Thailand in 2027. While our core focus remains on white-label

Regent Hotels and Resorts will return to Australia under a partnership between IHG and Salter Brothers

and branded franchise operations, NOOE represents a complementary option for select owners looking for a differentiated, experience-led concept with La Vie behind it.

As our portfolio grows, so too does our infrastructure. This year, we’ve expanded our support capabilities with a new office in the Philippines, which now handles centralised reservations and finance operations across our network. In addition, we’re in the process of establishing a new office in Shanghai to support our property portfolio across the Asia Pacific region, recognising China’s vital role as a key feeder market – a move that reinforces our long-term commitment to the region.

Looking ahead, our mission remains clear: to be a trusted, agile partner for hotel owners and investors. We bring the scale and expertise of a global operator with the flexibility and responsiveness of an independent company. With a growing portfolio, strengthened capabilities, and a sharp focus on performance, La Vie is well positioned for the next chapter of sustainable growth.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development

Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific It has been well documented that strong hotel development headwinds across Australasia have seen many new hotel projects paused or abandoned over the past three years. Thirteen interest rate hikes, escalating inflation, a significant increase in construction costs, constrained availability of debt, and scarcity of tier-one builders, have resulted in developers taking a “wait and see” approach. It is therefore now encouraging to see abatement in certain key macroeconomic circumstances fueling renewed appetite across the hotel investment sector.

A key aspect of Marriott’s expansion in Australia and New Zealand has been the revitalisation of the luxury accommodation segment, driven by a resurgence in affluent domestic travel, in what our industry is widely terming a “flight to quality”. Our Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, W, and Luxury Collection hotels in Australia have been amongst our highest performing assets in recent years, demonstrating evidence of strong demand for luxury experiences with global pedigree.

Record average room rates at these hotels have given confidence to hotel developers, who recognise there is now a strong business case for luxury hotels in Australia. This strong investor appetite has led Marriott to announce the development of St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, and Luxury Collection resorts on the Gold Coast. Notably, global demand for luxury travel is expected to grow by 9% over the next three years, whilst new hotel supply in this segment will only increase by 5%, signalling a favourable outlook for hotel investors.

In recent years, Marriott International has added four luxury hotels to our Australia Pacific portfolio, with the opening of W Sydney, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, JW Marriott Auckland, and The Tasman, Hobart a Luxury Collection Hotel.

During the same period, seven hotel openings in lower tier segments included Le Méridien Melbourne, Moxy Sydney Airport, AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank, Courtyard by Marriott Perth Murdoch, Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby, Adelaide Marriott Hotel, and Courtyard by Marriott Darwin.

These developments, including our recent announcement of a newbuild Marriott hotel in Parramatta, represent many new market entries for Marriott, which is a strategic priority for the business as we seek to offer our loyal customers more choice, in more destinations.

Marriott’s recent acquisition of a number of global brands, notably City Express and CitizenM, open up significant new market opportunities in the midscale segment, which is exciting new territory for our company.

It is clear that the most challenging post-pandemic headwinds are now behind the hotel investment community. As a result we look forward to announcing several new hotel projects across Australia and New Zealand in the coming months.

MINOR HOTELS

Russell Cool, Director of Franchising, Australasia

As hotels pursue global expansion, franchising’s appeal to accelerate the growth strategy is rising, with hotel brands seeking like-minded owners eager to build their business side-by-side.

However, success in this space requires a flexible approach rather than a standardised model. Owners no longer want a cookie-cutter strategy, they want partners with global reach and expertise, whose approach is designed to align with their specific strengths, and needs.

Our goal is not simply to expand our footprint, but to assess each opportunity based on its potential, merit and brand alignment, with the aim of ensuring each hotel performs at its best by striking the ideal balance between maintaining control over key decisions with leveraging the credibility, resources and brand recognition of an established brand.

At the same time, the rise of Third-Party Operators (TPOs) is reshaping the industry, particularly in Australia. Companies such as Trilogy, Gatehouse, and 1834 are helping hotel owners manage their properties under franchise agreements, ensuring that operations align with the franchisor’s standards while allowing owners to focus on long-term performance.

