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A joint venture was signed between hotel group Accor, Tainui Group Holdings and Auckland International Airport (AIAL), to develop and operate a world-class (4-star plus) 260 room Novotel hotel at Auckland Airport, to be completed in time for Rugby World Cup 2011.
Tainui will act as lead developer and investor with a majority interest in the joint venture and AIAL will hold a minority interest. The hotel will be developed on a long term ground lease granted by AIAL and will be managed by Accor under its renowned Novotel brand. The total forecast completed cost is NZ $65million including hotel construction estimated at approximately $45million. The deal remains conditional on project finance and construction tender.
Novotel Auckland Airport will be designed by Warren & Mahoney Architects, and the final design will infuse subtle references to NZ culture and heritage, offering style and convenience, along with extensive conference and function facilities, a restaurant and bar, and leisure facilities. The hotel will be located within a short walking distance of both the international and domestic terminals.
The Novotel will be a highly strategic addition to Accor’s New Zealand network, which already comprises 27 hotels, including five in Auckland. The project will continue Accor’s partnership with Tainui, who previously developed the Novotel and Ibis hotels on Hamilton.
Accor is also a world-leader in operating airport hotels. The group operates hotels at a large number of key airports including London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports, Paris’ Charles de Gaulle, Berlin’s Tegel, and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi. In Australia, Accor has airport hotels in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and the new Novotel Brisbane Airport, which is scheduled to open
Commenting on the announcement of the hotel, Accor New Zealand Vice President Paul Richardson said, “This will be a very significant hotel for New Zealand’s business and tourism infrastructure. Novotel has been selected as the ideal hotel for the Airport because it can cater for such a wide variety of markets and is renowned world-wide for providing upscale accommodation at value for money rates. With our considerable experience in New Zealand and our expertise in operating airport hotels we are confident of making the Novotel an outstanding gateway offering truly international accommodation, conference and food and beverage facilities.”
Tainui Group Holdings CEO Mike Pohio said, “This deal represents a significant development opportunity for Tainui that we believe will complement our existing successful hotel investments. The Airport hotel will also generate considerable long-term economic growth and provide many new jobs for the Auckland region. The hotel will assist Auckland and New Zealand tourism and trade. It will cater for the inevitable economic recovery and growth when it returns.”
Auckland Airport general manager property Peter Alexander said, “There has been a clear demand from the tourism industry and travellers for a hotel in the airport terminal precinct for some time. We are exceptionally pleased to bring together such a strong group of partners, each bringing a strong track-record, skills and experience. The outcome will be a great hotel and will deliver yet another string to the bow of Auckland Airport, one of the 10 best airports in the world.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
