NORTH QUEENSLAND
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Future proof
A wave of investment has arrived in North Queensland, heralding a new era of tourism for the region with some
major developments in the pipeline, writes Brittney Levinson.
A new aquarium, several new hotels and an
expanded convention centre are just some
of the developments North Queensland
will see over the next few years. The surge
in investment, particularly in the Cairns
region, has come off the back of a strong
tourism performance over the last few
years, according to Rosie Douglas, director
of business and tourism events at Business
Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef.
“The industry’s certainly bounced back and
that’s been a combination of the Australian
dollar being a lot more competitive, good
aviation access into the region through both
domestic and international terminals, and
the tourism industry in general has been a lot
stronger,” she says.
Add to that a push from the Cairns Regional
Council, who “led the way” by committing to a
number of projects in the city, and you get very
strong investment confidence in the region.
One of the most notable developments is
the Crystalbrook Collection project that
will see three 5-star hotels open in under
three years. The project will start with the
redevelopment of the Rydges Tradewinds
hotel, transforming it into a 311-room hotel
with a new 12-storey tower built alongside.
Slated to open by July 2018, the property will
boast a rooftop bar and lounge, and function
and conference spaces for 300 guests.
Another dual-tower hotel is planned to open
nearby in February 2019 with 222 rooms, 110
apartments, and function spaces, followed
by a 300-room premier hotel and street food
dining precinct set to open in late 2019.
Just around the corner, the highly-anticipated
Cairns Aquarium is taking shape, with
Mackay - delivering spectacular business outcomes.
Queensland’s 1000+ seat Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre offers an award-winning regional meeting venue option.
To find out more, call Nicky about famil opportunities on (+617) 4961 9761.
themecc.com.au
14 Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 4, 2017 www.cimmagazine.com