NEW LUXURY HOTEL AT DARLING HARBOUR

Sydney will receive a major tourism boost with a new landmark luxury 5-star hotel announced this week as part of the new world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour.

The first of its kind to be built in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics, the 600 room luxury hotel will be operated by Accor under its French luxury hotel brand Sofitel, and designed by renowned architect Richard Francis-Jones.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Andrew Stoner, said the announcement shows that Sydney has well and truly got its mojo back.

“The NSW Government is delighted that its development partner for this part of the project, Lend Lease, has secured an agreement with Australia’s largest private hotel investor, Dr Jerry Schwartz, to deliver the hotel,” Mr Stoner said.

“The new hotel will provide convenient and contemporary accommodation for delegates to the new International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), increasing Sydney’s appeal for major international business events.

“Construction of the $1.1 billion centre is well underway, and it is attracting increasing global interest, highlighted by the recent announcement that Sydney has secured Sibos, the largest and most influential financial event in the world, for 2018,” he said.

Tourism & Transport Forum Executive Director Adele Labine-Romain said this is great news for Sydney.

“Visitors coming to Sydney for business events at the new International Convention Centre Sydney will be able to stay right in the precinct in a new luxury hotel run by global operator Accor,” Ms Labine-Romain said.

“The hotel’s proximity to the new facility will give business events delegates or people attending concerts and other events in the revitalised Darling Harbour precinct unprecedented convenience,” she said.

Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber Patricia Forsythe said the announcement shows Sydney is indeed a destination of choice throughout the world.

“The ICC will ensure Sydney remains globally competitive in the high stakes of winning conventions and key business events,” Ms Forsythe said.

The Accommodation Association of Australia Chief Executive Officer Richard Munro said: “The Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will elevate the precinct’s luxury entertainment and event credentials to new heights.”

Construction is expected to start in late 2014, and it is due for completion in the first half of 2017.

For more information please visit accorhotels.com.au/press