Iconic Queensland tropical island destination Daydream Island Resort and Spa in the Whitsundays is set to be sold offshore.
Subject to Government approval, the resort will be sold to China Capital Investment Group for an undisclosed sum. Currently, it looks like the sale will take place in mid-March 2015.
Following an extensive international marketing campaign, Daydream Island’s long-time owner Vaughan Bullivant has secured a sale to CCIG Australia Pty Ltd and CCIG Investments Pty Ltd.
The new owners intend to continue to operate Daydream Island Resort and Spa and invest money into the gradual refurbishment of the popular resort.
“I’m delighted that we’ve found an investor that can continue to operate Daydream with the current management team and take it securely forward,” Bullivant said.
“Daydream Island has been a huge part of my life and I’ve put so much passion into making it a great tropical island experience but have known for some time it’s best for another owner to continue my vision.
“This is a great day for Daydream and whilst I’m sad to be parting ways the island has a very bright future.
“The new owners also have an opportunity to develop further the southern end of the island and offer new accommodation experiences.”
China Capital Investment Group, based in Shanghai, has several tourism assets in its portfolio, however Daydream Island is its first investment down under.
Chairman of CCIG Chuanyou Zhou said the company is excited to give the property a revamp.
“We look forward to improving the property and providing both domestic and international guests with a continued high level of quality service and enhancing their holiday experience,” Zhou said.
Bullivant bought Daydream Island in 2000, giving the resort an extensive overhaul to bring it up to international standards, and become one of the most sought after holiday destinations in Australia.
But the resort’s chief executive officer Scott Wilkinson said it’s still business as usual.
“We’re pleased to welcome a new owner who will continue to develop the tourism experience for our guests in our key markets,” he said.
“We’ve just experienced a busy holiday period and look forward to building on the positive guest feedback we continue to receive. Our leisure, weddings and conferencing sectors all have strong forward bookings for 2015. It’s going to be an exciting year ahead.”
Four and a half star Daydream Island Resort and Spa has 296 rooms and suites, each offering views of tropical waters or rainforest.
The island features beautiful beaches and rainforest, and has received its fair share of accolades, including the 2014 Whitsunday Tourism award for Best Deluxe Accommodation, subsequent induction into the Hall of Fame, and the silver award for deluxe accommodation at the 2014 Queensland Tourism Awards.
