AUSTRALIA Cypress Lakes Resort, the largest premier meetings venue in the Hunter Valley, has joined Accor's Grand Mercure in a bid to build on an already strong conference and leisure business.
The 200-villa resort is one of the most popular business event destinations in a renowned wine mecca, boasting extensive facilities for up to 1,000 delegates. Each unit offers private balconies and views of either the vineyards or golf course to the mountains.
“The conference and events market is increasingly global in nature and therefore branding and extensive distribution networks are the key to our future direction,” said Denis Croke of Cypress Lakes Resort. “Accor has built up a strong position in the hospitality sector, and we believe that with the resort taking on Grand Mercure branding, we will be able to tap into a wider Australian and international marketplace.”
Fifteen purpose-built conference rooms include The Event Centre accommodating about 620 delegates, the Convention Centre, which can be broken down into smaller rooms catering for up to 500 and an outdoor marquee overlooking the lagoon pool (the only one of its kind in the Hunter Valley) hosting up to 1,000 guests for cocktails. Natural light is a feature of many of the spaces.
When not in meetings, delegates can enjoy the variety of attractions Hunter Valley is known for that make good recreational or team-building options. These include 100 renowned wineries, olive groves, fine cheese makers, horse riding and hot air ballooning among others.
With key events already in place at the resort such as the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic, Cerebral Palsy Alliance CBD Golf Escape, Accor had no qualms about signing up Cypress Lakes to its Grand Mercure portfolio, now numbering 23 members.
Designated by Accor as upscale, the brand targets corporate travellers, families and group business.
Randall Sim
