Bright Future for Queensland’s Tourism & Hospitality Sector
Image from Westin Brisbane, produced by Smith Madden Creative Agency
Bright Future for Queensland’s Tourism & Hospitality Sector
Recent years have caused much turmoil for the hospitality industry Australia-wide; and while we still haven’t seen the last of the devastating effects that the pandemic has left on the economy, Queensland business owners remain optimistic as they look to a bright future.
With Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing the government’s Towards Tourism 2032 strategy late last year, an ambitious target has been set to more than double the state’s tourism overnight expenditure to more than $44 billion a year by 2032.
Based in South East Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Smith Madden Creative Agency have witnessed first hand the devastating impact that COVID-19 has had on their tourism and hospitality clients. Closing out 2022 with an influx of new projects however, the agency is confident that 2023 isn’t just the start of recovery, but the beginning of an era of greatness for the sunshine state.
“We’re seeing confidence quickly return to hospitality operators across the nation, and businesses in Queensland in particular just enjoyed a booming summer season,” says Lauren Smith, Business Director of Smith Madden Creative Agency.
“Our hotel clients consistently at near capacity, even now still, entering March. A strong desire to travel and indulge in luxury experiences is still very strong, and businesses are enjoying the opportunity to connect inter-state once again.”
Sunshine Coast tourism in particular has recorded an “off the charts” season as visitors have flocked through the airport and spread across the beaches and hinterland. Visit Sunshine Coast’s CEO Matt Stoeckel commented on the recent tourism surge to the area, stating that near-capacity numbers were recorded over the 2022 Christmas and new year period, surpassing pre-covid numbers.
Understanding that this escalation in summer tourism has given businesses the confidence they need to operate and plan with conviction, Smith Madden Creative Agency is working with brands who are looking ahead to the prosperous future that South East Queensland offers.
“Some may say that these numbers are just a result of post-pandemic travel behaviour, but the truth is that the region is on the precipice of its biggest growth to date,” says Lauren.
“On the Coast, our CBD is in rapid construction, with greater infrastructure also taking shape as we prepare for the 2032 Olympic Games. A strong percentage of interstate buyers are prevalent in the property market, and new development plans continue to arise as we accommodate a growing population.”
Expanding horizons, the Sunshine Coast has changed a lot over the last decade, and continues to pave the way to a bold future. What remains consistent however, is its focus on one of its primary industries: tourism. While established brands such as AVANI Hotels & Resorts (coming to Mooloolaba Beach) and The Calile Hotel (planned for Noosa) are expanding their presence, new companies have also identified the fortuitous opportunities that lie on the Coast.
Recently, Bonza airline took to the sky for the first time, and Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive Andrew Brodie says that the airline will usher in a “new era” for the region by generating more than $86 million in visitor expenditure.
References:
https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/tourism/tourism-strategy/towards-tourism-2032
https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2022/12/23/sunshine-coast-christmas-tourism/
https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2022/10/21/world-class-luxury-resort-plans-lodged-for-holiday-hotspot/
https://www.avanihotels.com/en/press/220718---minor-hotels-announces-avani-hotel-in-the-sunshine-coast-australia
