Innovative Tasmanian hotels tap new markets

The accommodation industry across Australia will watch with interest as two Tasmanian hotels roll out new room options for day travellers.

The Mercure Hobart and Mercure Launceston will today launch their ‘Day Stay and Refresh’ service, enabling day travellers to access hotel rooms between 9am and 5pm for a low rate of $65.

TAA Managing Director Rodger Powell said the approach was an innovative way to accommodate an increasing number of visitors who travel ‘up and back’ in a single day.

“This is an example of a business seeing an opportunity in the market and doing something creative to capture a new source of revenue.

“The Mercure Hobart and Mercure Launceston are leading the way with their Day Stay concept and there will be many other hotels around the country taking notice.

“With increased air access into Tasmania, the hotels have seen potential for more day visitors. Rather than seeing this as a threat to their overnight business, they’ve seen an opportunity to diversify their product offering.”

Source: Tourism Accommodation Australia, 28 August 2012