New Westin resort set to boost Sunshine Coast conference growth

Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) has declared the decision by Sunshine Coast Council to approve the Westin integrated resort development a win for the region’s tourism sector and the overall community.

Sunshine Coast Council yesterday approved the development of the Yaroomba Beach project, which will create a new coastal village just ten minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport comprising a 220 room 5-Star Westin Coolum Resort & Spa, serviced apartments and extensive conference and recreation facilities.

The hotel is expected to be completed by 2021.

“The go-ahead for the Westin resort is an endorsement of the region’s commitment to sensitive and appropriate tourism development,” said VSC CEO, Simon Latchford.

“Councillors deserve high praise for their careful consideration of both the Westin and Badderam resort developments, because while the region is in desperate need for new high-quality tourism accommodation, we also believe that it is essential for projects to be appropriate to the Sunshine Coast’s character.

“Both projects have gone out of their way to incorporate industry-leading environmental initiatives, and both significantly changed their original plans as a result of community and Council feedback.

“The new Westin resort will play a fundamental role in attracting domestic and international business to the Sunshine Coast – particularly high-yielding conference and incentive business, which was deeply impacted by the departure of the Hyatt brand from Coolum.

“The Sunshine Coast has not had a new-build internationally branded hotel for over three decades, which has put our tourism sector at a major disadvantage compared to other Australian destinations.

“With the upgraded Sunshine Coast Airport project underway, it was imperative that we backed up this era-changing decision with suitable new upmarket accommodation, and Council has now delivered two quality projects.

“We are hopeful that other proposed tourism accommodation projects will also come to fruition as the new airport and upgraded road and rail access give the Sunshine Coast an unmatched opportunity to revolutionise our tourism sector and deliver long-term, sustainable economic and jobs growth for the whole community.

”The massive upgrade to our tourism infrastructure will allow us to win larger conferences and events and will also benefit many complementary businesses across the Coast.  It is a very exciting time to be part of the Sunshine Coast tourism sector.”