With better than 20% growth in room nights for the period January- May 2000, Alice Springs Resort is one of the fastest growing properties in Central Australia. The commitment of further works at the Resort which began with the opening of the deluxe Rivergum Court in September last year is continuing into 2000 as the property reaps the rewards of its positioning as the best quality accommodation in the region.

According to Grant Hunt, CEO of Voyages Hotels and Resorts, the Alice Springs Resort continues to reflect management's belief in it as the market leader in Alice Springs.

"The Alice Springs Resort is one of the few Alice-based properties that has experienced growth year to date, with a 20.3% increase in room nights, 22.5% in revenue, and 21.4% total market share as opposed to 18% for the same period last year", said Mr Hunt.

"This growth can be attributed partly to the intensive regional marketing campaigns in place, the addition of the deluxe rooms of the Rivergum Court, and the massive growth in corporate business. Three years ago the breakdown of leisure versus corporate business was approximately 98% to 2%. Today that breakdown is more like 85% to 15% which is significant in a market the size of Alice and a city as remote as Alice Springs.

"While leisure business will always be the mainstay of the property, the growth of the corporate sector provides that added security in the sometimes turbulent tourism sector."

"With forecast demand high in both the leisure and corporate markets for the next 6 months, Voyages Hotels and Resort has committed to the next phase of development of the property", said Mr Hunt.

"Further developments include the total redesign of the foyer and entrance into the Resort", said General Manager of Alice Springs Resort , Mr Gerd Beurich.

"This project makes a totally new entrance statement for the property - one which better reflects the quality of the product and its positioning in the Alice Springs market. The job includes new paving of the entrance, new reception desk, new artwork and painting which reflect the natural surroundings, polished timber flooring, and a new lobby shop".

The project will be completed at the end of June at a total cost of $250,000.

Also reflecting the positioning of the property, work has commenced on the original rooms at the Resort.

"The original plan on completion of the new deluxe Rivergum wing, was always to then refurbish the rest of the Resort along the same line, thus offering the same quality Resort-wide, albeit differing levels of accommodation", said Mr Beurich

"As such Terrace Court which is one of the original levels of accommodation developed is currently being refurbished and is due to be opened at the end of August. These rooms will be completed along similar lines to that of the deluxe rooms, however they will be classified as standard rooms given their slightly smaller size.

"Work has also commenced on the redevelopment of Palm Court which is the main standard wing of the property. This initial work is focussing on the public corridors, with work to commence on the individual rooms in the next phase of works in 2001. This refurbishment of the corridors will be completed in mid July 2000 at a cost of $120,000", said Mr Beurich.

Alice Springs Resort is located on the banks of the Todd River and is just minutes walk from the town centre of Alice Springs. It is known for its high levels of service and relaxed "outback" style hospitality.

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For further information, please contact Mandy Dwyer, Corporate Public Relations Manager, Voyages Hotels & Resorts Ph: (02) 9339 1000; Mobile 0419 490 521; email mdwyer@voyages.com.au