Australia’s largest hotel operator Accor has reported record hotel occupancy rates during the British and Irish Lions Tour.
Its Sydney hotels achieved 97 per cent occupancy on Saturday, 2 August 2025—up nine per cent on the previous year—for the Lions versus Wallabies Test at Accor Stadium.
In Western Sydney, the combined occupancy of Accor hotels was 95 per cent, up 17 per cent on the same time last year.
More than 40,000 international fans are estimated to have travelled to Australia for the tour, with the sold-out final match in Sydney attracting a crowd of 83,000.
Bookings from the UK and Ireland on Accor’s digital platform surged during the tour, with international stays up 92.9 per cent in the past four weeks compared to 2024.
British and Irish Lions tours to Australia only happen once every 12 years and this year’s version, supported proudly by Destination NSW, provided a major boost to the NSW economy and also put the state’s world-class hospitality and entertainment offering in the global spotlight.
Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said: “When the British and Irish Lions come to town the city can feel it. The roaming fans have injected more than $130 million into the NSW economy."
Accor Pacific chief operating officer Adrian Williams said: "This tour is a powerful reminder of the impact major sporting events have in energising cities, filling hotels, and supporting restaurants, bars and attractions nationwide.
“This isn’t just a win for rugby—it’s a win for tourism, hospitality and every community lucky enough to host a game."
