AMEX GBT releases Hotel Monitor 2025
American Express Global Business Travel’s (Amex GBT) latest hotel report suggests hotel room rates will continue to rise in 2025, but less steeply than the last few years.
Some moderation in price increases is being driven by the construction of new hotels and lower demand from leisure travellers.
Exceptions to the expected easing of large price hikes include New York city, cities in Nordic countries and in India. In India in particular prices in many cities are expected to soar by eight or nine per cent.
More locally, prices in Australia and New Zealand are also expected to rise despite new hotel openings, due to a high volume of sports and cultural events.
Perth is expected to see the greatest rise in prices at 5.5 per cent, followed by Sydney at 4.3 per cent and Auckland at four per cent.
“Stabilisation in the travel marketplace is good news for customers, but prices remain high, and challenges persist for companies managing a cost-effective corporate hotel program,” said vice president of consulting at Amex GBT, Dan Beauchamp.
Tasmanian Government tourism and hospitality package offers $5 million for events
With new Spirit of Tasmania vessels not entering service in Tasmania until 2026 or 2027, because an appropriate berth has not been built, the Tasmanian Government has released a significant tourism and hospitality package to support these sectors of the state’s economy.
Of relevance to the business events industry, $5 million in the package has been set aside to attract events to Tasmania – both major and business events.
“Events like Bicheno Beams and Permission to Trespass have proven hugely successful in drawing visitors to our regions, providing a huge boost to the local tourism and hospitality industries,” said Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who is also the minister for tourism.
“We want to see more events like these in all corners of our state and this fund will encourage visitation and support our local communities.”
The state government will also pour another half a million dollars into its aviation attraction fund.
Victorian hot springs attraction announces opening date for onsite accommodation
Alba Thermal Hot Springs and Spa on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has released details of the majority villa style accommodation it will open next year.
Alongside its 31 thermal pools, Alba Thermal Hot Springs is adding five villas and two studio rooms. Called The Sanctuary, the accommodation will open on June 1, 2025.
Some of the villas offer baths and all of the accommodation will offer Australian skin and hair care amenities from Aesop, hyper local alcoholic beverages in the mini bar as well as local snacks.
“An on-site accommodation offering has been part of the development plan for Alba Thermal Springs and Spa from the very beginning,” said Alba’s general manager, Craig Dodd.
“With the success of our bathing, spa, and dining experiences, we are thrilled to welcome guests overnight and for weekend stays, especially from interstate and overseas visitors who many wish to explore the region for a number of days.”
Approximately 90 minutes drive from Melbourne, Alba Thermal Hot Springs already caters for corporate groups of 10 to 200 and has three meeting spaces on the property.
Given the size of the new accommodation offering, it would suit small corporate retreats.
