BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS AND WALLABIES FANS BREAK HOTEL RECORDS

The recent British and Irish Lions Test match against the Qantas Wallabies at ANZ Stadium saw record hotel occupancy with Lions and Wallabies fans turning out in their droves to see the biggest Rugby Test on Australian soil since 2003.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris said: “The British and Irish Lions tour has delivered outstanding results for the local visitor economy, with tourist flocking to NSW and filling hotels at rates not seen since the 2000 Olympics.

With over $50 million impact, the tour has given a much-needed shot in the arm to both the tourism industry and the NSW economy as a whole."

Accor’s Sydney CBD hotels – including Sofitel, Pullman, Quay West, Novotel, Sebel, Mercure, MGallery and Ibis – reported they were at 94 per cent occupancy on 6 July 2013 with rooms at record demand. Accor’s hotels in the Sydney Metro and regional NSW areas were at 93 per cent occupancy across the board – figures, which have not been seen outside of New Year’s Eve since the Sydney Olympics.

The Company’s hotels in Sydney Olympic Park broke all records since opening and were completely full on the night of the game.

Guests of the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park couldn’t believe their luck when they realised the Lions were finalising their preparations for the game at the hotel and the players happily posed for photographs with Lions fans and joined in the celebrations.

Accor’s Regional General Manager for Accor NSW, Scott Boyes said Accor hotels at Sydney Olympic Park accommodate and feed more elite athletes than any other hotel in Australia and lead the way when it comes to setting the standard in hosting sporting teams, and the British Lions tour was no exception.

“Lions and Wallabies fans soaked up the event with colour, song and passion and it was great to be part of it. The atmosphere out at Olympic Park on Saturday was unlike anything we’ve ever seen and I’m proud of the way our hotels, ANZ Stadium, The Sydney Olympic Park Authority and other businesses in the precinct presented and delivered on Saturday night,” Mr Boyes said.

“There is no doubt the Sydney Olympic Park precinct has cemented its position as Australia’s biggest and best event precinct, with all stakeholders working together to deliver a quality experience for all visitors to the park."