Blacktown: Marriott hotel chain reveals new western Sydney site
Major international hotel chain Marriott has declared its plans to expand beyond the Sydney CBD for the first time, with a Four Points by Sheraton to open in Blacktown. SEE THE PLANS AND FIND OUT WHEN IT WILL OPEN
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Forget the stereotypes, Blacktown is cementing its place as a booming tourism destination of the future.
No longer held back by unfavourable cliches, the largest township in the state is becoming an increasingly popular hotspot for travellers looking to soak up the best the region has to offer.
The opening of new attractions such as Sydney Zoo and the Sydney Coliseum Theatre last year have helped put the region on the map.
The area has caught the eye of developers in recent years, looking to expand their hotel options in the region.
This month, major international hotel chain Marriott announced its plans to expand beyond the Sydney CBD for the first time, with a Four Points by Sheraton to open in Blacktown by 2024.
“With these signings in Auburn and Blacktown, we are doing just that, and strategically expanding our footprint into growth corridors outside Australia’s metropolitan areas,” Marriott International’s Richard Crawford said.
“Auburn and Blacktown are rapidly growing communities, with a range of demand drivers for visitor accommodation.”
The hotel is for 17-21 First Ave and will feature more than 200 guest rooms, all-day dining, a cafe, conference and function space.
The announcement comes during a surge in interest from hotel developers, with GLD Group revealing a $174 million plan for the Blacktown CBD’s first four star hotel last year.
With Aussies likely to be holidaying at home for the foreseeable future, local holidays or staycations are expected to boom.
Blacktown state Labor MP Stephen Bali said the region was already an “epicentre for tourism”, with new developments serving to add to the area’s profile.
“Tourism is already a big aspect across the Blacktown area. We’re centrally located. We’re not too far from the Blue Mountains and it’s convenient to get back into the city,” Mr Bali said.
“Developers are watching the growth of Blacktown and putting investment into the area.
“The private sector gets it. Once people get through the cliches of western Sydney and Blacktown and see what we have to offer here, it’s wonderful.”
Mr Bali said the Marriott International’s latest announcement was a much welcomed boost to Blacktown’s $18 billion economy.
“The Sheraton is a high quality hotel. They don’t really venture out from the Sydney CBD too often, so for them to come out here, that’s a massive vote of confidence from the private sector in the local economy of Blacktown,” he said.
“Having that brand name here will attract the higher-value tourist with more disposable income.”