NEW-LOOK HOTEL ADDS POLISH TO TOURISM GEM

The Holiday Inn’s new look is another step towards the total rejuvenation of Surfers Paradise, says Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech tonight joined developer Jim Raptis in officially opening the refurbished resort which was formerly the ANA hotel.

“The spit and polish added by these refurbishments is further proof that Surfers Paradise is indeed the jewel in the Gold Coast’s tourism crown,” she said.

“The mammoth 10-month renovation effort has resulted in a fabulous new look for this iconic hotel.

“It has always been a favourite among visitors from around Australia and throughout the world and I’m confident it will now entice even more tourists to see what the Gold Coast has to offer.

“This is another step in the ongoing rejuvenation of Surfers Paradise, following the opening of developments such as the new Circle on Cavill.

“What an exciting addition to the vibrant heart of Surfers Paradise and a fabulous example of some of the big changes happening here on the Coast.

“These new developments not only bring more life and colour to the Gold Coast but define it as a region with many distinctive and unique districts.”

Mrs Keech said international and domestic visitors continued to flock to the Gold Coast, kept interested by new additions to the tourism market.

“It’s clear from the latest National and International Visitor Survey results that the Gold Coast’s tourism industry is booming,” she said.

“Nearly 40 per cent of all international holiday visitors to Queensland made a stop at the Gold Coast in the year ending March 2007.

“A massive 830,000 international visitors came to the Gold Coast in that 12 months, and the number of nights they spent here was up by a fantastic 7.5 per cent.

“Tourism expenditure was also up, with the industry injecting $747 million into the Gold Coast economy last year, which is a tremendous rise of $23 million or just over three per cent.

“The $2.8 billion in expenditure generated by domestic tourism in the region makes the Gold Coast the third largest tourism expenditure region in Australia.”

Mrs Keech said the industry would continue to grow with new tourism initiatives such as the Gold Coast Airport runway extension and terminal upgrade.

“This will increase the Gold Coast’s capacity for attracting international visitors enormously, and it’s a fantastic development for tourism in this region,” she said.

“No doubt we will continue to see major benefits from this project for many years to come.

“The Coast’s tourism industry is in great shape and the Beattie Government will continue to support its growth into the future.

“Tourism funding topped $50 million in this year’s budget – the second highest level ever – and shows the government’s ongoing commitment to Queensland’s second-largest export industry.”

Media contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 / 0439 761 416