Accor’s Push into New Zealand’s Hospitality Sector Poised to Draw Record Tourist Arrivals from the US, UK, and Australia

Accor’s push into New Zealand’s hospitality sector is set to bring a surge in international tourism, particularly from the US, UK, and Australia. With the recent openings of TRIBE Auckland Fort Street and JO&JOE Auckland, Accor now operates 49 hotels across New Zealand, adding over 6,200 rooms to meet the growing demand. This expansion is expected to boost New Zealand’s tourism sector, which has seen a resurgence following the global pandemic.

Accor’s innovative lifestyle brands like TRIBE and JO&JOE cater to modern travelers seeking unique, socially-driven experiences. These properties are strategically located in Auckland to appeal to both leisure and business travelers. The increasing number of international visitors is supported by enhanced flight connectivity, with airlines such as Qantas and Air New Zealand boosting flight frequencies to accommodate the growing demand.

The surge in visitors from key markets like Australia, the US, and the UK is expected to continue, driven by New Zealand’s natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural offerings. Sustainable tourism is also a focus, with Accor and the New Zealand government promoting eco-friendly travel practices. As international arrivals rise, New Zealand’s tourism industry is poised for continued success, offering exciting opportunities for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment.

Accor’s Expansion into the New Zealand Hospitality Sector Set to Attract Record Numbers of Tourists from the US, UK, and Australia

It’s no wonder the dazzling scenery and the friendly people of New Zealand makes it one of the most visited places in the world. New Zealand spans from the South Island’s towering peaks and beautiful lakes to the metropolitan life of Auckland, providing a wide variety of options for its visitors. Nonetheless, for the first time in a long time, the most important change in the country’s hospitality sector is focused on attracting tourists from the most important markets in the world including the USA, the UK, and Australia. Changes in New Zealand’s hospitality sector, the impacts on tourism, and the growth in airline industry as a result of this new tourism demand are the focus of this article.

Accor’s Expanding Footprint in New Zealand

Accor is New Zealand’s largest hotel operator and is currently expanding their footprint across new hotels and new brands. As of October 2025, Accor has 49 hotels, more than 6,200 rooms, and caters to international and domestic travelers. Tribe Auckland Fort Street opened in October and Jo&Joe Auckland opened in early November, and these new brands have expanded Accor’s offerings in response to changing customer needs.

The new hotels are intended to cater to a younger and more design-oriented audience and provide unique experiences to guests. For example, Tribe is a hotel brand focused on modern design and vibrant spaces where guests can work, play, and relax. Additionally, Jo&Joe is an Ennismore brand that modernizes the traditional hostel with a mix of private rooms and shared spaces, ideal for international travelers who want a socially connected quality accommodation.

Accor is also planning to open the Pullman Hamilton in 2026. This upscale hotel will offer Waikato even more premium options. This will also help to accommodate the needs of the visitors for the Waikato tourism region to mature.

The Impact of Accor’s Expansion to New Zealand’s Tourism Sector

The New Zealand tourism sector has been recovering since the pandemic restrictions have been lifted. New Zealand has been receiving more tourists overall, especially international visitors. New Zealand’s major cities—Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown—are especially receiving more travelers, and Accor’s expansion will help further this growth, particularly for travelers coming from the US, UK, and Australia.

New airline routes also promote this growth. Australia has been New Zealand’s top source market for international visitors for many years now, and as Qantas and Air New Zealand have been expanding their flights from Australia, the need for hotel accommodation will increase. New Zealand is also experiencing an increase in international visitors, especially Australians. This will allow the hotel sector to grow.

Tourism Insights: The Influence of International Travelers

US Tourists: A Major Contributor to New Zealand’s Growth

For years, New Zealand has captured the attention of American tourists, who are charmed by the country’s natural beauty, adventure tourism, and friendly people. The New Zealand Tourism Board points out the the US is one of the top three international markets for New Zealand, alongside Australia and the UK. With the addition of new flight routes, especially direct flights from the US to Auckland, New Zealand is expecting an increase in the number of American visitors.

For American tourists, the variety of options in New Zealand is pleasing, from the wildlife tours in Rotorua to the wine tours in Marlborough. The Qantas flight from Los Angeles to Auckland has become one of the most popular routes, and the New Zealand’s expanded direct services are expected to increase tourists from the US even more in 2026. With many American tourists booking extended stays, New Zealand has become a popular destination for workations. New Accor hotels in strategic locations, such as Auckland and Queenstown, are able to meet the needs of these guests.

