A gap in the top end of the visitor market in Whakatane has led to the development of new luxury motel complex, One88 On Commerce, which has recently opened in the centre of the city.
Developer and operator Mark Ross said a key reason for selecting Whakatane as the locationfor the new property was its significant role as a business hub for the surrounding region.
"Whakatane serves a large catchment and a lot of transient business-related activities take place in the town," said Mr Ross, who was previously involved in a motel venture in Taupo.
"We recognised that there was a lack of five-star accommodation to meet the growing demand from out-of-town professionals for superior motel or hotel rooms.
"Obviously Whakatane, along with Ohope Beach, is also a significant tourist destination and our motivation has been to provide quality accommodation for business people and holidaymakers."
Whakatane District Council public affairs manager Ross Boreham said the new motel was a welcome addition to the area's accommodation mix. "We were under-subscribed in terms of room availability because a lot of our good quality motels are basically full every week day with business travellers," he said. "But it also gives us greater potential for providing quality accommodation for visitors to the area who are here for leisure purposes."
Mr Boreham said the Eastern Bay of Plenty tourism market - taking in Whakatane Opotiki and Kawerau, but excluding Rotorua and Taupo - was worth about $90 million annually.
Whakatane accounted for about $80 million of the total. "In Whakatane, the visitor night spend has been trending upwards for a number of years even when it's been steady or negative in other parts of the country. Tourism is certainly becoming a much more important part of the economy here."
Mr Ross said the philosophy behind One88 On Commerce was to create motel rooms comparable with a high-end hotel, with input from Geoff Mackintosh of M Design. The property has 22 units.
The new motel is opposite Whakatane meetings facilities Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and the Whakatane War Memorial Hall.
