Accor properties accredited under its Optimum Service Standards for Chinese visitation scheme have reported record bookings over the Chinese New Year period.
Celebrations to welcome the Year of the Snake prompted an overall 30.4% increase in room nights across Accor's Australian portfolio with hotel occupancies on the eve of the New Year climbing to more than 90%. Its Sydney hotels recorded 52% growth in bookings compared to last year, while Melbourne properties saw room nights rise 15.7%.
Properties accredited under its "China-ready" scheme experienced a 34.3% increase in bookings for Chinese New Year. Mercure Hobart was completely full over the course of the last week, while Novotel Cairns reported a 20.1% increase on last year with occupancies above 80% on Chinese New Year's Eve.
Chief operating officer Simon McGrath confirmed the firm continues to build on its Chinese relationships.
"It's very reassuring for our hotels to see that the investment we have put into servicing and understanding out Chinese guests is paying dividends with healthy increases inb bookings," he said.
There are currently 37 Accor hotels accredited under the scheme, expected to rise to 50 by the end of the year.
Source: Travel Weekly
