​Case Study: Pullman Rotorua- Elevating Stays for Mountain Bikers

Our concept art for how Pullman could create an impactful brand experience.

The Strategy
Pullman Rotorua joined the Whaka 100 as Official Accommodation Partner, tapping into one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest MTB events. With 94% of riders traveling from outside Rotorua, the partnership was a natural fit.

• Special Offer: A dedicated accommodation rate for Whaka 100 riders, valid for both the event weekend and training trips throughout the year.
• Premium Guest Experience: Pullman staff received rider start list info and briefings to personalize service—adding genuine touches like asking about race categories or goals.
• Dining Incentives: Guests were offered perks for dining onsite, encouraging use of the in-house restaurant and bar.
• Brand Visibility: The hotel wrapped its front doors with event-branded graphics—a high-traffic exposure piece visible to locals, tourists, and guests.
• Hosting & Networking: Pullman hosted the sponsor welcome evening with key stakeholders and the Rotorua Mayor, positioning itself at the heart of the MTB community.
• Influencer Integration: Key athletes stayed at Pullman during training visits, generating authentic social content that showcased the hotel experience to thousands of followers.

We created content on one of our key athletes attending to take part in the event, including his stay at Pullman.

Results

• 272 room nights booked via the Whaka code
• $70,000+ in room revenue generated
• Brand engagement with affluent MTB fans, key stakeholders & national businesses
• Additional F&B sales uplift from rider stays
• Differentiation through elevated guest experience

Impact
This partnership showcased how a luxury hospitality brand can become part of the mountain biking lifestyle—offering comfort, connection, and convenience to riders, while driving measurable business outcomes. The Pullman Rotorua stood out from the crowded accommodation market through thoughtful touches, authentic integration, and community involvement.

Sponsorship includes relevant digital and physical brand touchpoints, such as banners and flags.

As Rotorua’s premier five-star hotel, Pullman Rotorua sought to align with a partner that could deliver not just short-term guests but year-round visibility and loyalty within a high-value audience. Their goals included filling rooms, growing food & beverage sales, and creating meaningful connections with New Zealand’s passionate mountain biking community.

We worked with the General Manager and team to understand their objectives, create measurable KPIs and provide a number of ready-to-go activation and leverage ideas to make it happen.

Objectives:

• 🛌🏽 Increase room bookings year-round
• 🍽️ Boost food & beverage revenue
• 🙌🏽 Deepen connection with the MTB community
• 👀 Enhance brand visibility in Rotorua