Australia's largest hotel operator, Accor, has declared the 2025 NRL Grand Final a tourism triumph, with tens of thousands of interstate fans driving exceptional hotel occupancies and boosting the local economy.

With two non-NSW teams contesting the decider, the sold-out Grand Final between the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium on Sunday 5 October fuelled hotel demand well beyond last year's levels.

Accor's 27 hotels in Sydney Centre collectively saw occupancies above 98% on both Saturday and Sunday night, representing strong year-on-year increases. The Group's 24 hotels in Sydney West also recorded strong gains, with occupancies also reaching 98% over the weekend.

“The NRL Grand Final once again proved the pulling power of live sport in Sydney,” said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor in the Pacific region. “The presence of two interstate teams intensified demand across the city, delivering a powerful boost for hotels, restaurants, and neighbourhood businesses.

“The NRL Grand Final is more than a sporting contest – it is a major event that energises the city. Fans travelled in large numbers to be here, and that commitment translated directly into stronger occupancies and a significant economic impact.”

Beyond the stadium, the game generated a city-wide buzz, with precincts from Parramatta to Circular Quay alive with travelling fans. Restaurants, bars and attractions benefited from the influx, underscoring the role major sporting events play in energising not only hotels but also the wider visitor economy. The weekend highlighted Sydney's strength as a destination that thrives on live sport, tourism and hospitality working hand in hand.

Meanwhile in Melbourne, the AFL Grand Final held at the MCG last month also welcomed a major influx of visitors, reinforcing its reputation as one of the nation's most enduring cultural events. Accor welcomed thousands of travelling fans across its 51 hotels in Greater Melbourne.

Adrian Williams added: “Live sport continues to prove itself as one of Australia's most powerful economic drivers. Australians are willing to travel, spend and celebrate because the experience of being there in person cannot be replicated online or on television.”

Accor is proud to be the Official Accommodation Partner of both the NRL and AFL.

From luxury to economy, Accor operates more than 20 international brands across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, including Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore's Hyde, SO/ and Mondrian.