Further refurbishment was planned for conference facilities and recreational amenities including the pool area, he said.<\/p>\n
\u2019Strong signal of confidence\u2019<\/p>\n
Priority One chief executive Dave Courtney said the development represented a \u201cstep-change in Tauranga\u2019s maturity as a business and visitor destination\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said that from an economic development perspective, \u201cthis is about more than accommodation\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt strengthens Tauranga\u2019s ability to compete for conferences and business events, attract investment and talent by offering a more complete city experience, extend visitor stays and increase spend per visitor, and support Tauranga City\u2019s revitalisation and vibrancy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Courtney said it would help remove a \u201clong-standing barrier to growth in the conference sector\u201d and reinforced the region\u2019s position as one of New Zealand\u2019s fastest-growing economic centres.<\/p>\n
Priority One chief executive Dave Courtney said Mercure Tauranga would help remove a “long-standing barrier” to growth in the conference sector. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
International visitor numbers are already on the rise.<\/p>\n
Tourism Bay of Plenty statistics show international visitor days increased by 4% in February compared with last February, while domestic visitor days fell by 10%.<\/p>\n
International visitor card spending increased by 9% to $12.7 million up on February last year, mostly driven by the United States market, while domestic visitor card spending fell by 6% to $33.9m.<\/p>\n
Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan said while Tauranga already had a fantastic array of accommodation, \u201cwe do need to increase our capacity and accommodation options as our city and region grow\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cInternationally recognised hotel brands bring with them established global distribution networks and loyalty programmes, which can help put Tauranga in front of a wider international audience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nathan said the introduction of Accor\u2019s Mercure brand would enhance Tauranga\u2019s profile with international wholesalers and tour operators, who often looked for established global standards when booking groups.<\/p>\n
Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley said a globally recognised hotel brought scale, confidence, and international visibility, particularly for business and international visitors, which could help lift demand across the entire accommodation sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t about replacing independent operators; it\u2019s about growing the whole market.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cowley said more visitors staying longer meant increased spending across hospitality, retail, transport, and local experiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also strengthens Tauranga\u2019s ability to work alongside neighbouring regions, such as Rotorua, to attract international travellers to the wider Bay of Plenty rather than competing in isolation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cowley said the investment sent a \u201cstrong signal of confidence\u201d in Tauranga\u2019s city centre and its long-term growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will support stronger shoulder seasons and more consistent, year-round economic activity for local businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
University of Waikato deputy vice-chancellor Professor Alister Jones. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
University of Waikato deputy vice-chancellor Professor Alister Jones said its Tauranga campus linked the region to global networks of learning and research.<\/p>\n
\u201cHosting international conferences is a key part of this connection, and as the campus expands, we will continue to broaden our offering.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jones said having internationally branded accommodation in the city centre had the potential to support this, including the Australia New Zealand Marine Biotechnology Society Conference in August and the 2028 International Temperate Reefs Symposium.<\/p>\n
Both were anticipated to attract national and international delegates to the region, Jones said.<\/p>\n
Strong demand expected<\/p>\n
Williams said Tauranga was \u201cthe gateway to the Bay of Plenty\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe think that we can bring in a new type of traveller to the area and really help open up the Bay of Plenty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Accor\u2019s chief operating officer in the Pacific region Adrian Williams. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Williams said the conference space would attract business travellers and events.<\/p>\n
The rebrand meant Accor now operated 49 hotels in New Zealand, including three in Rotorua.<\/p>\n
Williams said demand for Rotorua\u2019s Novotel, Ibis, and Pullman hotels had been strong and he expected the same for the Tauranga property.<\/p>\n
He said the region had local culture, wellness, and \u201cgenuine experiences\u201d which were important for tourism demand.<\/p>\n
Williams said Mercure Tauranga strengthened the region\u2019s hotel offering by providing an internationally recognised brand.<\/p>\n
The refurbished restaurant at the Mercure Tauranga. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also provides [visitors] confidence and consistency … in an area that they might not know, they\u2019ve got a trusted global brand which gives them confidence to book and explore.<\/p>\n
Mercure Tauranga also offered Accor\u2019s 100 million loyalty members \u201ca new option … they haven\u2019t had access to before\u201d.<\/p>\n
Accor said in a statement the hotel\u2019s existing team had been retained with additional roles expected.<\/p>\n
A superior room with a king bed at the Mercure Tauranga. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n