Confidence returns with strong accommodation forward bookings

Holidaymakers are pre-booking their Christmas accommodation in advance, with Mantra Group properties in south-east Queensland, North Queensland and northern NSW experiencing their strongest forward bookings yet, the leading hospitality group says.

Mantra Group - one of Australia’s leading operators of branded corporate and leisure accommodation with over 140 properties under the Peppers, Mantra and Breakfree brands – has recorded strong bookings, particularly on the Tweed Coast.

Mantra CEO Bob East said the results showed a marked increase in consumer confidence.

“We’ve had particularly strong bookings at Mantra on Salt Beach and Peppers Salt Resort and Spa, both at Kingscliff, where we operate over 750 rooms,” Mr East said.

“After a tough year and pent-up demand, customers are booking early to ensure they secure their preferred accommodation over the Christmas holiday accommodation.

“This shows how highly Australians value local holidays, especially beachside resorts.

“People are feeling better about the economy and life in general, and are very much looking forward to the Christmas holidays.

“Our call centre is now receiving over 1500 calls a day, more astounding is the Web traffic numbers over the last month, we have averaged 25 500 unique visitors a day.”

In comparison to last year the group is holding 15% more occupancy than the previous year.

With 3,500 employees, Mantra Group manages around 140 properties and approximately 15,000 rooms across the corporate and leisure market in Australia and New Zealand.