Accor wraps up a game-changing Pacific year
Accor’s Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Williams, looks back on a landmark year in the Pacific with major brand debuts and a powerful run of openings in Australia and New Zealand.
Accor is closing out 2025 on a powerful high in the Pacific, rounding off a year defined by headline brand debuts, accelerated development, and a firm hold on leadership across Australia and New Zealand’s tourism landscape.
The launch of Australia’s first Mondrian, together with Accor’s first branded residential address, set a confident pace for the year. That momentum continued with the debut of Hyde in Melbourne, the long-awaited opening of 25hours in Sydney and the arrival of JO&JOE and TRIBE in Auckland. Most recently, Novotel Sydney Cabramatta opened its doors and positioned itself as a new flagship for the brand in Western Sydney.
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These Accor and Ennismore openings have amplified choice, creativity and community for travellers, signalling a step-change in how audiences experience the region’s most dynamic destinations.
Reflecting on the year, Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer for Accor in the Pacific region, said:
“What an incredible and defining year for Accor in the Pacific. We’ve launched an array of new world-renowned brands into the region, bolstered our development pipeline, and championed hospitality’s role in energising cities, regional centres, and local communities.
“I love seeing the impact our teams make every day. Heading into 2026, we’re building on this momentum and creating more meaningful experiences and opportunities for people and places to thrive like never before.”
Lifestyle arrives in Australia
This year marks the landmark arrival of Ennismore in Australia, with three hotel openings from three of its most iconic lifestyle brands. Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, represents the Group’s position in lifestyle.
Mondrian Gold Coast introduces a new era of coastal luxury at Burleigh Heads, combining design-led accommodation, standout dining and relaxed beachside living in a retreat that feels effortlessly like home. Mondrian also marks the group’s first branded residential address in Australia.
Hyde Melbourne Place brings the brand’s bohemian spirit to Australia for the first time, offering a vibrant, design-driven sensory experience that reflects the creative energy of Melbourne’s cultural scene.
25hours Hotel The Olympia Sydney celebrates the building’s cinematic heritage with eclectic design, imaginative dining and art-filled guestrooms, creating a spirited playground for dreamers, explorers and culture lovers.
Accor to open seven hotels over the last seven weeks of 2025
That momentum continues to build as the year draws to a close. Over the final seven weeks of 2025, Accor will open seven hotels across Australia, spanning every corner of the country — from vibrant city centres to iconic coastal destinations — reflecting strong partner confidence and sustained demand for compelling hospitality experiences.
Mercure Sydney St Leonards – NSW
The return of Mercure Sydney St Leonards brings new energy to Sydney’s Lower North Shore. With refurbishments in progress, the 100 well-appointed rooms will be upgraded, offering private courtyards, balconies or spa suites. Ideally located near the Royal North Shore Hospital precinct and commercial hub, guests can enjoy modern comfort with easy access to dining, retail and transport.
ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank – VIC
Melbourne is set to welcome ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank, a playful, art-driven addition to the city’s waterfront. The 162-room hotel blends creative flair with affordability, featuring bespoke artwork from local and international artists, relaxed social spaces and a prime CBD location.
Saint Kilda Beach Hotel – VIC
Saint Kilda Beach Hotel will join the Accor network ahead of its evolution into a Novotel in 2026. Featuring 80 stylish rooms, two meeting spaces and on-site dining, this modern boutique escape on Fitzroy Street blends beachside charm with urban convenience.
BreakFree North Adelaide & Mantra Meridien Adelaide – SA
In North Adelaide, new dual-branded Mantra and BreakFree properties will extend Accor’s reach into key city-fringe and lifestyle precincts. Located on vibrant Melbourne Street, the two properties combine 95 rooms, conference facilities and an outdoor pool, catering to both business and leisure travellers.
Mantra Mount Gambier – SA
Located just one kilometre from Mount Gambier’s city centre, Mantra Mount Gambier offers 42 modern rooms combining contemporary comfort with warm country hospitality. On-site restaurant Noky showcases the region’s best produce in a relaxed bistro setting.
Mantra Hobart Airport – TAS
Mantra Hobart Airport has re-emerged as Tasmania’s key travel gateway. As the only hotel within the Hobart International Airport precinct, it provides seamless access for transit travellers, airline crews, corporate groups and visitors exploring Tasmania’s cultural and nature-based experiences.
Momentum continues: New openings across Australasia in 2026
Looking ahead, the pipeline reflects Accor’s long-term vision.
In Victoria, Mercure Melbourne La Trobe Street will open in 2026, delivering 192 contemporary rooms in West Melbourne, close to Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Docklands and Marvel Stadium.
Also opening in 2026, Ennismore’s Hyde Perth will introduce the brand’s signature festival-inspired energy to Western Australia. Located on Pier Street, this 120-room hotel will feature suites, meeting spaces, a destination restaurant, and a lively bar opening onto an outdoor pool surrounded by tropical landscaping.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, Pullman Hamilton will emerge as a major new landmark. The $100 million transformation will introduce 191 premium rooms, a day spa, signature dining, valet services and a private rooftop lounge with expansive city views.
Fuelling tourism through major events
Major events and cultural moments defined Sydney’s 2025 calendar. Accor Stadium delivered world-class experiences from global concert tours to marquee sporting events, driving exceptional demand and filling hotels across the city.
The NRL Grand Final attracted a sell-out crowd of 80,000+ fans, with Accor hotels in Sydney Centre recording occupancy above 98 percent on both weekend nights. Similarly, the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour generated a surge in interstate and international stays.
Looking ahead, Ed Sheeran’s The Loop Tour will return to Accor Stadium for three sold-out shows in February 2026, further reinforcing Sydney’s strength as a global events destination.
“These high-profile events demonstrate Sydney’s ability to activate tourism at scale – filling hotels, energising local businesses, and creating lasting economic benefit across the visitor economy,” said Adrian Williams.
Tourism outlook: Travel demand accelerates into 2026
Hotel performance continues to build momentum across key Australian cities, fuelled by rising leisure travel and strong MICE activity.
Accor’s booking pace across Australia has averaged 16 percent higher year-on-year, while STR market demand is up 3.6 percent. International stays are up 9 percent year-on-year, driven by growth from China, the UK and Singapore.
Sydney mirrors this national growth, with STR demand up 5.2 percent and international visitation into Accor’s Sydney hotels up 13 percent, supported by increased arrivals from China, the Republic of Korea and Indonesia — reinforcing Sydney’s status as a leading global destination.
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