Mantra at Sharks hotel to push into sporting and entertainment visitor markets after successful first year in operation

The Mantra at Sharks hotel at Southport is hoping to kick some goals with an AFL supporters package as it seeks to grow its share of the sporting and entertainment visitor markets.

THE Mantra at Sharks hotel at Southport is hoping to kick some goals with an AFL supporters package as it seeks to grow its share of the sporting and entertainment visitor markets.

The $25 million 120-room hotel, located next to the Southport Sharks Football Club, recently celebrated its first birthday after accommodating 23,500 guests in its first 12 months.

The seven-storey hotel has a rooftop bar and access to Southport Sharks club facilities, including catering services as well as events and fitness centres.

General manager Gabby Daniels said it recorded an average of 60 per cent occupancy for the period.

The Aviary Rooftop Bar at Mantra at Sharks.

“For a new property that is quite high,” she said.

“We had more than 60 days where we reached in excess of 90 per cent occupancy, which is strong for a new product.”

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN FOR JUST $5 A MONTH FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS

Ms Daniels said the proximity of the hotel to Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University and Harbourtown Shopping Centre are all drawcards for guests.

“We get people visiting friends and relatives staying at the hospital. Over Christmas we got a lot of people come to visit their kids that are boarding or studying at Griffith” she said.

The reception at Mantra at Sharks, Southport

She said midweek the hotel is popular with corporate travellers, including lecturers visiting Griffith University, while the weekends tend to draw in the inbound tourist market.

She said the hotel is the closest accommodation of its type to the themeparks.

Ms Daniels said currently sporting and entertainment-related visitors make up 8 per cent of guests — a share it is looking to grow.

“That is a focus for us. Particularly the Gold Coast Suns. We are out in the market with our first AFL supporters package. So that is two nights’ accommodation with transfers to the games.”

A studio queen room at Mantra at Sharks, Southport.

The hotel does not attract top-tier football teams, such as the Gold Coast Suns, who prefer to stay in five-star accommodation, but it is looking to cater for that market segment.

“We get a lot of football clubs but they are second tier,” she said.

“We are working with the top teams to see what we could do to win that business moving forward.”

Ms Daniels said the Chinese tourist market is another area where she sees potential.

She said proximity to Harbourtown Shopping Centre and Southport Sharks with its gaming facilities, are all factors in the hotel’s favour.

Mantra Group sold lost year to France-based AccorHotels in a $1.2 billion deal.