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Accor has opened its first property in Tauranga, marking the city’s first internationally branded hotel and a milestone for the region’s accommodation sector.
The new Mercure Tauranga has opened in the city centre following the rebrand of the former Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre, with the 80-room property currently in the final stages of a multi-million-dollar refurbishment.
Regional growth focus
Accor says the opening reflects its strategy to expand in high-growth regional markets, with Tauranga identified as a key location.
Accor Pacific chief operating officer Adrian Williams says the move signals confidence in the region.
“Tauranga has been a focus for us for some time. Tourism earnings rose by 5 per cent last summer, underscoring the Bay of Plenty’s strong fundamentals and increasingly important role in New Zealand’s tourism and business landscape.
“As the first internationally branded hotel in the city, Mercure Tauranga represents a significant milestone for the local industry.”
Boost to accommodation supply
Accor says the addition is expected to strengthen accommodation supply and support visitor growth as the Bay of Plenty rebuilds momentum following recent weather events.
The hotel is positioned to cater to a mix of segments, including corporate travellers, conferences and events, sports groups and leisure visitors.
Further upgrades are planned, including enhancements to conference facilities and recreational amenities.
Partnership and portfolio growth
The opening also strengthens Accor’s partnership with Prime Hotels, bringing its New Zealand properties under Accor management to three.
Prime Hotels executive director Antoinette Muollo-Aharoni says the group sees strong potential in the region.
“This transformation will position the hotel strongly for the future, supported by the strength of Accor’s brands, global distribution network and loyalty platform.”
Accor says the addition brings its New Zealand portfolio to 49 hotels, spanning major gateway cities and regional destinations.