Both conversions and new-build franchise opportunities play a role in our expansion strategy. Of course, converting existing hotels into franchised properties can yield immediate benefits, as owners can quickly integrate into a proven system and enhance performance. While new build projects require more time to develop, they allow for greater control over the property’s design and positioning within a given market and create long-term opportunities for growth.

For hotel owners, the benefits of teaming up with a major brand are clear: accessing national and global booking systems to showcase the property to a wider audience; on-the-ground sales and account support to secure high-value bookings; access to established loyalty databases to attract repeat guests; leveraging the buying power of the Minor Hotels brand and umbrella network to benefit from economies of scale to increase profit margins; risk mitigation compared to operating independently.

OUTRIGGER HOSPITALITY GROUP

Jeff Wagoner, President & CEO

As we look to the future of hospitality development in Australasia, we see a region brimming with opportunity that’s driven by resilient leisure demand and an increasing desire for immersive, responsible travel. At Outrigger Hospitality Group, our growth strategy in this part of the world is rooted in a clear vision: invest in iconic beach resort destinations where we can authentically elevate the guest experience while supporting local communities and ecosystems.

The path forward is not without complexity. Labour shortages, rising costs and climate pressures require thoughtful planning and disciplined execution. For Outrigger, that means focusing on current assets and enhancing them for long-term value creation – both for guests and investors.

In Fiji, we’ve recently completed a significant enhancement to Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, unveiling all-new beachfront pool bures and beautifully landscaped resort-view courtyards. These additions bring renewed energy to the resort while honouring its deep ties to Fijian culture and hospitality. At nearby Castaway Island, Fiji, we continue to invest in preserving the authenticity of this cherished private island experience while subtly refining the guest journey.

Australasia continues to be an attractive market for us, particularly for absolute beachfront properties that align with our brand DNA. However, the region is highly competitive and every opportunity for Outrigger must strike the right balance of cultural fit, location and strong return on investment. We remain active in the region and are consistently evaluating opportunities to grow the Outrigger brand across these spectacular coastal destinations.

PANACHE HOTEL GROUP

Thomas John (TJ), Vice President Strategy

& Development

The Australasian hotel landscape is evolving rapidly, presenting both headwinds and opportunity. At Panache Hotel Group, we’re meeting these conditions with agility – balancing innovation with disciplined strategy to unlock value for owners and guests.

Rising operational costs – wages, insurance, and utilities - remain a major challenge. But in this pressure lies opportunity. We see significant potential in asset repositioning, tailoring existing properties to meet evolving demand. For example, converting underperforming assets into extended-stay or boutique upscale offerings can significantly enhance profitability. This strategy is particularly relevant in secondary and regional cities across Australia and New Zealand, where affordability, lifestyle shifts, and population migration are driving demand.

Owners are also seeking greater flexibility. White-label management platforms, such as ours, are gaining traction as cost-effective, brandagnostic alternatives to traditional models. At Panache, our hybrid “lanchise” model – blending leasing and franchising – offers guaranteed income for owners while maintaining strong brand or independent positioning. This alignment of interests has become a critical success factor in today’s market.

Sustainability and mixed-use thinking are no longer optional – they’re foundational. We’re embedding practical environmental initiatives into new projects from the ground up, ensuring both future-proofing and market relevance.

We’re also observing a shift in transaction activity: smaller portfolio sales, part-share investments, and value-add acquisitions are shaping the current deal landscape. These are areas where Panache is especially active, offering tailored solutions and hands-on support to like-minded owners.

As the market matures, product differentiation will separate the leaders from the pack. Our focus remains on creating hotel experiences that resonate with modern travellers and deliver long-term value. With a flexible model and a bold development outlook, Panache is well placed to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

New Zealand’s first JW Marriott opened in Auckland in May

PAN PACIFIC HOTELS GROUP

Craig Bond, Senior Vice President – Head of Operations

At Pan Pacific Hotels Group, we see Australasia as a region of resilient opportunity and focused reinvestment of our growth strategy. While the pace of new supply has moderated due to rising construction costs, this has created renewed value in the optimisation of existing assets – a strategy we’re actively pursuing.

Over the past year, we have completed three major refurbishments across our Australian portfolio, Pan Pacific Perth, Parkroyal Parramatta, and Parkroyal Melbourne Airport, representing a multi-million-dollar investment in uplifting guest experience, MICE capability, and brand consistency. These upgrades reflect strong confidence in the domestic market and also align with our vision to position these properties as future-facing leaders in business and events travel.

