Hobart Airport is progressing plans for a potential new airport hotel in a bid to enhance the travel experience and growth of Tasmania’s visitor economy.
The proposed development, located on the corner of Holyman and Grueber Avenue, would provide high-quality accommodation within easy walking distance of the terminal.
Hobart Airport chief financial and commercial officer Kate Gillies said the proposal represents the next stage in the airport’s long-term vision to create a distinctive gateway for Tasmania.
“Hobart Airport has been one of Australia’s fastest-growing airports in recent years, with strong passenger growth creating new opportunities for investment and development across the precinct,” Gillies said.
“We’ve experienced annual passenger growth of 4.9 per cent compared with the Australian average of 1.8 per cent, demonstrating the strength of Tasmania’s visitor economy and the growing demand for aviation and tourism infrastructure.
“Exploring the feasibility of an on‑airport hotel is a natural extension of our long‑term planning for the site.”
Gillies said the proposed hotel would provide travellers with convenient accommodation just a short walk from the terminal.
“As passenger numbers continue to grow, we see strong demand for a hotel that meets the needs of travellers,” she said.
“Should the project proceed, the hotel would be designed to provide high-quality accommodation for a range of guests, including leisure travellers exploring Tasmania, business visitors, airline crew and passengers requiring overnight accommodation close to the airport.
“Early concept planning includes contemporary guest rooms, food and beverage offerings and flexible spaces suitable for a range of needs. The broader site also provides opportunities for complementary commercial development, including office space and other business uses that support the airport precinct’s long-term growth.”
Testing market interest
Gillies said Hobart Airport was now progressing the next phase of the project by engaging with experienced hotel operators to test market interest and further refine the concept.
“We’re looking to work with a partner who shares our ambition to explore what a future airport hotel could look like – one that enhances the travel experience while showcasing what makes Tasmania unique,” she said.
“The successful partner will work with us and our project partners to further develop the concept and assess the opportunity.”
The operator engagement process is being managed by Horwath HTL on behalf of Hobart Airport and closes on 27 July.
