Auckland Mayor Phil Goff highlighted the importance of the tourism industry and new tourism infrastructure to Auckland at the official opening of New Zealand’s first-ever voco hotel and Holiday Inn Express as part of a $200-million hotel tower development by Pro-invest Group.
A partnership between Pro-invest Group and IHG Hotels & Resorts, voco Auckland City Centre and Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre is a one of a kind, dual-hotel development in the central city, which first opened its doors to guests in May this year.
Mayor Goff was joined by Founder & Chairman of Pro-invest Group, Ronald Stephen Barrott, IHG’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Japan, Australasia, & Pacific Leanne Harwood, and 80 development and industry partners to celebrate the official opening of the two hotels at voco Auckland City Centre’s rooftop bar, Bar Albert – the highest hotel bar in New Zealand commanding majestic views of Auckland’s skyline.
Mayor Goff unveiled a plaque and said the two hotels would be key assets for downtown Auckland’s tourism offering and infrastructure.
“After more than two years in which Auckland has been severely impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns and the closure of our international borders, it’s fantastic to see life and activity returning to our central city,” he said.
“The opening of the new voco hotel and Holiday Inn Express is a positive sign of Auckland’s recovery and will help draw visitors to our city centre, providing a welcome boost to local businesses and enhancing the vibrancy of our downtown precinct.”
According to Mr Barrott, Founder & Chairman of Pro-invest Group, the launch of New Zealand’s very first voco branded hotel and Holiday Inn Express is a positive sign for the local tourism industry.
“Adding two new hotels in the one tower with distinct yet complementary offerings to the Auckland CBD is a significant milestone for the city and Pro-invest Group.
“The voco Auckland City Centre and Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre hotels, offer contemporary design, floor to ceiling windows, and a comfortable stay in the heart of the CBD, and open at a time when New Zealand is regaining momentum with the full return of international travellers.
“Auckland is undergoing a period of significant investment and growth with numerous cranes in the sky, and with the New Zealand International Convention Centre and City Rail Link under construction, these new hotels are set to play a crucial role in welcoming visitors back to a lively and revitalised CBD.
“The opening of this dual-hotel tower marks a major milestone for our business and follows the opening of the first Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Queenstown in July 2020. We are delighted to further expand our investment portfolio in New Zealand,” concluded Mr Barrott.
Conveniently located in the centre of Auckland on the corner of Albert and Wyndham Street, voco Auckland City Centre blends premium essentials with indulgent touches to deliver 201 spacious rooms and suites that showcase voco’s warm signature style.
Each of the stylishly appointed guest rooms and suites boast expansive city views and feature plush, sustainable bedding with cocoon-like comfort, hand-picked artworks, smart in-room technology, and stylish marble bathrooms that feature eco-conscious rain showers and amenities from Antipodes.
voco Auckland City Centre makes an ideal destination for conferences, meetings, and events with five flexible meeting rooms available in addition to Bar Albert voco’s rooftop destination which doubles as New Zealand’s highest rooftop bar with open-air terrace, and all-day dining trattoria Mozzarella & Co. on the ground floor.
Specifically designed and developed to reduce its impact on the environment, voco Auckland City Centre and Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre are targeting a Level 3/Level 4 certification under IHG’s Green Engage sustainability scheme. The hotels are also part of Pro-invest Group’s overarching sustainability strategy ‘Net Zero by 2030’. Sustainability at the Auckland hotels will be further activated by the dedicated ESG brand, One Earth, Countless Experiences by Pro-invest Group.
As one of IHG’s fastest growing hotel brands, Holiday Inn Express is well-loved for its approach to simple, smart travel. Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre features 294 well-appointed guest rooms featuring walk-in showers, black-out blinds, an efficient workstation, and high-quality bedding with a choice of firm or soft pillows.
The brand’s much-loved perks for travellers include fast check-in and unlimited fast WiFi. Business travellers can book three flexible meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 40 people. Plus, there’s access to a 24-hour reception, fitness room and a self-service laundry.
