Avani Wollongong Hotel render 16 Mar 2026
Minor Hotels Expands NSW Presence With Three New Hotels as Tourism Growth Accelerates

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Minor Hotels

Continuing its Australasian expansion, global hospitality leader Minor Hotels is strengthening its presence in New South Wales with three significant new hotel developments across its Avani Hotels & Resorts, NH Collection and NH Hotels brands. Targeting Australia’s largest visitor economy[1], the expansion will grow the group’s Australasian portfolio of more than 60 properties, delivering world-class hospitality across key metropolitan and coastal destinations while reinforcing Minor Hotels’ long-term commitment to the state.

“As Australia’s number one destination for domestic and international travellers, New South Wales continues to demonstrate strong tourism momentum, with total visitor expenditure up 5.7 per cent year-on-year[2],” said Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer for Minor Hotels Australasia. “This growth is supported not only by increasing leisure and business travel, but also by the state’s vibrant calendar of events and major international touring, which continue to shape demand for hotel stays and experiences.”

“Events are reshaping demand patterns across New South Wales,” Hooley added. “Major live entertainment has become a key driver of both occupancy and room rates, with concert-led periods delivering around 20% higher average daily rates compared to non-concert periods. International touring is now a consistent growth lever: since the Taylor Swift benchmark, we’ve seen a sustained flow of global artists driving meaningful room-night contribution year-round. These trends underpin the strategic timing of our new developments, ensuring we meet rising demand while supporting the state’s evolving tourism infrastructure. Major projects such as Western Sydney Airport will further strengthen connectivity for both domestic and international travellers, reinforcing the strategic importance of NSW within our long-term growth strategy.”

In response to growing demand for high-quality accommodation in Sydney, Minor Hotels will debut NH Collection Sydney, marking the arrival of the prestigious NH Collection brand in Australia. The 256-room upper-upscale hotel on Wentworth Street is designed to cater to domestic and international travellers seeking an eclectic, elegant atmosphere and outstanding service in the heart of the city. Featuring two restaurants and a rooftop bar, the property is set to open in late 2026.

Aligning with the state’s growing aviation connectivity and infrastructure development, Minor Hotels will also introduce its first NH Hotels property in Australia with NH Sydney Airport, scheduled to open in 2027 in Mascot at 102–106 Robey Street, just seven kilometres from Sydney CBD. Strategically located near both Sydney International and Domestic Airports, the upscale hotel will offer convenient access for business and leisure travellers, strengthening Minor Hotels’ presence in a key transport and commercial hub.

The development will also feature the reintroduction of the much-loved Sizzler brand to Australia through a partnership between Minor Hotels and Minor Food.

As tourism growth continues beyond Sydney into emerging destinations across the state, Minor Hotels will also expand its footprint with Avani Wollongong Hotel, bringing the brand’s contemporary, design-led hospitality to one of the state’s fastest-growing coastal cities. Opening in 2027, the new-build property will feature 107 rooms and suites ranging from 24sqm to 41sqm, designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers.

Located at 22 Kenny Street, the hotel will sit just moments from Wollongong’s central transport hub, bustling CBD and golden city beach. Avani Wollongong Hotel will deliver the brand’s signature blend of smart design and effortless style, complemented by vibrant social spaces and a ground-floor restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine, creating a dynamic base for visitors exploring the South Coast.

 

Editor’s Notes:

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 640* hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

*Property count includes operating properties as well as committed developments through ownership, joint ventures, signed leases and management agreements.

[1] NSW Government, Visitor spending hits record high in NSW, 24 September 2025, https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dciths/ministerial-media-releases/visitor-spending-hits-record-high-nsw.

[2]  NSW Government, Visitor spending hits record high in NSW, 24 September 2025, https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dciths/ministerial-media-releases/visitor-spending-hits-record-high-nsw.