Geelong’s Crowne Plaza Hotel To Strengthen Regional Tourism

Published on December 1, 2025

The city of Geelong will soon be able to acknowledge one more step and achievement in its tourism industry and for that reason, it will celebrate the opening of the Crowne Plaza on January 23. With an impressive 200 rooms, the new hotel will be the biggest in the region and will be of great value to the local tourism industry. The hotel is located on the picturesque Corio Bay.

The new Crowne Plaza will be part of Geelong’s improved accommodation and conference facility offerings which will also include the recently completed Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. Geelong has been positively impacted by the new hotel addition which is said to be the one that will enhance the peripheral value of Geelong positively on both the national and international tourism market.

A Growing Regional Tourism Hub

The hotel’s opening is poised to coincide with major local events such as the Festival of Sails and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, which attract thousands of visitors each year. With such events contributing significantly to the region’s economy, the new Crowne Plaza is set to provide both high-quality accommodation and world-class facilities for those attending.

According to government sources, the hotel development is expected to directly contribute to Geelong’s growing tourism economy, reinforcing the city’s status as a prime destination in Victoria. This new addition is particularly significant as the region works to enhance its appeal as a hub for international visitors, offering top-tier amenities and accommodations in close proximity to the waterfront and key tourist attractions.

State Government Investment in Tourism Infrastructure

The 120 million dollars Crowne Plaza project is funded by Plenary Group and will be operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in hospitality. The hotel’s modern facilities, which include meeting spaces with spectacular views of the bay, a ground-floor cafe, and a rooftop Skybar, are tailored to cater to the increasing demand for luxury tourism experiences. These offerings align with the state’s ongoing investment in regional tourism infrastructure aimed at improving the visitor experience across Victoria.

In addition to the hotel, the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, with a projected $449 million investment, will provide even more conference and event space. The centre, scheduled to open in July, will further boost the region’s ability to host large-scale events, conferences, and international gatherings, contributing to the broader tourism sector.

Government Commitment to Regional Growth

The Victorian Government has long recognised the vital role tourism plays in driving economic growth, particularly in regional areas. With the opening of the Crowne Plaza and the convention centre, Geelong is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for both leisure and business tourism in the region.

The government continues to prioritise initiatives that support the expansion of Victoria’s tourism industry, with a focus on regional destinations. As part of this vision, the Crowne Plaza Geelong is expected to play a key role in further diversifying the region’s tourism offerings, providing visitors with a range of luxury accommodation options. This growth in infrastructure is vital for attracting more international visitors to Geelong, which is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural offerings, and proximity to popular destinations like the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine Peninsula.

Tourism Outlook for Geelong

Tourism experts suggest that Geelong is on track to become a significant player in Victoria’s tourism landscape. The region’s appeal is already strong, thanks to its coastal beauty and proximity to Melbourne, but the addition of world-class hotels and event spaces will take it to new heights. With a focus on creating a diverse and rich tourism ecosystem, Geelong is set to attract a broader range of visitors, from international tourists to business travellers.

The Crowne Plaza’s opening is expected to be a game-changer for the region, offering high-end services and luxury accommodations that will cater to the needs of international tourists. As the city continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, the combination of the Crowne Plaza, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, and the surrounding area’s natural beauty will undoubtedly strengthen Geelong’s position as one of Victoria’s premier tourist destinations.

Overview

Geelong’s recent acquisition of the Crowne Plaza represents a true milestone in the evolution of the region for the tourism sector owing to the positive investments by the government in infrastructure which will shape the future of tourism in the region. The new hotel will have a further positive impact on the attraction of visitors to the Geelong region and the economic opportunities that will accompany this will bolster Geelong’s position in the Tourism industry. It will open to the public on the 23rd of January.