Brisbane’s top hotels upgrade to the tune of $AU116 million

Brisbane’s hotels are experiencing massive growth and renewal with more than $AU88 million spent on refurbishments and upgrades in the past financial year, and a further $AU28 million in the pipeline for 2013.

These figures, from the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) reflect confidence in the Brisbane market and its ability to cater to business events of all sizes, said Brisbane Marketing Convention Bureau director Annabel Sullivan.

“I cannot commend Brisbane’s hotels enough for investing so heavily in the future of our city and the future of Brisbane’s business events industry,” she said.

“By having high-quality hotels on offer, Brisbane can effortlessly cater for any type of conference. 

“This was certainly proven recently with the announcement the city will host the G20 Leaders Summit in 2014, which will bring more than 4000 delegates and 3000 domestic and international media to Brisbane.”

Queensland Hotels Association Accommodation Division Judy Hill said it was clear that Brisbane hotels were willing to invest in the city.

“Brisbane’s hotels understand the value of the high-yielding business events market,” she said.

“To reap the benefits that come from attracting conference delegates, hotels must continue to evolve and refine the product and services they offer, which is certainly what is happening in Brisbane.”

“Conventions bring some of the world’s most skilled talent and investors to our city and delegates spend on average five times more than leisure tourism visitors, so it is a priority for Brisbane hotels to cater to this market.”

In the 2011-12 financial year business events injected $266 million to Brisbane’s economy which is a 25 percent increase from the previous year.

In the 2011/2012 financial year the QHA hotels which collectively spent $AU88.9 million on upgrades and refurbishments were: 

• Traders Hotel (formerly Holiday Inn)
• Limes Hotel
• Emporium Hotel
• Hilton Brisbane
• Brisbane Marriott
• Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane
• Watermark Hotel
• Pullman Brisbane King George Square and Mercure Brisbane King George Square
• Rydges Southbank
• Sofitel Brisbane
• Royal on the Park
• Hotel Grand Chancellor

In 2013 the hotels which will spend in excess of $AU28 million are:

• Riverview Hotel
• Traders Hotel
• Pullman Brisbane King George Square and Mercure Brisbane King George Square
• Watermark Hotel
• Chifley at Lennons
• Royal on the Park
• Hotel Grand Chancellor

Source: eTravel Blackboard, 27 February 2013