Travelers from the UK: Rediscovering New Zealand

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in New Zealand tourism from the UK, largely due to New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity. The UK has hosted a considerable number of tourists over major events like the British & Irish Lions Rugby Tour in 2025, which led to a considerable increase in New Zealand hotel occupancy.

Tourism specialists anticipate a the increase tourism from the UK, particularly with enhanced air travel connections, like the direct flights from London to Auckland. The UK and New Zealand tourism link and tourism New Zealand tourism is enhanced with the festivals, outdoor activities, and wine tourism. Very notable is the UK tourism inflow from millennials and Gen Z, which has been growing particularly with the hotel openings from Accor’s lifestyle brands like Tribe and Jo&Joe. These travelers seek unique and Instagram-worthy features in affordable lodgings.

Australian Visitors: Continuing Their Strong Presence in New Zealand

Australia remains New Zealand’s largest international visitor source market. Australian visitor arrivals grew by 13% in 2025 due to strong interest in Queenstown for winter holidays. Due to quick, low-cost flights and easy visa prescreening, New Zealand is a convenient getaway for Australians.

Air New Zealand and Qantas have continued to increase their offerings of direct flights to New Zealand from major Australian cities. New Zealand’s Accor hotels in Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown have started to accommodate the increased Australian visitor volumes. Accor is New Zealand’s motivating development partner for repositioning the Australasian market to New Zealand, as evidenced by the expansion of Accor’s New Zealand network with additional modern hotels and a luxury segment.

Airlines Responding to Tourism Surge

Airlines are expanding their services as New Zealand’s hospitality industry is developing. Qantas has once again started some of the direct flights from the Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to New Zealand. These flights are being operated with bigger planes to accommodate the increase in tourists, particularly those visiting New Zealand during major events, like the opening of the 2026 New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland, during the peak of the tourist season.

Air New Zealand has broadened its range in response to the rise in both international and domestic travel. One of its direct flights from Los Angeles to Auckland has been the most highly sought after, and this airline continues to strengthen its services with major countries like the US, UK, and Australia. Recently, Air New Zealand added another direct route from Hobart to Auckland, which supports New Zealand’s regional access.

Travel Information for New Zealand
Planning a trip to New Zealand from the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia, it is imperative to take a few travel tips into consideration. New Zealand is a wonderful destination for visitors of all ages.

1. Booking Flights
Due to an ever-growing number of tourists, New Zealand is one of the top desired locations to travel to, making safe flight and accommodation bookings well ahead of time mandatory, especially for warmer months, which are New Zealand’s peaks of tourist activity. For the best prices, travel bookings should be undertaken months ahead of time.

2. Prepare for the Great Outdoors

Hiking, bungee jumping, and skiing are only a few of the outdoor activities New Zealand is famous for. Be sure to take the appropriate attire for the outdoor activities you will be participating in. For hiking, a good quality rain jacket, sturdy hiking boots, and sunscreen are mandatory, even in New Zealand’s summer months.

3. Enjoy the Great Food
Kiwi cuisine is a mixture of internationally inspired food with local seafood and produce, and it is a must to try New Zealand lamb, green-lipped mussels, and local wine from Marlborough or Central Otago wine regions.

4. Getting Around New Zealand. Public transport is sufficient for getting around New Zealand’s major cities like Auckland and Wellington, but if you plan on getting into the countryside, you might consider renting a car. If you rent a car, be mindful that driving is on the left side of the road in New Zealand.
5. Keep New Zealand Clean: New Zealand is focused on sustainable tourism and expects its visitors to do the same. When you are in the backcountry or at a natural site, be sure to follow the local guidelines and packs in, pack out.

International Flight Information

New Zealand’s primary airports: Auckland International, Wellington, and Queenstown service international flights and are easily accessible from the US, UK, and Australia.

• From the US: You can fly directly from Los Angeles to Auckland on Qantas and Air New Zealand. The flight is around 12 hours.
• From the UK: Air New Zealand flies directly from London Heathrow to Auckland in about 24 hours, but will usually have one stop in Hong Kong or Dubai.
• From Australia: Qantas and Air New Zealand service Australia New Zealand’s major cities from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The duration of these flights is approximately 3-4 hours.

Accor’s push into New Zealand’s hospitality sector is set to draw record tourist arrivals from key markets such as the US, UK, and Australia. With new hotel openings and expanded airline connectivity, the country is poised for a tourism resurgence.

New Zealand’s Tourism Outlook

Accor’s impact on New Zealand’s hospitality industry is helping grow New Zealand’s tourism, particularly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. With hotel brand expansions from Tribe and Jo&Joe and consistent demand from Qantas and Air New Zealand, New Zealand is becoming a stronger tourism contender. New Zealand is an ideal destination for travelers seeking striking landscapes, outdoor recreational activities, or lively cities, embodying a truly all-inclusive travel experience.

