The lights may have gone out on Vivid Sydney for another year, but AccorHotels are still revelling in the festival’s success, reporting an impressive 34% increase in rooms sold, compared to last year’s event.
Vivid Sydney is the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas. It is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the State Government’s tourism and major events agency.
AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer – Pacific, Simon McGrath, praised the organisers of Vivid Sydney for the decision to extend the program by five nights this year, which he attributes to the significant increase in rooms nights sold.
“What an exciting time it has been in Sydney the past few weeks, for locals and visitors alike during Vivid Sydney 2016,” he said.
“We congratulate Destination NSW and the NSW State Government on the decision to extend the program by five nights this year and continue to expand the festival outside of Sydney’s CBD.
“Vivid Sydney is now spanning well beyond our CBD hotels, driving business into areas like Chatswood and Western Sydney’s Parramatta, and we are pleased to report a healthy 34% increase in rooms sold, compared to last year’s event.
“The extended programme has been instrumental in driving business to Sydney and has contributed to the significant growth we are reporting, during a traditionally quieter period,” McGrath said.
Situated amongst the Vivid Sydney action, Harbour Rocks Hotel MGallery by Sofitel’s General Manager Dylan Cole said: “The majority of guests were repeat Vivid Sydney guests, wanting to experience the excitement of the festival again this year, and our food and beverage sales are up 24% month-to-date versus the same period last year which is outstanding.”
Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, offered guests unrivalled views of the world’s first Laser-Dragon Water-Theatre as part of Vivid Sydney, and reported an increase in rooms nights sold, and strong food and beverage sales.
General Manager of Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, Richard Holt said: “The Ternary Restaurant saw a 32% increase in sales compared to the same period last year.
“The atmosphere in the restaurant has been electric, with guests enjoying our handy Vivid Sydney map and the glow fun packs proved very popular with the kids this year, as was the return of our Vivid Sydney-inspired cocktail 100’s and 1,000’s, for the adults.”
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour General Manager, Cleo Seaman said: “Our guests absolutely loved seeing the light installations expand through The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney with the Cathedral of Light, and our food and beverages sales at Q Dining are up 12%.”
Quay West Sydney General Manager, David McDonald said: “We have seen a significant uplift in direct business and the sale of our Vivid Sydney dining packages. Guests who dined at our restaurant, Harrington’s Restaurant, during Vivid Sydney were granted access to our level 24 viewing deck, enjoying uninterrupted views of Vivid Sydney.”
McGrath concluded: “AccorHotels remains a proud accommodation partner of Vivid Sydney and Destination NSW, and is committed to driving visitation to Sydney and greater Sydney in support of the NSW Visitor Economy.”