AccorHotels opens integrated Novotel and Ibis Melbourne Central hotel amid tourism boom

MELBOURNE’S first integrated brand hotel opens in the CBD as international tourism is tipped to significantly increase over the next decade.

Novotel and Ibis Melbourne Central hotel is open for business.

Hotel demand is set to skyrocket in Melbourne with international visits to Australia tipped to increase by 75 per cent by 2030.

International visitors spent $7.5 billion in the year ending June 2018, an increase of 7.7 per cent from the previous year, according to Tourism Research Australia.

There was a 2.9 per cent increase in international overnight visitation.

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Novotel and Ibis Melbourne Central hotel in Lt Lonsdale St has opened.

Domestic tourism is also on the rise, having gone up by 14 per cent, with 27.1 million hotel room bookings in 2017 and 2018.

The demand for rooms has led hospitality company AccorHotels to open Melbourne’s first dual branded hotel featuring Novotel and Ibis in Lt Lonsdale St.

AccorHotels Pacific chief operating officer Simon McGrath said the 483-room Novotel Melbourne Central and Ibis Melbourne Central would be a drawcard for tourists sampling bustling city life.

“Every time you build an investment such as this it attracts a new clientele,” he said.

A room inside Melbourne’s newest hotel.

“Consumers would see new hotels and link that to a vibrant city.”

“I think Melbourne is the city of such interesting outcomes, particularly in terms of tourism and hospitality.”

Mr McGrath said the hotel’s facilities and technology give it an edge over the competition.

“It’s close to all of Melbourne’s famous laneways which again puts its location as a priority and one of great strength,” he said.

“This hotel is an important mix of two of the most iconic brands coming together to work harmoniously and deliver a great outcome.”

A room inside Melbourne’s newest hotel.

“You can build a property like this, very few can bring it to life.”

Also attending the opening ceremony was Cr Kevin Louey, chair of the Prosperous City Portfolio for the City of Melbourne.

Construction on the hotel started in September 2016, generating more than 1000 jobs and $94 million on economic activity.

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