North Queensland investment to rise with the Cairns Global Tourism Hub
Contact
North Queensland investment to rise with the Cairns Global Tourism Hub
Investor confidence is growing in the government’s proposal for a Tropical North Global Tourism Hub with multiple national and international firms at the centre of the next phase of consultation, with the Cityport precinct near the expanding Convention Centre being the preferred development site.
-
QLD GovernmentThe Queensland Government’s preferred site at the Cityport precinct, March 2018
When the Global Tourism Hub’s (GTH) Registration of Interest process closed in January 2018, the Government received strong interest from local and international firms seeking to create a world-class and visionary precinct in the Cairns.
"That positive response reflected our market soundings and today we start the second phase by issuing shortlisted proponents Expression of Interest (EOI) documentation," said Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones.
Ms Jones said for probity reasons the names of the proponents could not be released.
“They now have until August 2018 to prepare their EOI proposals to demonstrate their vision, capability, capacity and experience to deliver the GTH.
The State’s preferred site is within the Cityport precinct, near the expanding Convention Centre.
Preferred site map. Source: QLD Gov
Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said, “I have backed a proposal for a Global Tourism Hub every step of the way and it’s great to know we have some of the world’s leading firms interested in developing infrastructure here in Tropical North Queensland.
“The government’s commitment to delivering a Global Tourism Hub in Tropical North Queensland is having a profound impact on the private sector – investors are recognising the exciting opportunities we have in Cairns and I have no doubt this will pay off in years to come.”
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said following the success of the 2018 Commonwealth Games showcasing Queensland to the world it was important to maintain momentum.
“Tourism in Queensland is a $25 billion industry and projects like the Tropical North GTH will ensure this industry continues to grow, creating jobs for Queenslanders and supporting our economy.”
The Tropical North GTH development in Cairns may include:
- Entertainment, recreational and cultural facilities
- Five- or six-star hotels
- Unique, internationally recognisable architecture with expansive high amenity public realm
- Integrated resorts, including casinos and gaming facilities
- Apartments
- Arcades, pools, salons, gyms and other recreational facilities
- Meeting and conference spaces
- Tourist attractions such as maritime museums and aquariums
- Theatre and convention facilities
- Cinemas
- Boutique retail
- Celebrity chef restaurants and bars.
CBRE's Paul Fraser and Hayley Manvell have added to the comments surrrounding North Queensland, who are currently marketing the Airlie Beach Hotel, and additionally Long Island Resort in the Whitsundays.
“A strong economy, well-planned infrastructure and desirable lifestyle make the Whitsunday Region an inviting investment environment, with Airlie Beach being a particularly attractive prospect as it is currently experiencing a rebound in tourism numbers,” Mr Fraser added.
GTH would be part of a wider infrastructure spend by the Palaszczuk Government including the adjoining Trinity Inlet upgrade and the Convention Centre expansion – all set to give the local tourism industry a major boost in coming years.
Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning said environmental approvals recently given by the Coordinator-General for a major upgrade of the Cairns port would allow a significant increase in the size and number of cruise ships travelling to Cairns.
“Overseas experience suggests the cruise ship project will deliver an $850 million boost to Far North Queensland tourism, with up to 100 extra cruise ships to berth annually in the Port of Cairns by 2031,” he said.
“This will potentially result in a tripling of the number of passenger days spent in Cairns each year due to cruise ship tourism – an increase of 225,000 passenger days each year by 2031.
“Our GTH opportunity sits right in the middle of the State’s $120 million upgrade to the Port of Cairns and the $176 million expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre,” she said.
“These projects will be game-changers for Cairns and for Far North Queensland tourism."
See also:
Queensland's Great Keppel Island officially up for grabs
