This Month
Tourism operators consider surcharges to deal with rising fuel prices
The travel industry is not expecting mass cancellations this Easter, but fear holidaymakers might tighten their belts when they arrive at their destination.
Aussie hoteliers count their bookings amid turmoil in the Middle East
Hoteliers are gearing up for disrupted travel plans and cancelled bookings by international guests, but there could be a silver lining if domestic tourism picks up.
February
Hotel room rates to surge as new supply slows
New hotel rooms are costing developers as much as $830,000 each to build, deterring new supply and potentially causing rates to skyrocket.
The former Packer lawyer who built a $20b housing business
It’s been a roller-coaster ride for the “nerdy” lawyer whose rental housing platform faced disaster when Australia shut its doors on foreign students.
The 500-room Melbourne luxe hotel that’s been empty for three years
Unoccupied since it was built, the Shangri-La Hotel has become the city’s most high-profile “ghost” building, with no fit-out and no guests.
US property giant buys into Perth’s student housing boom
East-coast capitals have so far absorbed much of the momentum in the fast-growing student housing sector. Now it’s Perth’s turn.
January
Hotels ready for changing travel plans in an uncertain world
Operators are optimistic they will be able to managing changing macroeconomic and global circumstances as demand outlook remains strong into 2026.
Airbnb owners rethink Olympics plans as short-stay changes loom
Owners of short-stay accommodation in Brisbane have slammed proposed fees and rules they believe will deter investment ahead of the 2032 Games.
Hotel market set to soar in 2026 as foreign cash pours in
A jam-packed events calendar and growing international interest in Australia’s hotel market could see transaction volumes rise above this year’s in 2026.
December 2025
Blackstone acquires Queensland’s Hamilton Island for more than $1b
The US private equity conglomerate has snapped up the more than 1100-hectare site from the Oatley family for around $1.2 billion, market sources say.
November 2025
Japanese investor splashes $600m on student housing giant UniLodge
Samty Holdings’ move for the operator of student accommodation is the latest in a surge of Japanese capital into Australia’s property sector.
Wellness retreat up for grabs as Gwinganna founder slows down
Wellness entrepreneur Tony de Leede is looking to sell his $20m EcoView Retreat on the Gold Coast. He is even open to offers for his famed Gwinganna retreat.
October 2025
Upmarket Crowne Plaza slated for Sydney’s ‘second CBD’
Parramatta is humming as business activity grows and the stadium’s calendar gets busy. A $750m two-tower project will host a hotel and build-to-rent apartments.
Desire for luxury travel is growing, even if it costs $3000 a night
Upmarket accommodation is the fastest-growing segment in the market, part of a global wealth trend of spending more on experiences than goods.
US giant Choice Hotels brings long stays to Australia
The New York listed operator, one of the world’s hospitality players, is confident there’s a gap in the market it can plug.
35 Australian stays rated in Michelin’s first global hotel guide
The French arbiters of taste have anointed dozens of Australian properties. How many have you been to?
The US rentals giant with a plan for 10,000 student beds
The target might look ambitious, but it would still be just a fraction of the 1 million rental units that Greystar has under management globally.
Private equity buyer Blackstone circles Hamilton Island deal
While still in preliminary stages, a deal would make Blackstone, which already controls Crown Resorts, a major force in the country’s hospitality sector.
September 2025
Accor rebrands four Elanor hotels
Australia’s largest hospitality player Accor has secured four hotels, which are expected to relaunch under its brands in the next 12 months.
Victoria’s taxes put student accommodation at risk: Property Council
The southern state has the biggest pipeline of new beds, but also the biggest taxes – and that means many of them may not be built, the industry body warns.
