NEWCASTLE Airport's first hotel will be crucial to the ongoing development of the Williamtown RAAF Base and the airport's future capacity to cater for international flights, according to its developers.
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The doors to the $18-million, 95-room Mercure Hotel were officially opened last Friday by Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair.
Developer Hilton Grugeon said the day marked many firsts, including overnight occupants and restaurant use, for the owners and Accor Hotels management group.
"The hotel is a fantastic local enterprise, employing around 50 staff and providing much needed accommodation just minutes' walk from the airport," Mr Grugeon said.
"It is also part of the larger aerospace hub being developed here in Williamtown to support the RAAF base and its major infrastructure development."
The airport's David Nye said that the hotel would provide great incentive for international airlines to come on board once the international terminal starts operations.
"The airport is currently undertaking a $14.5 million upgrade of the existing terminal, which will see the entire terminal as you know it today completely refurbished and having a hotel nearby has many benefits," he said.
Also attending the opening were Port Stephens mayor Bruce MacKenzie, Williamtown Air Base executive officer Wing Commander Peter Cluff, Mercure general manager Simon Glover, Newcastle Airport chief executive Peter Cock and representatives from the Worimi land council.
