Event Hospitality & Entertainment Limited (EVENT) today announced it has acquired 50% of popular New Zealand pod-hotel group Jucy Snooze.  Under the joint venture, Jucy Snooze will be the first budget accommodation brand to join the Group, sitting alongside EVENT's current stable of hotels and resorts across Australia and New Zealand that includes the Rydges, QT and Atura brands.

Jucy Snooze provides micro-accommodation in the form of unique capsule-style sleeping pods, along with shared, private, ensuite and family rooms.  The self-contained Snooze Pods were custom designed following extensive research into the specific needs of the budget-conscious traveller. The innovative pods feature a privacy blind, USB charging port, luggage storage locker, power supply, lighting, temperature control, WiFi connection and linen – everything required to meet the expectations of travellers.

A disruptor to the budget travel segment, Jucy Snooze entered the accommodation market in 2012. The innovative concept has resonated with budget travellers including families, global adventurers, young travellers and retirees. Current Jucy Snooze locations include Christchurch (144 Snooze Pods, 61 Ensuite rooms; queen, twin or family), Queenstown (196 Snooze Pods, 37 Ensuite rooms; queen, twin or quad), and a new Auckland property due to open mid-2020.

Properties also feature the latest tech integrations and on-site restaurants and bars, thoughtfully designed for both travellers and adventurous locals.

Jucy CEO Tim Alpe said the deal is significant as it will allow the company to accelerate the expansion of the chain throughout New Zealand, Australia and beyond: “The EVENT team brings significant experience in hotel development, operations, procurement, and food and beverage, as well as expertise to expand across Australia and beyond with their desire for growth.

“Without this investment, our expansion would have been slower, but we now aim to expand the Jucy Snooze offering over the next five years to cater for the growing demand for this product offering. We have been wanting to move into the Australian market for some time; the locations of new hotels will be aligned with the distribution of our vehicle rental fleet, to provide a more seamless travel experience for the target market,” he said.

Jane Hastings, CEO of Event Hospitality and Entertainment said, “We are excited to partner with Jucy Snooze and help drive its expansion, while opening up a new growth segment for the EVENT Group. This new partnership places EVENT at the forefront of the budget accommodation market segment, and together we will work closely to expand and grow the brand throughout Australasia and other parts of the world, utilising our expertise and relationships.”

-ENDS-

ABOUT EVENT HOSPITALITY & ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED

Event Hospitality & Entertainment Limited (EVENT) is a leading entertainment, hospitality and leisure company.  Founded in 1910 and headquartered in Sydney, EVENT is at the forefront of the experience economy and delivers over 40 million customer experiences annually.  From movies and adventure to travel and dining, EVENT believes that in an increasingly busy world, an outstanding experience can make the day better and create lasting memories.  

EVENT own the largest cinema circuits in Australia, New Zealand and Germany under the brands Event Cinemas, Birch Carroll and Coyle, Cinestar, Greater Union and Moonlight Cinema.  EVENT also own and operate more than 60 hotels including Rydges Hotels and Resorts, QT Hotels and Resorts and Atura Hotels.  In the leisure space, EVENT operate Australia's much-loved ski resort, Thredbo Alpine Resort and one of Australia's oldest theatres, the State Theatre.  The Company also owns a substantial property portfolio.

With over 9,000 employees, the Group shares a passion for creating truly exceptional customer experiences, world class hospitality and continuous innovation.  EVENT is committed to protecting and giving back to the communities in which it exists through a focus on sustainability, fundraising and diversity.  

EVENT listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in 1962 and trades under the ASX code of EVT.  It has a market capitalization of $2 billion.