Crowne Plaza Geelong names GM ahead of major 2025 opening
Industry veteran John Dickson to lead region’s largest hotel development.
Geelong’s largest and most anticipated hotel development has made its first major appointment, naming seasoned hotelier John Dickson as General Manager of the upcoming Crowne Plaza Geelong, currently under construction on the city’s waterfront.
Backed by more than two decades of hospitality experience, John previously served as General Manager of Novotel Geelong and has held senior roles in Melbourne, Sydney, and Wellington. His local knowledge and industry leadership are seen as crucial as the $120 million, 200-room hotel prepares to open its doors in 2025.
“It’s an honour to be tasked with building a talented team of locals that can provide guests with the premium experience that Crowne Plaza is famous for around the world,” said Dickson.
“This is a marquee investment in Geelong, and I want to ensure we get it right—bringing in the best people to provide the best service to locals and visitors.”
The Crowne Plaza Geelong will be operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts and is part of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct. Fully funded by Plenary Group, the hotel marks a major milestone in the transformation of Geelong’s waterfront into a vibrant hospitality and events hub.
Plenary Chief Investment Officer Paul Crowe said the hotel will set a new benchmark for the region.
“The hotel and retail offerings throughout the precinct will include cafes and restaurants for locals and visitors to enjoy quality local food and beverages, and a public sky bar with some of the best views in Geelong,” he said.
“This investment backs the future of Geelong as the beating heart of some of Australia’s greatest tourism experiences, including the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road.”
The Crowne Plaza forms part of Plenary’s broader $250 million investment in the waterfront precinct, which complements the adjacent $449 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre project. Plenary, as lead proponent of the Plenary Conventions consortium, is contracted to finance, design, build, and maintain the centre for 25 years in partnership with the Victorian Government, Australian Government, and the City of Greater Geelong under the Geelong City Deal.
The hotel and convention precinct development is also delivering significant employment benefits to the region, supporting around 1500 local jobs, including priority placements for jobseekers, apprentices, and women in construction.
The Crowne Plaza Geelong is set to redefine luxury accommodation in the region, ushering in a new era for Geelong’s waterfront and tourism economy.
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