Melbourne hoteliers are enjoying a welcome boost in occupancy over the next two weeks thanks to the influx of sports fans to the city for the Australian Open, which kicked off on Monday.
Marriott International, Official Hotel Accommodation Partner of the Australian Open for the second year running, has reported an increase in occupancy and room rates, as well as a significant rise in international bookings across its nine Melbourne hotels, which equates to almost 1900 keys.
Marriot International Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt, said Marriott Bonvoy’s partnership with Tennis Australia has had a positive impact on hotel occupancy and revenue.
“Occupancy across our Melbourne properties is sitting at around 70% over the next two weeks and moves up to 85% over the final weekend,” he said.
“Our CBD hotels are even stronger, with occupancy sitting at 80% during the tournament and up to 93% for the finals. Room rates are solid and report a growth against 2022 and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
“Demand is really strong with bookings still coming in. Domestic bookings from the Eastern states of Australia are leading, however, we’ve also seen a shift closer to 2019 levels from the US along with a mix of internationals.”
Marriott collection of hotels around the city include W Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne, Sheraton Melbourne, Marriott Melbourne, Four Points Melbourne, Element Melbourne Richmond, and the three properties opened last year, Marriott Melbourne Docklands, Courtyard Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens and AC By Marriott Melbourne Southbank.
The hospitality leader also plans to open two new properties in the city in the first quarter of 2023 – the luxury 267-key Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne and the 235-key Le Meridien Melbourne.
“The strong start to 2023 is testament to our confidence and commitment to the business and leisure travel industry in Melbourne,” Hunt said.
“Room rates at our signature CBD properties exceed 2019 rates. The Australian Open is an outstanding opportunity to put Australia back in the spotlight as a world class travel destination offering first class accommodation, lifestyle and sporting experiences.”
Throughout the Australian Open, the hospitality company will host members and special guests including Marriott Bonvoy ambassador and former world number one Ash Barty at the Marriott Bonvoy Hospitality Suite at Melbourne Park.
Renowned chefs Adam D’Sylva, Massimo Mele and Guy Grossi have curated the menus featuring “bold and modern” cuisine with “sharp, fragrant flavours”.
The Suite features three bespoke artworks created by Geelong-based artist, Minna Leunig, who creates playful images inspired by native Australian landscapes.
Marriott Bonvoy will also welcome members and VIPs to two exclusive pop-up spaces for the duration of the event – Premium Experience (PX) by Marriott Bonvoy at the Grand Slam Oval and at Garden Square.