Australia's First Holiday Inn Express Hotel Set for Cockburn Opening in 2026
Western Australia is poised to welcome the nation's inaugural Holiday Inn Express, as part of a significant new mixed-use development in Perth's southern suburb of Cockburn. This landmark project, a collaboration between global hospitality giant IHG Hotels & Resorts and property developer SKS Group, will feature a 170-room hotel tower alongside a separate residential building, with the hotel scheduled to commence operations in September 2026.
Strategic Location and Economic Benefits
Matt Tripolone, IHG's managing director for Australasia and Pacific hotels, expressed enthusiasm about the hotel's strategic placement approximately 26 kilometers south of Perth's central business district. He highlighted that the Holiday Inn Express Cockburn represents a crucial addition to IHG's portfolio in Western Australia, emphasizing its proximity to key economic hubs such as the Australian Marine Complex and the Murdoch medical precinct.
"This partnership with SKS Group marks our first Holiday Inn Express in Australia, reflecting our shared commitment to fostering long-term value and enhancing our footprint in vital growth markets," Mr. Tripolone stated.
Expansion and Commercial Appeal
IHG, a global entity with 20 hotel brands across 100 countries, continues to prioritize expansion. Mr. Tripolone noted that the Holiday Inn Express brand attracts owners with its efficient operating model and strong returns, catering to the evolving demands of modern travelers. Meanwhile, Eugene Lim, chief financial officer of SKS Group, expressed confidence in IHG's ability to deliver robust commercial outcomes, citing the brand's proven track record and powerful distribution platform as ideal for their investment strategy.
"We are excited to reposition this development to Holiday Inn Express and anticipate welcoming guests later this year," Mr. Lim added.
This development underscores the growing hospitality sector in Perth, offering enhanced accommodation options for both business and leisure visitors in the region.
