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Summer events have pushed the Hamilton Airport Hotel and Conference Centre to its best trading month since May 2019.
The 62-room hotel, owned by Waikato Regional Airport Ltd, has seen a steady increase in bookings since it was purchased in 2019. It is managed by JetPark which successfully owns and operates properties in Rotorua and Auckland.
WRAL chief executive Mark Morgan said the hotel had enjoyed “a fantastic bounce” from events at Mystery Creek and Lake Karapiro over the past summer. Competitions like the Waka Ama sprint nationals, Maadi Cup rowing and karting championships have seen large, multi-day bookings.
Conference events are also growing, thanks to the hotel’s airport location and on-site facilities, including a self-service laundry set up for sports teams.
“There is a growing appreciation the hotel is not just a place for travellers to spend the night before or after flying in or out of Hamilton. It’s increasing being seen as a destination hotel close to key event facilities and that’s very good for us,” Mark says.
Growth in bookings was also reflected in the on-site licenced restaurant Propeller, with food, beverage and conference revenue up 14 per cent on last year.
“Propeller is now seeing a lot more walk-in business as well as bookings from hotel guests. The parking is easy, the food is good and there’s a great bar and outdoor terrace as well as a pool, gym, sauna and tennis court,” says Mark.
“Staff have worked incredibly hard to build a reputation and we’re increasingly getting very good feedback.”
Upon buying the property, WRAL embarked on a $4 million makeover, alongside the newly appointed operator, JetStar. Continued improvements since have seen the hotel’s Qualmark rating increased to 4-plus stars, one of only two 4-plus star rated hotels in Hamilton.
After two years in the job, hotel manager Nick Juett shares Mark’s optimism. He joined the hotel in April 2023 after managing 6-star resorts all over the globe.
“Our hotel is in a very good location and is now starting to attract independent and leisure travellers who enjoy a quiet location, bar and good food. Propeller offers great opportunities for friends and family, and it has been fantastic to see the growth in bookings and hear the feedback. Plus, we’re pet friendly and that’s a real plus for some people.”
Nick noted the hotel was in the best possible place to capitalise on international flights returning to Hamilton Airport in mid-June. From June 16 this year, Jetstar will offer four flights a week from Hamilton to Sydney and three flights a week to the Gold Coast.
“We know those flights will attract a lot of people from the Bay of Plenty and central North Island who will want to fly from Hamilton rather than deal with the Auckland traffic.
“We’re hoping they’ll stay at least one night with us before walking across to the terminal to check-in and board. It couldn’t be easier and we’re looking forward to welcoming them, as well as welcoming guests from across the Tasman.”
