Gold Coast-based hotel operator Mantra Group has appointed McCann Australia to its advertising account. The win caps off a successful six months for McCann, and bolsters the agency’s recent push into the Queensland market.

Mantra Group, the largest Australian based hotelier with 127 properties, chose McCann Queensland to help develop a new strategic and creative vision for the local group.

Mantra Group executive director of marketing and digital, Matt Granfield said, “This is an exciting time of growth and development for Mantra Group and the ongoing drive for the internationalisation of our brands, while building on our strength in the Australasian market.

“McCann Queensland understands the strategic vision we have for the next phase in the journey of our brands and we are confident in this partnership to realise our vision.”

Vicky Watkins, brand & marketing communications manager for Mantra Group, added, “Our three consumer brands – Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree – resonate well within their target markets and now is the time for us to capitalise on the marketing synergies that operating three successful brands can offer.

“We are very pleased to partner with McCann Queensland on this and work with a team showcasing an excellent track record in strategic marketing and creative execution. Supporting an agency with a Gold Coast base, like Mantra Group, is an added bonus.”

Queensland general manager Phillippa Netolicky said, “Matt and Vicky are both incredibly passionate about the Mantra Group’s potential as they face this critical juncture in their brand’s evolution. It’s a challenge we meet with equal energy as we bring our finest minds to the table.”

Queensland executive creative director Ben Davis added, “The McCann methodologies are a force to be reckoned with. This is a fantastic brief led by an engaged client. I know that great thinking, work and, most importantly, results will follow.”

Pictured: Ben Davis & Phillippa Netolicky