Tamworth’s Best Western Sanctuary Inn is set for a major makeover, with global hotel giant IHG Hotels & Resorts signing a deal to turn it into a 90-room Holiday Inn.
The refurbishment of its 60 existing rooms, reception, and restaurant is due to be finished in 2027, with another 30 rooms to be built by 2029.
The Tamworth hotel is one of two new Holiday Inn signings for regional Australia, alongside a new-build Holiday Inn & Suites in Rockhampton, Queensland. Together the pair will deliver 190 rooms, and both will be run by La Vie Hotels & Resorts.
“Regional Australia has so much to offer, and quality accommodation plays an important role in helping these destinations realise economic potential,” said IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific, Matt Tripolone.
“Holiday Inn is one of the world’s most recognised and trusted hotel brands, with a reputation built on warm, welcoming hospitality, comfort and genuine value.”
“It’s a brand that feels equally at home welcoming families on holiday, business travellers and guests attending regional events, making it an ideal fit for both Tamworth and Rockhampton.”
Once complete, the Tamworth hotel will bring a refreshed accommodation offering to one of regional New South Wales’ most important commercial and events centres.
As well as being home to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the city draws strong corporate, government, and leisure travel, backed by its agriculture, logistics, health, and education sectors.
La Vie Hotels & Resorts Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jerry Xu said the company would bring local knowledge to a brand travellers already know.
“Tamworth and Rockhampton are two very different markets, but both reward a hotel that gets the basics right and knows its town,” Xu said.
“Holiday Inn gives travellers a name they already trust, and we’ll bring the local know-how to make each hotel work for business, events and family guests.”
“Once open, both hotels will benefit from IHG’s global distribution channels, sales network and IHG One Rewards loyalty programme, creating opportunities to attract more visitors, build strong hotel businesses and contribute to the long-term success of these regional communities,” Tripolone said.
In Rockhampton, one of Central Queensland’s key regional centres, Holiday Inn & Suites will introduce 100 contemporary guestrooms, including 40 one and two-bedroom suites.
The new-build hotel will be part of a mixed-use precinct, with 350sqm of conference and events space, a 100-seat function room, and an outdoor swimming pool. It will cater to business, leisure, and extended-stay guests, supporting Rockhampton’s role as a regional hub for resources, agriculture, commerce, and tourism.
First established in 1952, Holiday Inn is one of the world’s largest hotel brands, with more than 1,260 hotels globally. The brand is known for its warm service, contemporary rooms, full-service hospitality, and spaces that bring people together.
Xu said the signings showed La Vie’s growth across Australia.
“These signings reflect La Vie’s continued growth across Australia, from Townsville to Tamworth, and the strength of our partnership with IHG,” he said.
“We look forward to working closely with IHG and our owners to deliver two hotels built to perform and become valued parts of their local communities.”
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