New luxury hotel opens its doors in Brisbane

The opening of the first international, brand name hotel in Brisbane in more than a decade has been celebrated as a major boost to tourism in Queensland.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said it shows confidence in the sector, which the Government promised to grow as one of the four pillars of the economy.

“I am delighted that the Starwood Hotel group has chosen Brisbane for its latest development – Four Points by Sheraton – in the very heart of our city on Mary Street,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Congratulations go to the Chong family which has shown confidence in the strength of the Brisbane hotel and accommodation market by investing in this venture.

“The Newman Government is working hard to maximise visitor numbers to the State and achieve our goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion in 2010 to $30 billion by 2020.

“The newly-opened Four Points hotel boasts 246 rooms and suites and is expected to contribute to visitation numbers by bringing thousands of guests each year.

“Today’s opening continues the resurgence of the tourism industry under this government, after it was neglected by Labor.

“This will also be a big boost for the local precinct and is another step in the revitalisation of this part of the city’s CBD, which will see significant redevelopment in the coming years.”

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Regional Vice President Pacific Sean Hunt said he was delighted with the opening of this landmark property in one of Australia’s most vibrant and economically robust cities.

“Brisbane attracts both business and leisure travellers and Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane is ideally positioned to cater to these different markets with a range of signature offerings, including great rates and comfortable accommodation,” Mr Hunt said.

Ms Stuckey said the Queensland Government was committed to attracting more quality developments.

“Just recently, I launched the Queensland Government’s  20 year plan for tourism -  Destination Success - which includes a series of actions that will confirm Queensland’s status as the number one choice of domestic and international visitors,” Ms Stuckey said.

“With so many high profile events on our calendar, including the G20 later this year, the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the ongoing Anzac Centenary occasions, there is a need for more world-class hotel developments. The Four Points by Sheraton certainly addresses that opportunity.”

[ENDS] 4 March 2014

Media contact: Natalie Wynne 0439 291 268