EVT hospitality strikes deal with Schwartz hotels

Event Hospitality and Entertainment (EVT) has struck a deal with Dr Jerry Schwartz to appoint its hotel brand, Rydges, as the new operator of the Hunter Valley Resort.

The resort is currently operated by IHG as Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.

Schwartz owns the sprawling property which has 414 guest rooms including villas and suites, and the purpose-built Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre.

It also comes with a water park, mini-train, carousel, a converted tug boat, the Water Dragons kids club, pony rides and the new Hunter Valley Kids Cottage.

The ASX-listed EVT group has a market value of $2.13 billion and owns and manages an array of hotel brands, cinemas including the IMAX, Event and Moonlight brands, and a $2 billion property portfolio.

It has been expanding its hotel operations, having identified the sector as a growth engine with the return of international travellers.

Once rebranded, the Rydges Hunter Valley will be the fifth property that EVT manage for the Schwartz Family Company, and the multi-year partnership also includes a management extension for Rydges World Square Sydney and Rydges Sydney Central.

Norman Arundel, EVT director of Hotels and Resorts, said the group was “thrilled” to be appointed to operate another of SFC’s major hospitality assets.