Should hoteliers become AI experts?
Australian hotels lag in AI readiness despite growing demand, but can succeed by partnering with tech experts rather than building in-house expertise.
By Tom Varsavsky, Chief Technology Officer, SiteMinder
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How hoteliers can capitalise on the potential of AI
The article focuses on predictive analytics and machine learning applications for demand forecasting and competitor analysis, with Australian hotels reporting 15% booking increases for July-August.
By Mike Rogers, Chief Data Officer, SiteMinder
Canary Technologies Selected by Crown Resorts to Provide AI-Powered Guest Management System
Crown Resorts will deploy mobile check-in, AI messaging, and digital upselling tools across properties to modernize guest touchpoints without requiring app downloads.
Doors Open: Hannah St Unveils Melbourne’s Newest Luxury Destination Hotel
Melbourne has a soft spot for underground openings, so it's fitting that Hannah St Hotel slipped quietly into the Southbank scene late last year, offering a fresh and bold approach to boutique hospitality. Designed by the acclaimed Flack Studio, the $150 million hotel is a celebration of art, architecture, and cultural connection, offering guests the type of immersive experience that could only belong in Melbourne.
lyf Expands Its Australian Footprint with New lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne, Opening December 2025
lyf, the experience-led social living brand known for its vibrant social design and community-driven stays, has opened its latest Australian property, lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne. Operated by The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a global pioneer in serviced residences and hotels since 1984, this new opening follows the success of lyf Collingwood Melbourne which opened in 2022, and the stellar performance of lyf Bondi Junction Sydney which opened in April this year, meeting rising demand for flexible accommodation for digital nomads and the like.
The Ashes Tour pushed Perth occupancy to 96%, Adelaide rooms nearly fully booked
CoStar data shows Perth hotels hit record ADR and RevPAR levels during cricket matches, with Adelaide bookings at 96.1% ahead of the third Test.
Elysium Noosa Resort, MGallery Collection to Debut in February 2026
Perfectly positioned on vibrant Hastings Street, just moments from Noosa National Park and the golden shores of Laguna Bay, Elysium Noosa Resort, MGallery Collection will unveil 175 rooms, including 104 suites and 8 villas. At its pinnacle, the signature Elysium Suite with its private pool offers a haven of quiet luxury where time seems to slow.
Paradise Resort achieve 12% more direct bookings & 82% WhatsApp engagement with HiJiffy's AI messaging
Paradise Resort implemented HiJiffy's AI platform achieving 531 bookings worth AUD $750K through automation, with 82% guest engagement on WhatsApp messaging.
November events boosted Melbourne hotel performance, December looks promising
Melbourne hotels achieved record November RevPAR of AUD201.05 (+8.6%), driven by Melbourne Cup Carnival and Oasis concerts.
Choice Hotels joins Schwartz Family Company and Trilogy Hotels to deliver Comfort Resort Leura Garden
Effective 2 February 2026, Leura Gardens Resort, will be rebranded as Comfort Resort Leura Gardens under a franchise agreement between hotel owner Schwartz Family Company and Choice Hotels Asia-Pac. Trilogy Hotels will continue to operate the resort. The strategic collaboration marks the first time Trilogy Hotels has partnered with Choice Hotels.
Is hotel compression back in Australia?
Australia leads Asia Pacific with 84% of submarkets showing RevPAR growth, driven by occupancy increases rather than rate hikes, while compression patterns shift from midweek corporate to weekend leisure demand.
Trilogy Hotels Expands into Melbourne with Operations of Ink Hotel Melbourne Southbank, to Become ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank
Trilogy Hotels announced it assumed management of the Ink Hotel Melbourne Southbank on 1 December 2025, rebranding the 162-room property as ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank under a franchise agreement with Accor. This marks Trilogy Hotels' first venture into the Melbourne market, amidst its rapid expansion across Australia. The hotel is owned by Nadathur Group (a Singapore privately owned company).
Accor marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities with milestone progress in inclusive employment
Accor has hired 35 people with cognitive disabilities across Australia through its Diversity Pathways program, partnering with Flinders University.
Angelo Di Marco has been appointed as General Manager at Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands
TFE is pleased to announce the appointment of Angelo Di Marco to the role of Hotel General Manager at Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands.
Michael Gibson has been appointed as General Manager at Quincy Hotel Melbourne
Quincy Hotel Melbourne is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Gibson as its new General Manager, bringing more than two decades of hospitality leadership and a proven track record of operational excellence across globally recognised hotel brands.
Grant Fleet has been appointed as General Manager at Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
Marking an exciting new chapter for one of Melbourne's most iconic heritage hotels, Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne welcomes Grant Fleet into the Hotel General Manager role.
Sergio Morales has been appointed as Experience Director at Hannah St Hotel
Melbourne's newest hotel, Hannah St Hotel, has announced a senior executive appointment ahead of its opening later this month in the city's vibrant art's precinct. The hotel is designed to reflect Melbourne's bold, creative energy - combining boutique luxury with contemporary, livable spaces for both leisure and corporate travellers.
Bernard Glaude has been appointed as Food & Beverage Manager at Hannah St Hotel
Melbourne's newest hotel, Hannah St Hotel, has announced a senior executive appointment ahead of its opening later this month in the city's vibrant art's precinct: Bernard Glaude as Food & Beverage Manager.
Lindsay Guy has been appointed as Executive Assistant Manager at Hannah St Hotel
Melbourne's newest hotel, Hannah St Hotel, has announced a senior executive appointment ahead of its opening later this month in the city's vibrant art's precinct. The hotel is designed to reflect Melbourne's bold, creative energy - combining boutique luxury with contemporary, livable spaces for both leisure and corporate travellers.
IHG redefines Central Coast stays as voco Gosford opens
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and ALAND today celebrated the official opening of voco Gosford, a new upscale lifestyle hotel at the heart of The Archibald precinct on the NSW Central Coast - officially opened by Premier Chris Minns.