NEW MERCURE GLADSTONE HOTEL TO JOIN ACCOR’S QUEENSLAND HOTEL NETWORK IN 2012

Construction has commenced on the new Gladstone Mercure Hotel in Queensland, expected to welcome its first guests in September 2012.

The new hotel will be built onsite at the Yaralla Sports Club and provide 60 hotel rooms, and conference facilities, catering to the need for more corporate level accommodation options in the region.

The Mercure hotel will complement the extensive existing facilities at the Yaralla Sports Club and adjoin the club’s current front entrance. Vice President of Accor Australia Simon McGrath says the timing of the hotel is ideal to maximise on the region’s considerable growth forecasts.

“The Mercure is an exciting new addition to the Group’s growing network of Queensland hotels in regional locations,” said Mr McGrath.

“Gladstone is a thriving industrial hub, and it’s a perfect time for Accor to be partnering with the well established Yaralla Sports Club to leverage the significant development and economic opportunities that are driving the region’s growth.”

Yaralla Sports Club’s long term business plan has seen a growth in membership to more than 31,000, with the club employing 120 people within the Gladstone area. The significant multi-million Mercure hotel development comes off the back of a strong period of renovation and growth which has been ongoing for the popular sports club since 2001.

Yaralla’s Chief executive officer Will Schroeder said the Club was still very focused on maintaining some of Central Queensland’s finest sporting facilities, which supports 12 active sports Sub-Committees including lawn bowls, cricket, hockey and basketball.

“The addition of a Mercure hotel will increase and diversify the level of service offered to both the local community and visitors by providing much-needed additional luxury and business accommodation options,” he said.

“Hotel guests will have access to conference facilities, fitness services, and our wide variety of restaurants and entertainment.”

Accor currently operates 30 properties in Queensland ranging from the Formule 1, Ibis and Mercure brands through to the Grand Mercure, Novotel, and Sofitel brands, plus 29 Mercure hotels across Australia.  Visit accorhotels.com for more.

www.mercure.com.