We’re also closely watching secondary city growth corridors such as Western Sydney, Perth CBD, and inner-Melbourne, which are each undergoing significant infrastructure and business investment. These are locations where we see sustained demand from corporate, government, and lifestyle segments alike.

From a brand standpoint, Pan Pacific Hotels Group remains focused on owner-operator and strategic management models, particularly in markets where we can leverage our operational strength and design integrity. Our recent GSTC multi-site certification across all six Australian hotels is also proving to be a key differentiator in both consumer and B2B decision-making.

While new development remains challenging in the short term, we’re optimistic. For PPHG, 2025 is about deepening our presence through

asset enhancement, brand-led experiences, and sustainable growth strategies that deliver long-term value to owners and guests alike.

SALTER BROTHERS HOSPITALITY

Raphael Antonini, Chief Development Officer

2024 was an outstanding year of growth for Salter Brothers Hospitality (SBH) with our portfolio of luxury retreat hotels growing to 20 under management following the recent acquisition of the Bannisters portfolio. Expansion will continue in 2025 through asset light growth and new acquisitions. In 2025, we will launch our exciting new brand, Ardour Hotels and Estates and undertake significant renovations at two of our most iconic hotels – Milton Park Country House and Spa in Bowral and Lilianfels Resort and Spa Blue Mountains.

In our view, the fundamentals of the Australian hotel market remain robust and are supported by infrastructure growth, steady tourism demand, and limited new supply in key markets.

Operating luxury boutique hotels in urban and regional markets remains operationally complex and margin sensitive. SBH fills a critical gap, offering tailored management and branding solutions that deliver economies of scale in distribution, procurement, technology, and operational expertise.

Investors are placing greater emphasis on product quality and experiential differentiation. Renovated, well-positioned properties with elevated wellness offerings, destination restaurants and curated on-site experiences are outperforming the market. Our expertise in design, brand identity, and management expertise has become pivotal in distinguishing ourselves and achieving enhanced financial outcomes.

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort has unveiled new room categories, a floating playground and a pool transformation

Spicers Peak Lodge is Australia’s highest non-alpine mountain lodge situated in the world heritage listed Main Range National Park

We are also unlocking the potential in low-touch wellness offerings, particularly bathhouses and spa-inspired experiences that align with today’s guest preferences. These concepts are increasingly in demand, delivering moments of restoration and luxury without the need for heavy staffing or complex operations. Conversely, we are dedicated to providing exceptional high-touch guest experiences in key areas such as destination dining. Our 29 restaurants and bars located in our retreat hotels across Australia, showcase award-winning cuisine and exemplary service standards.

We believe the luxury and lifestyle segments where travellers are seeking meaningful and experience-rich stays will continue outperforming, particularly in leisure-driven regional locations such as the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Sunshine Coast and Port Stephens where we have established a significant market presence.

TFE HOTELS

John Sutcliffe, Director of Development

TFE Hotels continues to see robust performance across our portfolio of hotels as the industry continues to recover across the majority of Australian and New Zealand markets. As an owner and developer ourselves, we are acutely aware of the challenges faced

by the market over recent months and years and have evolved our operating models and systems to ensure that we continue to generate the maximum returns possible.

Despite the green shoots we are seeing, challenges remain with regards to increased construction and operational costs, and the absorption of new supply in some key markets, as well as ongoing global economic uncertainties. These headwinds make new developments harder to stack up, however our transparent operating model continues to provide confidence to owners and developers to build new hotels, transition current hotels to TFE management, and to refurbish their current assets.

Mixed-use developments and hotels forming part of a larger precinct continue to support the commercial viability of new developments. TFE Hotels has been developing and operating hotels that are integrated with other F&B, commercial and retail offerings for decades. The recent opening of The Eve Hotel Sydney proves this model remains highly successful and we cannot wait to open the Hannah St. Hotel on Melbourne’s Southbank at the end of the year. This will be preceded by a number of exciting new announcements of properties that will be joining the TFE Hotels portfolio, all of which provide one-of-a-kind experiences for guests, becoming destinational, in their own right. On the back of the successful transition of New Zealand’s Heritage

Hotels portfolio of properties to TFE Hotels’ operation last December, we are excited to soon announce a number of new projects in New Zealand, as we continue to focus on this key market which, along with our ongoing growth in Australia, will ensure we continue to deliver marketleading returns to current and new owners.

