Sydney rates surge, but Perth is still most expensive
The Whitsundays remained the most expensive destination for accommodation in Australia, with an average nightly room rate of A$254, $83 above the country’s average of $171, according to the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index (HPI).
Of the 31 nationalities included in the HPI report, 25 paid more when staying in Australian hotels in the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.
Prices in Sydney rose nine per cent on the same period last year to reach an average of A$190 per night. Melbourne also recorded a rise higher than the Australian average, increasing four per cent to average A$163.
While the slowdown in the mining sector led to a five per cent fall in Perth hotel prices to average A$200 a night, other Australian mining hubs saw increases in prices.
Mackay saw the largest increase of 15% to reach A$170 a night, Darwin experienced growth of six per cent, averaging A$195, and the Hunter Valley grew 12% to reach $180. Brisbane fell one per cent to $168.
Johan Svanstrom, vice president, Hotels.com Asia Pacific, said: "The outlook remains positive as hoteliers focus on taking advantage of the thriving outbound markets of the region’s growing economies, including China.
"The recent drop in the Australian dollar will likely start to affect travel demand and rates in the second half of the year, contributing to improvements in domestic travel and the start of a revival of the inbound market."
Ian Jarrett
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