The Sebel Cairns, the North Queensland city’s largest 5-star hotel, has rebranded this week (Oct 17) to Pullman Cairns International as part of Accor’s rapid expansion of the Pullman brand in Australia following the acquisition of the Mirvac hotel portfolio.
The move to Pullman will result in the city being home to two Pullman hotels, Pullman Cairns International and Pullman Reef Hotel Casino.
Alongside the rebranding, the property recently won two Tourism Tropical North Queensland Awards, one for Business Tourism and the other for Young Achievers.
Pullman Cairns International General Manager, Craig Syphers, said winning TTNQ’s Business Tourism award for maximising the tourism experience for meetings and business travellers was a coup for the hotel, particularly as it is about to take on the Pullman name.
“The timing of the win for Business Tourism could not have been more perfect, as the hotel which is renowned for its conference facilities is set to take on the Pullman name which is widely regarded as an international, premium business hotel brand,” he said.
“Now having two Pullmans in Cairns I believe it will have positive flow-on effects to business and tourism in the area, and I look forward to seeing the corporate, leisure and conference market which Pullman Cairns International already dominates in, grow as a result of our international branding.”
The second TTNQ Award went to Assistant Manager Matthew Brown who was awarded the Intrust Super Young Achiever Award for his contribution to the development of a vibrant and professional tourism industry. Brown commenced work in the hospitality industry in 2008 before arriving at The Sebel Cairns in 2010. In less than two years, Matthew worked his way up from a Porter to his current role as Assistant Manager and is an integral member of the team.
Syphers said Brown’s dedication in providing the utmost care and hospitality to guests at the hotel was to be highly commended and guests and staff are thrilled he has been recognised for his efforts.