Event Hospitality has fully integrated the Jucy Snooze budget and backpacker accommodation brand into its portfolio having now fully acquired the label from founders Tim and Dan Alpe.
The accommodation brand known for its pod-style micro-hotel dorms popular with backpackers will now sit alongside Rydges Hotels and Resorts, QT Hotels and Resorts, Atura and the Independent Collection in the company’s hotel and hospitality division. The business will continue to be led by Alpe who remains in the role of “Chief Jucyfier”.
The acquisition applies only to the Jucy Snooze accommodation sector, with the company’s car and camper van rental business understood to not be part of the deal.
A spokesperson for Event Hospitality said the full purchase followed the initial 50% stake taken by the company in 2020.
“Event believes in a strong recovery in the budget market segment once international travel resumes and the timing was right to secure the remaining 50% at a favourable acquisition price.
“Jucy Snooze is at the forefront of the budget accommodation market segment offering an experience that meets the new and emerging needs of these travellers. We are excited about the ability for Event group to support Tim Alpe (original founder) who will continue to lead the business for Event and expand in the future.
“Jucy Snooze sits alongside Event’s current stable of award-winning hotels and resorts across Australia and New Zealand that include Rydges, QT, Atura and the Independent Collection by Event, rounding out the Group’s hotel offering across all market segments.”
Jucy Snooze is currently active in three New Zealand cities – Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch – with plans in the works to see the brand enter Australia.
The brand’s signature pods were custom designed to incorporate features young travellers were seeking, based on research and focus groups. Each pod includes a USB charging port, secure luggage storage space, power supply, individual lighting, temperature control, linen including a privacy screen and WiFi connectivity. Properties offer guests access to a restaurant and bar as well as communal areas for guests to mingle and socialise.