TRAVEL + LEISURE CO.

Barry Robinson, President and Managing

Director, International Operations Developers and owners are increasingly searching for higher yield from their assets. We are seeing desire to go beyond mixed-use properties with residences and hotel rooms to alternatives like shared ownership.

As we mentioned at AHICE 2025, shared ownership is no longer limited to high-end assets like private jets, but expanding across industries – including art, fashion and residences. Younger generations want goods and experiences without being locked in, and freedom from obligations like maintenance and depreciation. Our proven approach to mixed-use provides upfront capital and ensures long-term quality.

Shared owners are part of a holiday club, where annual fees are allocated to manage and improve club properties, ensuring consistently high standards. Shared ownership rooms typically enjoy predictable high occupancy of more than 85% – which is an added benefit to any economy that we operate in by providing consistent additional spend within various communities.

According to projections by the American Resort Development Association (APRDO), the North American industry body, the shared ownership sector is expected to grow by 6.2% annually through to 2035.

Property and construction costs are continuing to rise in Australia. Increasingly, developers and owners are navigating this by acquiring and refurbishing older properties that can be repositioned, or creatively retrofitting other building types into hotels.

We have a track record of similar projects with regional property acquisitions – for example, refurbishing Club Wyndham Airlie Beach and converting Club Wyndham Ballarat, an historic manor, from an events-focused property. We have scheduled our most recent acquisition, Club Wyndham Mission Beach, for a multi-million-dollar refurbishment to prepare for more guests.

The consistent occupancies of shared ownership empower us to expand where others may not. A prime example is Club Wyndham Dinner Plain, which we bought as a winter-only lodge and expanded to run year-round, while acquiring 30 additional chalets which complemented the lodge and bar and restaurant facilities.

We remain interested in acquiring the right assets in the South Pacific region that will complement our existing portfolio.

TRILOGY HOTELS

Scott Boyes, Chief Executive Officer

There are exciting times ahead as we navigate through 2025. Australia’s hotel sector, whilst choppy, continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience with national occupancy rates at 71% and RevPAR up 3.8% to $171. Despite ongoing challenges, this growth creates a landscape ripe with both hurdles and opportunities.

Sydney leads the recovery charge with occupancy at 78% and RevPAR growing to an impressive $215, making this market our standout performer. Conversely, Melbourne and Hobart continue to face headwinds from supply increases and slightly softening domestic leisure demand.

In New Zealand, we see a similar dichotomy – Queenstown, Christchurch, and Rotorua benefit from returning international visitors. Auckland is grappling with increased room inventory, and Wellington is adjusting to reduced government spending.

Third-party management, stakeholder experiences, and technology integration are key trends reshaping our industry. Eco-certified properties are no longer niche but necessary, with major operators prioritising this. The premium/luxury segments continue to expand, particularly with branded residences attracting both domestic and international guests.

The premium and experiential hotel segments present compelling opportunities. Properties offering immersive experiences command premium rates as travellers increasingly value authenticity over standardisation. We’re also seeing strong performance in market mix diversity, where segments combine to offset the ups and downs of current economic and global conditions.

After subdued transaction activity in 2024 ($1.25 billion in transactions to October), we anticipate increased momentum in 2025 as interest rates plateau. While construction costs have tempered new developments, this has heightened the value of existing assets, particularly in supply-constrained markets. In addition, developers are also sourcing creative ways to deliver economically viable hotel projects.

Introducing 60 new international flight routes enhances Australia’s connectivity to key Asian markets, North America, and Europe, further strengthening investment fundamentals for strategically positioned assets.

For Trilogy Hotels, we are excited and optimistic about the future. We remain focused on markets demonstrating strong performance outcomes for owners while selectively exploring opportunities in emerging destinations where we can leverage these evolving consumer preferences and travel patterns.

WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS

Matt Holmes, VP of Business Development Southeast Asia, APAC

We see the growth in franchising as a huge opportunity for Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. As the world’s largest hotel franchisor, we know this market better than anyone. Our brands and systems are highly geared towards this segment, and we are well positioned to capitalise on this growth through a combination of strategic partnerships with key third party operators, as well as directly to owner/operators through our Owner First commercial approach.

