New Zealand’s largest hotel operator, Accor, today announces the opening of Mercure Tauranga, marking the Group’s arrival in Tauranga and a significant milestone as the city’s first internationally branded hotel.
The opening represents a major step in Accor’s expansion across one of Aotearoa’s fastest-growing regional markets, while signalling a new era for Tauranga’s accommodation sector and broader visitor economy.
Formerly Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre and located in the heart of Tauranga’s CBD, the 80-room hotel has rebranded as Mercure. The property is open and in the final stages of a multi-million-dollar refurbishment to bring it in line with Mercure brand standards.
The rebranded hotel joins the Accor network, bringing the Group’s New Zealand portfolio to 49 hotels and reinforcing its continued growth in high-potential regional destinations such as the Bay of Plenty.
Accor’s Chief Operating Officer in the Pacific region, Adrian Williams, said the opening reflects strong confidence in Tauranga and its evolution as a key regional hub.
“Tauranga has been a focus for us for some time. Tourism earnings rose by 5% last summer, underscoring the Bay of Plenty’s strong fundamentals and increasingly important role in New Zealand’s tourism and business landscape,” Mr Williams said.
“As the first internationally branded hotel in the city, Mercure Tauranga represents a significant milestone for the local industry. It allows us to bring global standards, distribution and loyalty to the market, while supporting the continued evolution of Tauranga as a compelling destination for both domestic and international travellers.”
This latest Accor addition comes as the Bay of Plenty rebuilds momentum following recent weather events, including Cyclone Vainu. The introduction of an international midscale brand is expected to strengthen accommodation supply, support visitor growth, and bolster long-term regional confidence.
Well-positioned in Tauranga’s CBD, Mercure Tauranga is designed to cater to a diverse mix of segments, including corporate travellers, conferencing and events, sports groups, and leisure visitors drawn to the region’s coastal lifestyle. Building on the strong legacy of Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre, the property will continue to play a key role in hosting meetings, conferences and group business in the region.
The hotel has almost completed a multi-million-dollar developer-led refurbishment to align with Mercure brand standards, including upgrades to guest rooms, public areas, and food and beverage spaces. Further enhancements, including conference facilities and recreational amenities, are planned for later stages to further strengthen its appeal across multiple market segments.
The existing team has been retained, with additional roles expected as the hotel transitions and stabilises under the Mercure brand.
The signing also strengthens Accor’s long-standing partnership with Prime Hotels, a fast-growing hotel portfolio, bringing its New Zealand properties under Accor management to three. This includes Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman and Mantra Wellington Central City, which was rebranded from Mercure to Mantra on 30 April.
Prime Hotels Executive Director Antoinette Muollo-Aharoni said she is pleased to continue the partnership through the introduction of Mercure to Tauranga.
“We see clear potential in Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty region. This transformation will position the hotel strongly for the future, supported by the strength of Accor’s brands, global distribution network and loyalty platform, while continuing to serve corporate, conferencing, sports and leisure markets, as well as the local community,” Ms Muollo-Aharoni said.
Accor’s New Zealand portfolio spans key gateway cities and leisure destinations including Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua and Lake Tekapo, with 17 brands currently in operation across the country. The addition of Tauranga further strengthens the Group’s presence in the North Island and reinforces its strategy of expanding into high-growth regional markets.
Mercure Hotels & Resorts, with more than 1,000 hotels across 70 countries, is known for its locally inspired approach to hospitality, with each property designed to reflect the character and culture of its destination. Mercure Tauranga will embody this philosophy, offering guests a connection to the region while delivering the consistency and standards of a global brand.
