Mantra Group Set For Increased Inbound Tourism Into South East Queensland

South East Queensland is basking not only in the warmth of the sun but also in the announcement of increased flight routes into the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, offering greater opportunity to tap into the inbound tourism dollar, according to Queensland's largest accommodation provider, Mantra Group - who operate the Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree hotel brands.

Air New Zealand announced this week they will start a twice-weekly direct service from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast in July not only opening up the destination to the Kiwi market but further afield with flight connections with the airline's US ports.

"The relationship with New Zealand travellers will now be even stronger with this increased flight capacity and to have a link to the all important US market for this region is an exciting prospect," said Mantra Group CEO, Bob East.

"With over 1000 rooms available in the Group's Mantra and BreakFree properties in Noosa, Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Alexandra Beach we are well placed to service the expected increase in visitors."

Likewise, the announcement earlier this month of Singapore Airlines subsidiary, Scoot Airlines direct flights from Singapore - the world's largest flight hub - into the Gold Coast means global connections are now in place.

"The greatest benefit from Scoot flights into the Gold Coast is the 150 ports that feed directly into Singapore - by securing Scoot the Gold Coast has opened access from all major source markets from the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Americas.

"The tourism sector will obviously benefit hugely from this and our network of over 20 hotels on the Gold Coast will cater perfectly to this market - especially Peppers Broadbeach which provides a boutique apartment accommodation option unlike no other on the Gold Coast. Likewise, our Mantra properties provide some 1900 rooms to cater for the expected numbers."

Mantra Group is the largest accommodation provider in Queensland with over 50 Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree Hotels, Resorts and Apartments.

Mantra on the Park Melbourne Unveils Newest Apartments in Town

Popular Melbourne CBD apartment hotel, Mantra on the Park has unveiled a $4million upgrade to offer business and leisure travellers the newest apartment product in town.

All 144 fully self-contained One and Two bedroom Apartments have completed a full $4 million refurbishment which includes stylish and bold new furniture from local and European manufacturers, 37" LCD TVs, iPod docking stations, new kitchens and appliances, new carpet and paint in all corridors and public areas.

In total, there was 3,000 metres of carpet laid, 786 designer lamps built, 120 litres of paint and 2506 pieces of furniture installed to complete the new look.

"It's a whole new era for Mantra on the Park," says General Manager, Michael McKinnon.

"The hotel has always had loyal customers both from interstate and regional Victoria and it is great to be offering them - and new guests - a fantastic new product that reflects the high standards of the Mantra brand."

Mantra on the Park's two split level 3 bedroom penthouses have also been completely upgraded with stunning individual pieces and unique furnishings ensuring they satisfy the needs of discerning travellers. All apartments are spacious with full kitchen and laundry facilities and separate lounge and dining areas with large balconies and views overlooking the Carlton Gardens or city skyline.

The extra space and convenience provided by Mantra on the Park's apartment style rooms comes at no extra cost to that of a traditional hotel room with 1 bedroom apartments starting from $159 per night and 2 bedroom apartments from $259 per night. Now the first choice of accommodation in Melbourne, visit www.mantraonthepark.com.au or phone 13 15 17 for bookings.

The central CBD location at the top end of Exhibition Street is popular with corporate travellers with business services including 24 hour reception, in room internet access, secure undercover parking, express check in, daily housekeeping, onsite Terrace Restaurant Bar & Grill, laundry service and dry cleaning and room service breakfast and dinner.

The location is also ideal for leisure guests and families with Melbourne Museum - currently showing the Tutankhamen Exhibition - within walking distance and easy access to the Lygon Street restaurant precinct, the Royal Exhibition Building and Her Majesty's Theatre. An indoor pool is also located in the hotel for year round access.

The free City Circle tram stops directly outside the hotel, stopping at all of Melbourne's best tourist attractions. Melbourne Central, China Town and Federation Square are just minutes away and for the sports enthusiasts the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, and Etihad Stadium are just a short taxi ride.

Mantra on the Park is one of seven Mantra hotels and apartments in Melbourne which include Mantra 100 Exhibition Street (which recently completed a $1million upgrade), Mantra On Russell, Mantra Southbank and Mantra on Little Bourke all in the CBD; Mantra on Jolimont which is the closest hotel to the MCG and Melbourne Park sporting and entertainment precinct; and Mantra Tullamarine Hotel.