Fans pack out Accor hotels, kicking goals for Sydney tourism
NRL Grand Final: Accor reported occupancies above 98 percent across its 27 Sydney Centre hotels
The 2025 NRL Grand Final did more than crown a champion. It turned Sydney’s hotel market into a winner too.
With two interstate powerhouses on the field, the Brisbane Broncos stormed past the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium on Sunday, October 5, and travelling fans turned the Harbour City into one big rugby league festival. Tens of thousands of supporters booked out hotels, filled pubs and boosted the local economy.
Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator, reported occupancies above 98 percent across its 27 Sydney Centre hotels on both Saturday and Sunday night, a strong lift on last year’s decider. Its 24 hotels in Sydney West also reached 98 percent, proving that when big games hit town, spare beds disappear fast.
“The NRL Grand Final once again proved the pulling power of live sport in Sydney,” said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor Pacific. “Two interstate teams created exceptional demand across the city, delivering a powerful boost for hotels, restaurants and neighbourhood businesses.
“The NRL Grand Final is more than a sporting contest; it is an event that energises the city. Fans travelled in large numbers, and that commitment translated directly into stronger occupancies and a significant economic impact.”
From Parramatta to Circular Quay, the buzz was unmistakable. Bars clinked, eateries hummed and attractions welcomed jersey-wearing visitors. The weekend showed how live sport, tourism and hospitality combine to keep Sydney thriving.
Melbourne had its own moment last month with the AFL Grand Final at the MCG, drawing massive crowds and keeping Accor’s 51 Greater Melbourne hotels busy. The country’s two biggest sporting showdowns remain unmatched economic engines.
Williams summed it up: “Live sport continues to prove itself as one of Australia’s most powerful economic drivers. Australians are willing to travel, spend and celebrate because the experience of being there simply cannot be replicated on a screen.”
Accor, the official accommodation partner of both the NRL and AFL, saw fans checking into everything from Sofitel, Pullman and MGallery to Novotel, Mantra and ibis hotels.
Sydney proved once again that when the stadium lights shine, the city’s tourism engine roars to life.
