6 February, 2018

Next Hotels & Resorts expands into regional Australia

Reflections of a stand of eucalypt trees in the calm Murrumbidgee River at sunset. Would also work for sunrise. Horizontal, copy space.

Next Hotels & Resorts, the hotel division of Next Story Group, is going on the road in search of key locations to expand its well-known Country Comfort brand.

Franchise Manager Jeff Claxton is beginning his push into regional New South Wales and Victoria during February to speak to hotel owners already in the hospitality business, seeking to invest or be involved in this growing industry.

The trip will include visiting Yass, Goulburn, Gundagai, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, Albury/Wodonga, Wangaratta, Bendigo, Echuca and Shepparton.

Claxton said “As an international group, we already have a history of over 30 years in the Australian hospitality market.

“We know how great the Australian regional experience is and its future potential, that’s why we want to expand the franchising and other hotel opportunities.”

Australia’s vibrant tourism industry isn’t just about travellers visiting cosmopolitan cities.

Australia has some iconic experiences across regional destinations and it’s these local encounters we want to link as partners with Country Comfort.

Australia’s regional area is about the tactile journey – the authentic Australian experience.

Our regional areas boast wonderful produce and wines, have the friendliest and easy-going Aussies to make anyone feel welcome, the air is clean and at night the southern sky boasts the most amazing stars.

With all of these attributes, it is easy to see why Country Comfort wants to expand its position in regional Australia.

Tourism to regional Australia is on an upward trajectory with visitors increasing on average by 4.1 per cent per annum over the last few years.

Country Comfort, with its rich Australian heritage, and its connection through Next Hotels & Resorts, recognizes the value in the traditional country stay and how best to connect this to the modern world.

Country Comfort has always delivered a friendly welcoming product to the intrepid road warrior or regional traveler.

As a well-known brand, it is fully supported by an international team with expertise in operations, new media marketing, innovation, technology, management and finance.

In addition, the established partnerships underwrite and improve the promotion, purchasing power and performance of each property.

“We are enthusiastic at the prospects of making Country Comfort the hospitality face of regional Australia.

“Part of the growth is ensuring that the partnerships with local community, business and government is strong and resilient” states Jeff.

Next Hotels & Resorts’ scale and agility confirmed with the experience of local managers provides dedicated support and attention to each individual property and owner.

These key factors help regional hospitality businesses thrive. Next Hotels & Resorts is determined to work with operators who not only understand the importance of these advantages but are ready to embrace them for their own business growth.

So, if you’re energetic, self-motivated and enjoy outshining your competition, then we want you!”

“All of our Country Comfort properties retain their unique identity while gaining the dedicated sales capabilities and technical distribution Next Hotels & Resorts provides.

“We empower and support our franchisees to be business and community leaders in their local markets and provide them with access to a network of expertise, insights and strategies, ensuring they are in business for themselves, not by themselves.”

To contact Claxton about a Country Comfort Hotel business opportunity, call 0477 755 125.

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