Region. Accor's trading up significantly

Accor’s hotels across Western Sydney benefited throughout 2010 by increases in occupancy across the board as a result of the major events, concerts and sporting fixtures held in Western Sydney, according to spokesperson, Peter Hook Accor’s hotels in Sydney Olympic Park – Pullman, Novotel, Ibis and Formule 1 – experienced an “exceptional” year recording occupancies in the mid 70 per cent range, The Novotel represented an increase from 66 per cent average, for 2009, to 77 per cent in 2010. He said the percentage increase in meetings-related business across its properties in Western Sydney grew 19 per cent in 2010 compared to 2009, and double-digit growth was anticipated in 2011. “No major new supply (hotels) is expected in Western Sydney at least in the short-term, but there has been a continuation in the relocation of businesses to Western Sydney, so we anticipate growth in both occupancy and rate during 2011. Overall, the market is very buoyant and healthy.” he said.