“Aussie-ness” gives Mantra competitive edge over Intl brands: East
Peppers throws a shrimp on the barbie for high profile political and tourism guests; announces “game-enhancer” move to go from managing properties to owning hotels.
As the second largest accommodation provider in Australia and the only pure-play hotel group listed on the ASX, Mantra Group kicked off its annual conference at Peppers Salt Resort in Kingscliff yesterday with a number of “high calibre” speakers to discuss the country’s tourism outlook.
Gold-Coast based Mantra Group ceo Bob East told conference goers the company was going to start “buying hotels” if the opportunity arises with the “right asset in key leisure or CBD locations” in Australia and possibly New Zealand, the Herald reports.
“This is an important future step for our business,’’ he told the paper, adding that Mantra would take a focussed approach and was “not going to rush out and buy 15 hotels”.
“If the right product comes up, it is something we’d consider,’’ he said. “We’ll also consider part-equity participation.’’
He said Queensland hotels were on the radar but Mantra was “really hot” on Sydney and Melbourne, and according to East, Mantra already spends $80 million a year on acquisitions and the move to own hotels was “not a game-changer but a game-enhancer”, the paper reports.
Boasting a “healthy” pipeline of new properties in well-positioned locations and key leisure destinations, East said the company was in an “unprecedented position” to also capitalise on Asian inbound growth and the domestic tourism outlook.
“Our brands fit well with this market – Peppers alignment with food and wine experiences is key for the FITs and Mantra’s central city locations offer the right price point and facilities,” East said.
East added that as an Australian based operator it was able to leverage a more “unique experience” to offer to visitors compared to international counterparts.
“Our staff are engaged and committed to offering the best Australian hospitality experience – friendly and efficient but with a relaxed style that Australians are known for. This approach is a natural and intrinsic part of the way we relate to our guests which sets us apart from our competitors,” East said.
“Mantra Group is one of the most dynamic hotel operators in the Asia Pacific and it is a reflection of the business’ success that we can share our knowledge with political and industry thought leaders.”
Meanwhile speaking on tourism trends, keynote speaker, Former Prime Minister, Paul Keating said Australia was geographically in the right “zone” to capitalise on growth from the growing middle class markets of both China and Indonesia, but needed continual investment to maintain a high level of standards expected from the lucrative Asian traveller.
“For the next five to seven years Chinese wages will rise and air travel will remain relatively cheap – Australia is in the right geographical zone to capitalise on this,” Keating told conference attendees.
“As an industry the exchange rate will only go so far – the big challenge for the industry is maintaining a standard that caters to increasing wealth of the Chinese traveller or they will move on to other things. There will be a need for more investment.”
Meanwhile, fellow speaker, Tourism Australia’s relatively newly appointed chief marketing officer, Lisa Ronson confirmed Chinese visitors to Australia last year spent a whopping A$5.7 billion in the country.
“Asia is now our fastest growing inbound region, with visitors up around 11% last year. For the most part these visitors are smart, independent-minded travellers, possessing both the appetite and the financial means to enjoy international travel and quality tourism experiences,” Ronson said.
Former TTF boss Christopher Brown and Tripadvisor’s Julien Coste also spoke at the conference, and day two kicks off today with Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty, joined by Gold Medal Olympian Alisa Camplin and journalist Ellen Fanning for an in depth women’s panel discussion.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Applause to Mantra, I use them often and their properties are consistently of a high standard and they are Aussie!!