Hotel records 44% growth in Chinese guests in 2012, and believes inbound market has the potential to grow even faster

The imminent arrival of China Eastern Airlines into Cairns has encouraged Sebel Cairns to introduce Accor’s pioneering Chinese Optimum Services programme.

The Sebel  jointly sponsored the Official Welcome Function for China Eastern Airlines earlier this week, highlighting the hotel’s commitment to building its China market base.

The hotel received accreditation for its Optimum Services program just in time for the arrival of the China Eastern team. The special services introduced include the provision of special buffet and menu items, availability of Chinese language hotel materials, a Chinese language TV service and Chinese-language staff.

The Sebel – which joined the Accor group in mid-2012 – has the distinction of being the first hotel in the former Mirvac portfolio to introduce the China Optimum Service standards, and they have excellent grounds for their optimism in the future of the Chinese market.

In the year to date, the Sebel has recorded a 44% increase in Chinese numbers, compared to the same period for 2011, and with new air services about to be introduced, Sebel General Manager Craig Syphers, believes that prospects for the Cairns region were outstanding.

“It was tremendous having the China Eastern team at the Sebel this week and they were very impressed with the steps we’ve taken towards ensuring that Chinese guests are given a special welcome,” Mr Syphers said.

“We believe that the Cairns region has all the ingredients to satisfy the needs of Chinese visitors – a warm climate, excellent shopping and restaurants, plentiful attractions that are easily accessible, and top-level accommodation at affordable rates.

“Tourism icons are important to Chinese travellers. They want to experience the best, so it is important that when new routes are opened that we are ready to offer them the finest level of service and facilities. That’s why we’ve introduced Chinese Optimum Service standards and we believe that as a result we will help attract even more visitors to China.”

The Sebel joins three other Accor hotels in cairns that have introduced Optimum Service Standards – Pullman Reef Casino, Novotel Oasis Cairns and Mercure Harbourside.