New statistics from Accor, the largest hotel operator in the Pacific, show that Queensland had the fastest and most sustainable tourism recovery rate compared to any other Australian state over the past year.

Accor, which operates 101 hotels in Queensland, announced today that the overall occupancy of the group’s hotels increased from an average of 23% * in April 2020 to 74% in April 2021.

Queensland’s average occupancy rate of 70% since the beginning of the year is well above the national occupancy rate of 50%.

The recovery rate has tightened since the borders were reopened and stabilized. The occupancy of the QLD increased by 21% compared to the previous year, while the national occupancy demand decreased by 6% (YTD until the end of April 2021).

The best performing regions in Queensland for Accor were (YTD through April 2021):

  • Sunshine coast
  • Cairns
  • Gold coast
  • Tropical North Queensland

The success of the vacation destinations contrasted with the performance of Brisbane hotels, which regained their average occupancy to 53% in April, although it was still well below the monthly pre-Covid occupancy rate of 75%.

Commenting on the results, Simon McGrath, CEO of Accor Pacific, said: “The results show that Australians enjoy traveling to Queensland. A combination of greater security around borders, an increase in flights, state and federal stimulus measures and a range of targeted measures Marketing programs have significantly increased the number of vacation trips to Queensland in 2021.

“The government’s stimulus packages have had an impact and, according to April figures, confidence in the leisure sector is growing. The success of the half-price airfare and the opening of the trans-Tasman bubble should keep vacation travel happening.” remains lively over the winter.

“Despite the improved forecasts, a worrying region-city divide has emerged and we cannot be complacent. Travel to Brisbane is subdued due to a decline in business travel and conferences. Government support is for rebuilding business, conference and business Event travel is vital. I urge the government to reflect on how they can help our big cities regain prosperity through arts, sports and cultural events. “

Mr McGrath said that Accor has maintained its optimism in the Queensland tourism sector and plans to launch two new brands – Fairmont Port Douglas and Mondrian Gold Coast – in the Australian market in 2023.

“Queensland’s tourism infrastructure has never looked as healthy as it does today,” he said. “A whole new breed of hotels and brands have been launched across Queensland in the past five years, placing the state in the perfect position for a quick break.

“However, this will only happen if governments across Australia work together to both encourage greater travel flows and support the industry through significant fiscal and policy measures, reflecting the fact that tourism and hospitality have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

“We welcome the announcement of the federal government’s budget to allow foreign students more working hours and to extend their visas for one year if they are in the hospitality and tourism sectors. We recognize our sector as ‘critical’ to staff shortages. This is Significant as many of our hotels were unable to accommodate capacity due to labor shortages. The loss of backpackers and overseas students is affecting the tourism and hospitality industries at all levels, especially in the outback and regional areas, limiting their ability to accommodate the growth in domestic travel. “

Accor operates a full range of hotel brands in Australia, from luxury to economy, with more than 340 hotels, resorts and apartment hotels under brands such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel and Mantra, Novotel, Mercure, Tribe, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis Budget.

* SOURCE: ST

About Accor

Accor is a leading global hotel group consisting of more than 5,100 hotels and 10,000 restaurants in 110 countries. The group has one of the most diverse and fully integrated hospitality ecosystems in the industry, which includes luxury and premium brands, mid-range and economy offers, unique lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife areas, restaurants and bars, branded private houses, shared apartments and Concierge includes services, coworking spaces and more. Accor also has an unrivaled portfolio of distinctive brands and more than 260,000 team members worldwide. 68 million members benefit from the company’s extensive loyalty program ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services, and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Accor SA was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in France. The company is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC market (ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow Accor on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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