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Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide: A New Chapter for the Iconic Mayfair Hotel in 2026

IHG Hotels and Resorts, along with Ark Capital, has recently announced a venture which will elevate luxury hospitality in Adelaide with the Mayfair Hotel undergoing a monumental refurbishment and rebranding as the Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide in late 2026. Kimpton has always focused in providing sincere services which includes sophisticated designs alongside fully immersed guest experiences, so this will be a positive new development for the brand.

The Mayfair Hotel has always captivated the public since its initial unveiling due to the grandeur of its façade combined with the skillful construction of the rooftop bar and for the intricate designs of the architecture as a whole. 170 rooms which the hotel has offered since 2015 along with its convenience location makes the Mayfair Hotel one of the more accessible and favorable. The hotel currently operates under the same name and is ran by IHG who is set to continue its operations well into mid December. The end of the refurbishment cycle along with the current name will preserve the Kimpton brand alongside broadening the horizons of this monumental location.

A Heritage Gem Meets Modern Luxury

The Mayfair Hotel is a prime example of Adelaide’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modern developments. Its location, near the heart of Adelaide’s cultural precinct, makes it a popular choice for travelers who want to experience the city’s rich history, thriving arts scene, and dynamic culinary landscape.

Under the upcoming rebranding, Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide will retain the timeless elements that have made the Mayfair Hotel a standout property, such as its elegant architectural features and historic charm. However, the refurbishment will infuse the property with the unique style and energy associated with the Kimpton brand, including enhanced interiors, locally inspired design, and an expanded guest experience. Guests will be able to enjoy Kimpton’s signature offerings, such as personalized service, locally beloved restaurants and bars, and immersive spaces designed to foster human connections.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, which launched in Australia in 2022 with the opening of Kimpton Margot Sydney, is expanding its presence in the country with Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide, marking a significant addition to the growing luxury hotel market in Australia. In addition to the Sydney property, Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide will eventually be joined by Kimpton Teneriffe in 2031, further strengthening the brand’s footprint in the region.

The Kimpton Experience: Luxury Redefined

One of the defining characteristics of the Kimpton brand is its commitment to creating human connections through personalized service and design. Every Kimpton hotel is a unique reflection of its local environment, ensuring that guests feel connected to the city they’re visiting. The brand is widely recognized for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, which encourages guests to feel at home, whether they are staying for business or leisure.

For visitors to Adelaide, the new Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide will provide an unparalleled luxury experience. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, which includes major festivals, artistic events, and world-class food and wine offerings. Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide will be ideally positioned to offer guests an authentic taste of Adelaide, with its blend of heritage and contemporary design. The hotel’s rooftop bar, one of the city’s most popular spots, will remain a central feature, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and beyond.

The property’s renovation will include upgrades to guest rooms, public spaces, and dining areas, all while maintaining the historic integrity of the building. The expansion of Kimpton’s signature restaurants and bars will also introduce guests to locally sourced ingredients and culinary delights. Whether you’re relaxing in your room, enjoying a meal at the hotel’s restaurant, or mingling with fellow travelers at the bar, Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide will offer a curated experience that connects guests with the best of what Adelaide has to offer.

Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide and the Local Community

Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide’s transformation will not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the local economy. The refurbishment project will create jobs and provide an economic boost to the region, while the hotel’s new offerings are expected to attract both domestic and international travelers. The partnership between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Ark Capital is a testament to the city’s growing appeal as a luxury travel destination, and the hotel’s opening will further cement Adelaide’s position on the global travel map.

With its commitment to sustainability, creativity, and community engagement, Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide will be a welcome addition to the city’s landscape, offering travelers a unique place to stay that blends modern luxury with historic charm.

Accessibility and Tourism in Adelaide

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. The city is served by the Adelaide Airport, which offers both domestic and international flights. The hotel’s central location places it within walking distance of major attractions, such as the Adelaide Oval, Rundle Mall, and the Art Gallery of South Australia. Visitors to Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide will also have easy access to the nearby Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions, and the stunning beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the rebranding of the Mayfair Hotel to Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide approaches in late 2026, travelers can look forward to a refreshed and elevated luxury experience in one of Adelaide’s most historic buildings. With IHG’s renowned service and Kimpton’s innovative design philosophy, this reimagined property will offer an unforgettable stay for both first-time visitors and returning guests. Whether for business or leisure, Kimpton Mayfair Adelaide promises to be a key destination for those looking to experience the best of Adelaide’s charm, culture, and luxury.

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