Australian Open serves up windfall for Melbourne hotels
Marriott reports strong occupancy and room rates as play gets underway
Again underlining the impact the hosting of a major event can have on a city’s hotel occupancy numbers, Marriot International is reporting strong growth in occupancy and room rates across its Melbourne properties as the Australian Open kicks into full swing.
Marriott International Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt cited a significant rise in international bookings across the brand’s portfolio of nine hotels in Melbourne.
“Occupancy across our Melbourne properties is sitting at around 70 percent over the next two weeks and moves up to 85 percent over the final weekend,” Mr Hunt said.
“Our CBD hotels are even stronger, with occupancy sitting at 80 percent during the tournament and up to 93 percent for the finals. Room rates are solid and report a growth against 2022 and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.”
Mr Hunt said demand is really strong with bookings still coming in with domestic business from the eastern states leading the way.
“However, we’ve seen a shift closer to 2019 levels from the US along with a mix of internationals,” he said.
Marriott’s room stock in Melbourne sits at close to 1900 keys across nine hotels.
These include W Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne, Sheraton Melbourne, Marriott Melbourne, Four Points Melbourne, Element Melbourne Richmond along with three new properties that opened over the last 12 months – Marriott Melbourne Docklands , Courtyard Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens and the introduction of a new lifestyle brand to Australia with AC By Marriott Melbourne Southbank.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Marriott group is on track to open a further two new properties in Melbourne, the luxury 267 key Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne and the 235 key Le Meridien Melbourne, taking Marriott’s Melbourne portfolio to 11.
“The strong start to 2023 is testament to our confidence and commitment to the business and leisure travel industry in Melbourne. Room rates at our signature CBD properties exceed 2019 rates,” Mr Hunt said.
“The Australian Open is an outstanding opportunity to put Australia back in the spotlight as a world class travel destination offering first class accommodation, lifestyle and sporting experiences.”
As the exclusive Hotel Accommodation Partner for Tennis Australia, Marriott will host VIPs, Bonvoy Members and guests across their suite of participating properties.
The exclusive partnership will offer Marriott Bonvoy members access to more than 50 unique experiences including premium viewing tickets across marquee matches including both women’s and men’s finals, and meet and greet with tennis legends.
AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.
