Previously operated under a franchise agreement with hotel owner, the Mawland Group, the Mercure Resort Blue Mountains will now be fully integrated into the Accor hotel network following the signing of a management agreement. 

According to Accor's Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, Mr Michael Issenberg, the repositioning of the Blue Mountains hotel strengthens the Mercure brand and enhances the company's regional reach. 

"With a network of 31 Mercure hotels and resorts in Australia, the upgrade of Mercure Resort Blue Mountains complements our expansion strategy for this mid- range brand. Joining a prominent range of existing Mercure hotels in short break destinations around New South Wales and Australia, our target of 50 Mercure hotels in this region by 2002 is well on track." 

Offering guests a prime location in the heart of Leura, across from the Leura Golf Course and Everglades Gardens and just 5 minutes drive from the famous Three Sisters landmark and bushwalking tracks, Mercure Resort Blue Mountains is ideally based for visitors to Sydney's favourite winter destinations. 

"Conference groups and holiday guests make up the Resort's clientele and we expect both markets will enjoy the new facilities. New room furnishings and colour schemes, an extended and upgraded conference centre, a renovated heated outdoor spa and swimming pool and new restaurants will ensure we remain competitive amongst Blue Mountains tourism players", concluded Mr Issenberg. 

Max Player, Director of Mawland, commented that the rebranding to a Mercure Resort was a "breath of fresh air" for the Mountains and provided a renewed sense of quality in line with the overall upgrade of the hospitality industry in the region. 

"As an industry in general, we're all working together to provide a quality experience for visitors to the Blue Mountains and the renovations we have completed at the new Mercure Resort, together with our unique garden location, make us the premier choice in the mid range market." 

According to Daryl Buckingham, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Mountains Tourism "the introduction of the Mercure brand to the Blue Mountains is another step in the right direction, complementing the quality experience that we offer as a complete destination". 

Part of the Accor network since 1993, the hotel was built in the early 1960's. Its original house, which is now the hotel's Olive Tree Restaurant, was owned by Lady Fairfax. Richard Kane-White will remain the Hotel's General Manager. 

There are over 400 Mercure hotels globally under the Grand Mercure, Mercure Hotel and Resort and Mercure Inn banner. Managed by leading hotel and tourism group Accor, other key brands include Sofitel, Novotel, Ibis and Formule 1.