Established Cairns’ hotel owner, Taisei Kanko Australia Pty Limited, announced that their Cairns hotel has relaunched as a self-managed, independent hotel to be branded as Cairns Harbourside Hotel.

The Hotel previously operated as a Holiday Inn.

To facilitate the change from global management to local management, one of Cairns’ most established tourism figures, Glen Macdonald, has been appointed General Manager.

Mr Macdonald was General Manager and then CEO of Fitzroy Island Resort for over 12 years, significantly enhancing the resort’s performance through innovative management and marketing.

As a long-term resident of Far North Queensland and having served as a Board member of the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators, Mr Macdonald is ideal to deliver the future direction for Cairns Harbourside Hotel, which has played a fundamental role in establishing Cairns and Far North Queensland as one of the world’s most renowned tropical resort destinations.

Taisei Kanko is one of the pioneers of Cairns’ tourism growth, having owned the Harbourside since 1991, expanding the property in 1993 from its original 100 rooms to 173 rooms, all with private balconies to enjoy the water, mountain and tropical garden views.

Cairns Harbourside Hotel is located on Cairns’ famous Esplanade, which recently completed a $28 million upgrade to enhance the area’s vibrant dining scene.

The Hotel’s own Harbourside Bar & Kitchen offers a distinctive Farm-to-Table dining experience focusing on local produce with an extensive organic wine list, served against a backdrop of Trinity Bay.

Other facilities available to guests staying at the Hotel include a swimming pool, spa, conference and function facilities, and a CBD shuttle service.

With new management in place, Taisei Kanko will now look to establish the property as an independent hotel that captures the tropical Cairns ambience.

New signage will be unveiled as part of the relaunch rollout, and a new website – www.cairnsharboursidehotel.com.au – went live today.

Additionally, the owners will commence plans for a refresh of rooms, involving new furnishings and an upgrade to bathrooms.

Mr Macdonald said that he is thrilled to be appointed General Manager of a hotel that has played such an important role in Cairns’ tourism development.

“I was fortunate enough to lead the team at Fitzroy Island Resort as it established a new direction after I joined in 2011, and I am looking forward to being part of the fresh new vision for Cairns Harbourside Hotel,” said Mr Macdonald.

“All the travel trends in recent years have highlighted visitors increasing desires for accommodation that captures the destination’s DNA. With the new brand image and the plans for upgrading the Hotel, we look forward to delivering a very authentic Tropical Queensland experience, through interior design, the food we offer at our restaurant, and warm and relaxed service.”