We are definitely seeing more consolidation in the industry. This is relevant to independent owner/operators of single assets to portfolios. Independent brands are now able to maintain their independence and leverage off the brand equity they have built, yet also be part of a global company such as Wyndham with a large distribution engine behind us, large loyalty program, extensive marketing calendar, sales agents dotted all over the globe, best in class systems, and economies of scale buying power with key suppliers, which we pass on the benefits in full. Independent brands/owners can now have the best of both worlds.

We would like to do more in the lifestyle space. It’s been a buzz segment for some time now. Our TRYP by Wyndham brand is a flexible way for owners to enter this space without breaking the bank on build/ refurbishment and design costs. There is still white space for us within key capital cities as well – particularly within Australia which is a key area of focus for us at the moment. n

Bali remains the top destination on Luxury

Far and away

ONLINE TRAVEL LEADERS SAY THE TOURISM LANDSCAPE IS BEING RESHAPED

BY A WAVE OF NEW BEHAVIOURS.

BOOKING.COM

Todd Lacey, Regional Manager, Oceania

Our 2025 Booking.com Travel and Sustainability Report, marking its 10th year, reveals a significant shift in Australian travel attitudes. Travellers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious and aware of their impact on local communities.

In 2016, less than half (40%) of Australian travellers considered themselves to travel sustainably. By 2025, this figure has surged to 91%, demonstrating a strong desire for more sustainable travel choices. Over the past decade, awareness levels, preferences, and priorities regarding positive impacts on destinations, communities, and ecosystems have also evolved. Over half (51%) now consider tourism’s effects on communities and the environment, up from 40% in 2016.

Travellers are now factoring in community and economic impacts alongside environmental considerations. Concerns about over-tourism have led 38% of travelers to consider travelling during off-peak seasons and 32% to explore less crowded destinations. Conversely, 73% of global travellers visiting Australia seek authentic local cultural and community experiences, highlighting the growing interest in Indigenous tourism.

The majority (62%) of Australian travellers believe there is the right

amount of tourism where they live, however, common tourism-related challenges they face include: traffic congestion (40%), rising cost of living (34%), littering (32%), and overcrowding (32%).

Despite these concerns, only a small number (16%) of Aussie travellers believe that capping the number of tourists to their home destination is the answer. Instead, the need for local investment is emphasised, with top areas of support including waste management (33%), improved transportation (32%), and environmental conservation (25%).

To ensure that destinations can continue to be enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike, tourism, infrastructure and innovation need to keep pace with travellers’ good intent. As a leader in the travel industry, we want to make it easier for both travellers and partners to feel confident that the choices they make are helping to contribute positively to Australian destinations and communities.

EXPEDIA GROUP

Darren Karshagen, Senior Director, Market Management, APAC

With today’s travellers seeking richer, more meaningful experiences, the tourism landscape is

Escapes

being reshaped by a wave of new behaviours – and Expedia Group is at the forefront of identifying what’s next.

One standout shift is the growing demand for Detour Destinations: the less crowded, more affordable alternatives to iconic travel hotspots, with travellers trading Paris for Reims, Milan for Brescia, and Melbourne for Hobart. These destination swaps reflect an increasing desire to escape the mainstream without sacrificing authenticity or quality.

We’re also seeing experience-led hotel selection reshape booking decisions. Guests are no longer just booking a room – they’re booking the memories that come with it. In Australia, 63% of travellers say a notable hotel restaurant influences their booking decision. Properties like Ardo in Townsville and Sydney Common at Sheraton Grand are not only elevating the dining experience but driving travel demand in their own right.

Another trend gaining momentum is sports tourism. Recent Expedia Group research revealed nearly half of global travellers are planning a sports-related trip in the next year – spending over $1,500 per trip on average. Whether it’s international tournaments or local competitions, fans are extending stays and seeking premium accommodation to maximise the moment.

“Guests are no longer just booking a room – they’re booking the memories that come with it.”

Darren Karshagen, Expedia Group

Technology is also helping power these trends. Tools like Expedia Group’s One-Click Trips are streamlining the path from inspiration to booking – connecting travellers with the destinations and experiences that best match their interests. From influencers to itineraries, wanderlust is being turned into action with greater ease than ever before.

