W Hotels celebrate 5th year at Sydney Mardi Gras
February occupancy is expected to soar above 90%, attributed to the Mardi Gras festival, Taylor Swift, a busy events & concert season & increased cruise ship arrivals
As the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras gears up for its annual celebration of pride, W Hotels proudly enters its fifth year as a key partner, reaffirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Authentic self-expression, inclusivity, and the creation of a safe space for all have been at the heart of the W brand since its inception over 20 years ago,” stated Sean Hunt, Area Vice President Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific at Marriott International.
This year’s Mardi Gras holds special significance for W Hotels as festival-goers will have the opportunity to experience the festivities from a ‘W’ home base right in the heart of Sydney. The world’s largest W Hotel, W Sydney, opened its doors in October last year, marking a milestone in the brand’s history.
Across Marriott Bonvoy’s hotels in Sydney, occupancy rates are expected to soar above 90 percent for February.
This surge is attributed to tourism around the Mardi Gras festival, coupled with a packed concert calendar, including events surrounding the Taylor Swift Sydney concerts, bustling meetings and events season in the Sydney CBD and ICC, and increased cruise ship arrivals and departures.
Notably, Sydney hotels have seen a nearly 15 percent increase in arrivals from the USA compared to 2023.
W Sydney will serve as a hub for inclusive pride expressions throughout the festival, hosting a series of events for hotel guests, travellers, and locals alike. Highlights include meaningful conversations about building inclusive spaces in art, Pride Sounds music events, and exclusive DJ sets.
Marriott Bonvoy Members will enjoy access to VIP experiences through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform, including sought-after tickets to the Mardi Gras After Party, VIP viewing of the Mardi Gras Parade, and the ultimate parade experience aboard the W Hotels float, alongside 80 W Hotels talent.
The W Hotels float in this year’s parade will celebrate the values of inclusion and equality, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. Samuel Leighton-Dore’s digital artwork will be prominently displayed on the float’s LED screen, amplifying the message of unity and acceptance.
W Hotels continues its commitment to making a real difference in the LGBTQIA+ community, both within and outside the organisation. This year, W Hotels has partnered with Qantas for their regional grants program, offering nine winners from regional Australia the chance to experience a two-night stay at W Sydney during Mardi Gras parade weekend.
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