This week in the 5 Star Weekly Briefing take a look at

This is a weekly hotel industry news briefing summarising recent news, including new hotel openings and developments from IHG, Accor, and Radisson, as well as acquisitions like the Rydges Mackay Suites. The newsletter also highlights industry trends such as the rise of boutique hotels and the impact of AI, and reports on strong festive season bookings and the lasting economic effects of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. Finally, it announces several key personnel appointments within various hotel groups.

This week's hotel industry briefing highlights significant developments, including new hotel openings and acquisitions by major brands like Marriott and Hilton, a surge in hotel franchising in Australia, and investment in Brisbane's hospitality sector ahead of the 2032 Olympics. The report also examines industry trends such as the rise of wellness tourism and a return to pre-pandemic travel levels, featuring increased spending on experiences. Finally, it notes key leadership appointments within several hotel groups and the launch of a new digital careers platform to address industry skills shortages.

The team at Technology 4 Hotels knows how busy you are, so we’ve created this concise news briefing to keep you up-to-date on the key happenings in the hotel industry this week. From industry trends to exciting new developments, we’ve got you covered—all in just a few minutes. Let’s dive in!

The team at Technology 4 Hotels knows how busy you are, so we’ve created this concise news briefing to keep you up-to-date on the key happenings in the hotel industry this week. From industry trends to exciting new developments, we’ve got you covered—all in just a few minutes. Let’s dive in!

The team at Technology 4 Hotels knows how busy you are, so we’ve created this concise news briefing to keep you up-to-date on the key happenings in the hotel industry this week.

voco Maroochydore Sunshine Coast: IHG Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Sydney-based developer Felix Capital, has announced plans to open the voco Maroochydore Sunshine Coast in 2028

Refurbishment of Islington Hotel, Hobart: The heritage-listed Islington Hotel in Hobart, owned by La Vie Hotels and Resorts, has undergone a $1 million refurbishment

Atura Oran Park: Construction has commenced on Atura Oran Park, a new 184-room urban lifestyle hotel by EVT Hotels and Resorts, set to open in Sydney’s southwest in 2026.

Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough Refurbishment: The Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough is getting a multi-million-dollar facelift from its owners, Far East Orchard. The rolling two-year refurbishment program will see 330 hotel rooms as well as public spaces refreshed.

Mondrian Gold Coast: Set to open in early 2025, Australia's first Mondrian hotel in Burleigh will offer ocean and hinterland views across its 24-storey structure.

Acquisitions & Investments

Ayers Rock Resort Lease: Two major corporations, including a US private equity-backed group, are vying for a long-term lease of the $380 million Indigenous-owned Ayers Rock Resort at Yulara near Uluru.

Star Hotels Acquires Rydges Gold Coast Airport Hotel: Star Hotels, a division of Star Group, has acquired the Rydges Gold Coast Airport Hotel.

Hurley Hotel Group Acquires Historic Barker Hotel: The Hurley Hotel Group, in partnership with Adelaide Crows legend Mark Ricciuto, has acquired the historic Barker Hotel in Adelaide Hills.

Industry TrendsAustralian Hotel Occupancy Rates Remain Stable: According to STR’s latest data, Australia's hotel occupancy in September 2024 was stable at 72.7%, a slight increase from 72.1% in September 2023. Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin noted that while demand remains solid, cost-of-living pressures are slowing growth.

Mix of October Events Drove Melbourne Hotel PerformanceAccording to preliminary data from CoStar, a number of events, including multiple concerts by Olivia Rodrigo and Coldplay, lifted Melbourne hotel performances in October.

New Zealand’s tourism sector is witnessing a dynamic recovery post-pandemic, marked by an encouraging rise in international visitor spending. According to Tourism New Zealand, while visitor numbers have plateaued at around 83% of 2019 levels, the value generated by these visitors has surged, reaching 100% of pre-pandemic levels for the year ending June 2024

Marriott Bonvoy Partnership: Marriott Bonvoy has secured an exclusive multiyear contract extension with Tennis Australia, continuing as the official hotel partner for the Australian Open and lead-in tournaments.

Stars in Motion

Mandarin Oriental appointed Amanda Hyndman as Chief Operating Officer after Christoph Mares' retirement. Hyndman, who will also continue her role as Chief People & Culture Officer, brings over 30 years of luxury hotel experience, including 18 years with Mandarin Oriental in senior management roles across the UK, Asia, and the US.

TFE Hotels announces leadership changes to strengthen their offerings. TFE Hotels promoted three experienced leaders to General Manager roles across its Sydney properties: Liam Schutz at Adina Bondi Beach, Danielle Schadow at Adina Chippendale, and Justin Style at Vibe North Sydney. Each brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a passion for guest service excellence. 

Don’t forget to check out our 5 Star Conversations podcast, where Brendon Granger from Technology 4 Hotels sits down with the industry’s most influential leaders.

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