Across these shifts, one theme is clear: travel is becoming more intentional, personalised, and emotionally driven. For accommodation providers and tourism operators, this presents an opportunity not just to meet demand, but to help shape it.

The future of travel belongs to those who deliver more than a stay –those who deliver story-worthy experiences at every touchpoint.

LUXURY ESCAPES

Adam Schwab, Co-Founder and CEO

Travel demand continues to be very much a tale of two cities – ultra high-end travel remains largely buoyant, with business and first-class cabins jam packed. But there is increasing softness across certain demographics and towards specific destinations.

There is a growing desire to try new destinations, with 58% of recently surveyed members nominating exploring a new city or country as their top travel priority.  While Bali remains our top destination, closely followed by Fiji, Queensland and Thailand, the gap is narrowing.

Interestingly, 29% of travellers are looking for a ‘bucket list’ holiday as a reason to travel in 2025, while multi-generational trips have skyrocketed this year, driven by increasing travel costs.

Japan continues to remain incredibly popular, as both a ski and touring destination and despite the strong USD, Hawaii and mainland USA continue to perform well.  South-East Queensland, historically the strongest demand area for our members, remains well below trend with demand not returning since the calamitous impact of Cyclone Alfred.

High-end touring remains popular, with personalised private tours to Africa surging, while Vietnam remains the most popular touring destination. The Middle East, led by Egypt and Turkey are slowly returning, while demand for Jordan and Israel remains virtually nonexistent due to the Gaza conflict.

Cost-of-living pressures haven’t yet impacted luxury travel, with older and wealthier Australians continuing to spend significant amounts on travel, although value appears to be an increasingly important factor in destination selection. n

ON THE

M ove

YOUR ROUNDUP OF THE LATEST KEY APPOINTMENTS ACROSS THE HOTEL

INDUSTRY.

MOXY SYDNEY AIRPORT

SID BHATIA HAS been appointed General Manager of Moxy Sydney Airport, effective 28 April 2025.

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry across Australia and New Zealand, Bhatia’s previous positions include General Manager at Vibe Hotel and Cluster GM for TFE Hotels in the Northern Territory.

In 2022, he was a finalist in Hotel Management magazine’s General Manager of the Year award. Bhatia will oversee hotel operations, with a focus on enhancing the hotel’s vibrant culture and ensuring memorable stays for guests.

LA VIE HOTELS AND RESORTS

LA VIE HOTELS and Resorts is welcoming Ruwani Weerasinghe as Director of Asset Management & Acquisitions.

Taking up the role on May 5, 2025, based in the Sydney office, Weerasinghe will play a key role in driving the group’s strategic asset initiatives and portfolio expansion across the region.

Ruwani brings over a decade of experience in hospitality asset management and finance, having held senior roles at most respected organisations including Frasers Hospitality and Pro-invest Group.

Weerasinghe will be responsible for overseeing Asset Management and Acquisitions, contributing to the continued growth of Leadwell Asset Management.

THE LANGHAM, GOLD COAST

THE LANGHAM, GOLD Coast has appointed Stacey Plaine as Director of Marketing and Communications.

Plaine brings over 14 years of luxury hospitality experience to her new role, joining from Marriott International where she has contributed to the commercial success of leading hotels across the UK, Europe, the Maldives, Japan and Australia and specialised in the development and launch of more than 30 distinctive restaurants and bars globally.

“We are thrilled to welcome Stacey to The Langham family,” said The Langham, Gold Coast, Director of Sales and Marketing, Nick Clarke.

PULLMAN BRISBANE KING GEORGE SQUARE

PULLMAN BRISBANE KING George Square has appointed Dominic ‘Nic’ O’Donnell to the position of General Manager.

O’Donnell has over 20 years of experience in hospitality and tourism, including at Traders Hotel, China and Shangri-La’s Rasa Risa Resort, Malaysia, Pacific International Hotel Cairns, Shangri-La Hotel the Marina Cairns, and the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort.

O’Donnell said he looks forward to driving further positive change and growth for the hotel.

Ruwani Weerasinghe

Sid Bhatia

Stacey Plaine

Dominic O’Donnell