Novotel, Mercure & Ibis Darwin Airport Resorts was the star performer in the 2025 Aristocrat Technologies / Hospitality NT Awards for Excellence with three major awards.
The pioneering resort won the awards for Best Marketed Accommodation and Best Outdoor Area, while Sales Manager Joe Lynch was named Industry Rising Star.
Owners of Darwin Airport and the adjacent hotels, Airport Development Group (ADG), launched the Novotel, Mercure & Ibis Darwin Airport Resorts in December 2023, creating a unique resort haven – a first for Australian hotels – just a five-minute walk from the airport terminals.
A feature of the resort is the 51-metre swimming pool, one of the largest in Australia, along with its comprehensive range of accommodation styles from luxe pool villas to quality economy rooms. Novotel, Mercure & Ibis Darwin Airport Resorts’ new General Manager, Raymond Bragg, said it was a privilege to take over a property that was so pioneering in its product delivery.
“Since the launch of the resorts concept, guest feedback has been outstanding,” said Mr Bragg.
“Darwin and the Top End have been desperately in need of high-quality accommodation as Darwin Airport welcomes new international services from key markets in Asia. We go way beyond being an airport hotel; we are a destination hotel in our own right, with many guests staying for extended periods.
“I’d like to congratulate all the team members for their tremendous contribution. It has been a team effort, and their passion and energy have been recognised in the award success.
“The team wish to thank our corporate, trade and leisure partners, along with Tourism NT, Tourism Top End and the airlines, to promote Darwin as an exciting destination, and with new inbound routes launched, we are confident of a major upturn in visitation.”
The Resorts’ Director of Sales & Marketing, Nadee Wicks, said the award for Best Marketed Accommodation reflected the impact the property had made in the Darwin marketplace.
“We are very fortunate to have had substantial investment from our owners ADG to complete reimagine the airport hotel experience and we have been able to substantially grow our corporate, conference and leisure markets as a result of the upgrade,” said Ms Wicks.
“To have the convenience of being so close to the airport and Darwin CBD, while also being able to deliver an authentic resort experience is an incredible selling point. No other airport in Australia can boast our facilities, and with our extensive gardens, two large swimming pools and alfresco dining areas the award for Best Outdoor Area was well-deserved. Our grounds are ideal for Darwin’s tropical climate.”
Novotel, Mercure & Ibis Darwin Airport Resorts is managed by Accor, Australia’s largest hotel management company.
