Hotel developers are checking in to the Sunshine Coast
Investment opportunities are keeping pace with the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as one of the world’s most loved tourism destinations - and the timing has never been better to be a hotel developer in the region.
Incentives on offer
The Sunshine Coast Council’s Accommodation Hotel Incentive Scheme is available to fast-track development of four- and five-star, full-service hotels, supporting delivery of an additional 2450 premium hotel beds ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Take advantage of the concessions for application fees, infrastructure costs and certain permits – plus a dedicated team to support eligible developers through the application process.
The Sunshine Coast attracts both business and leisure visitors with its world-class beaches, thriving food scene and sun-soaked lifestyle.
A wave of new branded hotels is welcoming guests as the region enters an exciting new chapter for hotel brands.
Key developments are underway
The market is responding. A wave of branded hotel projects is now underway across the region.
Avani Mooloolaba Beach has already opened its doors. With 180 rooms, the five-star property on the Mooloolaba esplanade features four restaurants, a spa, rooftop pool and bar, plus a dedicated events floor. Mooloolaba’s beachside location and proximity to rapidly growing business districts are the perfect fit for Avani’s corporate accommodation network.
Crowne Plaza Maroochydore is under construction in the heart of Ocean Street, delivered by Felix Capital and to be operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts. The $150 million development – fast-tracked under Council’s Hotel Investment Incentive Scheme (HIIS) – will deliver 180 rooms, more than 900 square metres of premium meeting and event space, a 600 square metre ballroom, 30 metre pool and spa plus curated dining venues when it opens in 2028.
Holiday Inn and Suites Caloundra has received development approval. The 11-storey, 160 room hotel on Bulcock Street will feature a rooftop restaurant and bar, with ground floor retail and cafes. It’s the first project approved under Council’s Accommodation Hotel Incentives Package and a strong signal of the pipeline ahead. It is estimated that a hotel of this calibre would generate $29.5 million in annual visitor spend and support 165 ongoing jobs.
Opportunity on the horizon
Two further development opportunities are actively seeking hotel operators.
The Sunshine Coast Airport Hotel precinct is approved and ready, providing a prime gateway location adjacent to the region’s international-capable airport.
Sunshine Coast Airport is currently seeking the right development partner and hotel operator to bring this project to life.
A proposed $1 billion mixed-use precinct in the Maroochydore CBD has been earmarked as a Brisbane 2032 Olympic venue.
The proposal for the Horizon Centre includes a five-star hotel as the centrepiece, representing a rare chance to anchor one of Australia’s most ambitious Games-era legacy projects.
A golden ticket: Brisbane 2032
As a confirmed Co-Host City for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Sunshine Coast is set for major developments as part of an exciting investment catalyst.
Multiple events are scheduled to be held on the Sunshine Coast, bringing an enormous wave of athletes, officials, media and spectators to the region.
For hotel developers, 2032 represents a rare convergence of timing, demand and global profile.
Investors who move now will be positioned to capture the full upside of one of the world’s largest sporting and cultural events – and the long-term tourism benefits it will generate for decades to come.
The region already records some of the highest average daily rates (ADRs) in Australia, with strong year-round occupancy performance. Internationally branded hotel supply is in high demand and that’s exactly where the opportunity lies.
Sunshine Coast connections
One of the Sunshine Coast’s most compelling investment credentials is its connectivity.
Sunshine Coast Airport operates direct international flights to the Asia-Pacific region and New Zealand, opening the region to international leisure and corporate travellers.
Regular domestic services link the region to Sydney, Melbourne and other major Australian cities, making it easy for business event delegates, conferencing groups and high-value tourists to arrive directly at the door.
For visitors coming via Brisbane, the region is just a one-hour drive away.
Home to a population of more than 360,000, the Sunshine Coast sits within a two-hour reach of over four million people.
It’s a catchment that drives strong, diversified demand across leisure, business, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) and sport.
Let's talk!
Sunshine Coast Council’s investment attraction team provides a concierge service for hotel developers and operators – from site selection support to navigating approvals and making the right connections.
The demand is strong; the incentives are real and 2032 is on the horizon. If you build, own or operate hotels – Sunshine Coast Council wants to talk to you!
Want to know more?
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