Accor has recorded a 27 per cent year-on-year increase in national hotel bookings for the 2025 Easter long weekend, with Queensland emerging as a standout performer despite recent weather events.
Queensland bookings are up 30 per cent compared to the same period in 2024, with Cairns leading the charge at 63 per cent growth. Tropical North Queensland is up 43 per cent, and the Gold Coast — impacted earlier by Tropical Cyclone Alfred — is tracking 32 per cent ahead of last year.
The surge is being driven by collaborative marketing efforts including Tourism and Events Queensland’s Too Great to Wait campaign, along with discounted airfares from major airlines and competitive hotel deals across the region.
“With two consecutive long weekends plus school holidays, Queensland has a prime opportunity to recover some of the estimated $300 million in lost revenue caused by recent weather events,” said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer PM&E at Accor Pacific.
Canberra and Victoria see double-digit growth
Canberra leads the nation in growth, with forward bookings up 103 per cent year-on-year, thanks to major events including the National Folk Festival and the Pompeii exhibition.
In Victoria, Accor hotels have seen a 39 per cent uplift. Melbourne alone has experienced a 41 per cent jump, fuelled by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and blockbuster AFL matchups.
Sydney is also performing strongly, with Easter bookings up 14 per cent, supported by family-friendly events like the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Events drive travel demand across Australia
“Across Australia, we continue to see the incredible impact of major events in driving leisure travel,” Williams said.
“Sport, in particular, is proving to be a powerful catalyst for weekend occupancies, and with the British and Irish Lions rugby tour set to take place over winter, we expect this trend to gain even more momentum.”
Last-minute Easter deals on offer
Travellers still looking to book can find a range of last-minute offers at ALL.com, including:
- Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort – 3-night Easter package from $909 per stay with cocktails and pool float
- Pullman Cairns International – Stay 3, Pay 2 offer from $845 with complimentary Easter activities
- Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort – Stay 3, Pay 2 offer from $845 with Easter egg hunts and family fun
- Hotel Woolstore 1888, Sydney – Easter staycation from $323 per night with breakfast, welcome drink and late checkout
