IHG signs two new regional NSW hotels as tourism growth accelerates

Both hotel deals come as tourism numbers and population growth surge in the major regional towns on Australia’s eastern coast.

Destination NSW figures show 63.7 million domestic visitors spent $25.8 billion in regional NSW in the 12 months to March. A further 712,700 international visitors arrived in the same period, spending $1.4 billion.

“Regional growth is an important part of our strategy in Australia, particularly in markets benefiting from sustained investment in infrastructure, tourism and major development,” says Matt Tripolone, managing director, Australasia and Pacific, IHG Hotels and Resorts.

“Newcastle and the Central Coast are both significant visitor and economic centres, and we see strong long-term potential for high-quality internationally branded hotels in these locations.”

IHG targets regional growth as tourism surges

Newcastle’s shift from a resources-reliant economy has boosted its appeal to both visitors and those looking to move from other towns and states. The latest Knight Frank research found that while Newcastle’s coal export terminal is still globally significant and local mining and port logistics continue to underpin the local economy, a structural transition is underway.

Newcastle’s economic diversification has shifted toward the professional services, health and social assistance, education, tourism and advanced manufacturing sector, according to the Australian Regional View report.

“Newcastle is in the middle of an incredible evolution and this is another piece of the puzzle,” Newcastle mayor Gavin Morris says

“Investment in developments like this sets our city up for the future: more people living, working and visiting in the heart of Newcastle, more world-class experiences for our residents, and a stronger reason for visitors to choose us. This is what an evolving Newcastle looks like and it’s an exciting time to call this city home.”

Hotel Indigo Gosford, expected to open in mid-2030, will feature views across Brisbane Water, a cafe and bar, rooftop pool and wellness facilities. The hotel will form the second stage of Urban Property Group’s The Waterfront precinct, which includes two towers at 36 and 42 storeys, respectively,  233 apartments and 2000 square metres of retail space.

It’s part of a broader NSW government waterfront revitalisation project, which has invested $8.5 million in initial works. These include a shared pathway linking Polytec Stadium to the waterfront, a promenade with upgraded seating and lighting, and car park improvements.

“This announcement is fantastic news for the Central Coast. Hotel Indigo Gosford is a significant investment in our region and shows strong confidence in Gosford’s future as a place to live, work and visit,” Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna says.

“An internationally recognised accommodation of this calibre will help strengthen our visitor economy, support local jobs, create new opportunities for local businesses, and add to the growing range of attractions and accommodation options on our waterfront.

“It’s another important step to the ongoing revitalisation of our waterfront for both residents and visitors.”

Urban Property deepens hospitality partnership with IHG

The partnership between IHG and Urban Property Group began last year with a deal to build Crowne Plaza Parramatta.

“As Urban continues to evolve, hospitality is a natural extension of our residential, retail and commercial business, helping us create complete destinations and experiences,” says Patrick Elias, co-chief executive of Urban Property Group.

“Our partnership with IHG has grown quickly since signing Crowne Plaza Parramatta last year, and these two new hotels represent an exciting next step.