In today’s competitive hospitality landscape, standing out requires more than just great rooms and ocean views – it demands meaningful engagement with community and culture. For Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough, a strategic partnership with RugbyWA has become the gateway into the world of international sport, opening the door to business growth, community impact and global visibility.
Launched in 2024, the hotel’s partnership with RugbyWA included naming rights for the inaugural Challenge Cup. But beyond branding, the hotel, saw deeper value access to a connected ecosystem that spans from grassroots rugby to the global stage of the HSBC SVNS, Rugby Australia and World Rugby.
In conversation with Rendezvous Hotel’s Director of Sales, Lauren Chaplin, she shared the business saw the larger scale benefits from community engagement. “In partnering with RugbyWA, we could see the benefits not just in engaging the local community in Western Australia, and in being able to give back to the community, but also one that includes national and international sporting bodies and high-performance teams. That kind of exposure can’t be overstated.”
From Accommodation to Experience: Creating a Hub for Athletes
Hosting international teams during the HSBC SVNS showcased the hotel’s unique position, not just geographically, perched beside the Indian Ocean, but as a wellbeing focused destitution for elite athletes. From wellness pop-ups featuring partners like Jack of All Fades and Solace Day Spa, to in-house entertainment hubs and rooftop film nights, the hotel offered more than accommodation, it delivered experience. “Many of these athletes had never been too Western Australia. We wanted to give them more than a bed – we gave them a taste of WA’s lifestyle,’ Chaplin said.
This strategy also created value for local businesses. By collaborating with community vendors and promoting nearby coffee shops and cultural events, the hotel embedded itself into the local ecosystem while offering a more holistic guest experience.
A Strategic Growth Lever
The results speak for themselves. The hotel’s credibility within the sporting ecosystem has already been translated into new business. The Manly Sea Eagles chose Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough as their base during a recent game at Optus Stadium and the Irish Sevens team extended their stay just to enjoy more of what Scarborough had to offer.
“Sport is about relationships. When you build those well, the recommendations and referrals follow. We’re now being considered by other codes and organisations because of the track record and location” says Chaplin.
For those looking to tap into the rugby network – Chaplin encouragtes thinking beyond traditional offerings. “It’s not just about your product. It's about how you collaborate, how you activate your surroundings, and how you create value beyond the obvious. We’ve shown that when you engage with community and think holistically, the return is significant”
For businesses looking to enhance their visiblity, credibility and connection with both local and global audiences, sports offer an underutilised but powerful opportunity. Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough’s partnership with RugbyWA demonstrates the value of aligning with international networks, creating memorable experiences, and leveraging to become a true destination for sports tourism.
