Tassie residents on a high after surprise Wintervention with AccorHotels

Residents from Waratah, Tasmania one of Australia’s coldest and wettest towns are still on cloud nine after AccorHotels whisked them away on a surprise Wintervention to the Gold Coast to mark the first weekend of winter. The group registered with Channel 7’s Sunrise for their chance to escape the cold to a surprise destination, but little did they know they would ALL get to swap their beanies for board shorts. AccorHotels and Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac pulled off an ‘Oprah moment’ revealing their lucky moment live on air, with the only catch – residents had to leave immediately. AccorHotels whisked residents away within an hour of the big announcement, chartering a private plane to the Gold Coast for an all-expenses paid Wintervention. On touch down in the Gold Coast, the ecstatic group were greeted by a welcoming party, with CEO of Tourism Events Queensland Leanne Coddington, Destination Gold Coast CEO, Annaliese Battista, and lifesavers bearing flags from Surf Life Saving Queensland. The lucky 57 Waratahnians were treated to plush digs at Novotel Surfers Paradise and chose from an exciting line up of itineraries that included theme parks, adventure and relaxing options thanks to the official partners of this once-in-a-lifetime experience; SeaWorld, SeaWorld Cruises, AquaDuck, iFly, Experience Oz and Paradise Jet Boating. Saturday night saw the group make their second TV appearance at Northcliffe Surf Club with local Channel 7 weatherman Paul Burt, and enjoyed front row views to a dazzling SeaFire fireworks display. “Our Wintervention for the people of Waratah has shown Australia how breaking your winter routine can create a truly amazing experience with lifelong memories. From a family of nine who had never holidayed together, to first time travellers outside of Tasmania, and a family reunited after two years apart, it has been an incredible weekend with our new Waratah friends,” said Bridie Commerford, Accor Vice President, Marketing, Guest Experience and Communications Pacific. “Exploring Australia is the best way to get out of a winter slump – from sport to shopping, bars to beaches, we have it all. We were so privileged to spend the weekend with the people of Waratah and hope their adventure encourages more Australian’s to plan their own Wintervention,” Commerford continued. Waratah is located in Tasmania’s western hinterland on the edge of Lake Waratah, and has an average winter temperature of a mere 4.9 degrees celsius. It stands as one of the coldest and wettest locations in all of Australia. AccorHotels is encouraging Australians across the country plan their own Wintervention by offering $25 off each night, with breakfast for just $1 at AccorHotels.com/Winter.