Hotels in Sydney and Melbourne are enjoying the culmination of the NRL and AFL sporting seasons with an influx of interstate travellers driving bookings for Grand Final showdowns over consecutive weekends.
As NRL teams from Melbourne and Brisbane teams prepare to go head-to-head at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Sunday, supporters are flying in from interstate and checking-in to hotels for the long weekend.
Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said hotel bookings for the long weekend look strong, with 85% of all rooms in Sydney already booked out.
“September was another strong month for Sydney hotels, with occupancy averaging 80.2% – about 15% higher than the same time last year – but this weekend is set to be even bigger,” said McBride.
“The combination of a long weekend with school holidays, several festivals and NRL fans flying in from Melbourne and Brisbane means the 15% of rooms still available will book out quickly.
“If people aren’t quick, the chances of getting a hotel room in Sydney this weekend will be about as likely as a NSW footy team winning the competition.”
McBride said thanks and recognition should go to the NSW Government for continuing to
invest in major events – ensuring the hotel and tourism sector thrives.
“Our hotels continue to reap the benefits of major events, from the Sydney Marathon to the NRL Grand Final and this weekend’s festivals,” said McBride.
“They consistently fill hotel rooms and deliver millions into the NSW economy.”
Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said the overall September figures were encouraging considering the current economic climate.
“The latest figures show that demand remains strong and Australians are still travelling despite economic pressures,” he said.
Last weekend, Melbourne played host to the AFL Grand Final between Geelong Football Club and the Brisbane Lions at the MCG.
Accor, accommodation partner of the AFL and AFLW, said bookings were strong across its 51 hotels in Greater Melbourne.
Accor’s Chief Operating Officer in the Pacific region, Adrian Williams, said the AFL Grand Final drives measurable tourism and hospitality benefits.
“Each year we see thousands of fans travelling to Melbourne, whether to watch from the stands or to be part of the atmosphere, and that translates directly into strong demand for hotels, restaurants and bars,” Williams told HM.
“Live sport continues to prove itself as one of Australia’s most powerful economic drivers. Grand Final weekend energises Melbourne beyond the stadium – into our hotels, precincts and neighbourhood businesses.”
“Australians attach enormous value to events like these. They are willing to travel, spend and celebrate, because the experience of being there in person cannot be replicated online or on television.”