Holiday Inn Express Newcastle will be an Official Accommodation Provider of the largest surfing festival in the southern hemisphere, Surfest 2022.

The 170-room hotel will provide accommodation for participants and organisers of the free surfing event that takes place at Merewether Beach from March 28 to April 3.

“We’re proud of our hotel’s position in the heart of Newcastle and are committed to supporting local events that highlight the incredible array of activities available right on our doorstep,” said Holiday Inn Express Newcastle Hotel Manager, Rob Fahey.

“Supporting such a world-renowned event as Surfest is an obvious choice for us because it allows us to highlight what a huge part surfing plays in the identity of Newcastle while also demonstrating our dedication to the local community.”

In celebration of the partnership, the hotel will display a surfboard gifted to Surfest founder Warren Smith from world champion surfer Mark Richards in the hotel’s bar during the festival.

Over 800 male and female surfers from the Asia Pacific region are expected to compete in this year’s festival.