Accor is reporting strong demand in hotel occupancy across its Melbourne CBD portfolio during the 2014 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix with trackside hotel Pullman Melbourne Albert Park already at 96% occupancy on the eve of the race.
“We are expecting significant occupancies across our nine Melbourne CBD hotels during the event,” said Adrian Williams, Accor’s Vice President Operations for Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
“We have noticed increased demand for the Saturday night before the main race which is currently holding at 85% occupancy and well ahead of last year’s figures.”
“With only two weeks to go and a handful of rooms left, the forecast is showing for our hotels to again be full during the four days of the race.
“The good news is that we are also seeing a significant rate growth indicating that Grand Prix is driving strong demand.”
The Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix is a major drawcard event on Victoria’s sporting calendar helping to draw major crowds both locally and internationally and drive strong demand in the tourism economy.
“Accor is one of the hundreds of companies that are reaping the benefits of an international event being staged here in Victoria,” said Andrew Westacott, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
“With many overseas and interstate visitors descending upon Melbourne to witness the spectacle of Formula One, hotels, restaurants and retailers are all experiencing high demand.”
New to the Accor portfolio this year is the recently refurbished Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, the flagship hotel for the 2014 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix.
Enjoying a prime location overlooking the track in Albert Park, the 169-room, new-look hotel will be the official base for a number of the major race teams and a hub for all the off-track action.
With a unique perspective that takes in the most corners of any view in Melbourne, the hotel’s lobby will play garage to F1-inspired vehicles for guests and passersby to enjoy.
A list of signature cocktails inspired by Formula 1 Legends such as the Torque and Talk dedicated to Mark Webber will be available in the hotel’s lobby bar.