Brisbane’s newest hotel is the face of boom, says Minister

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said today’s opening of the new $600 million FV by Peppers hotel in Fortitude Valley was evidence Brisbane is on the cusp of a hotel boom.

“Today’s opening is a vote of confidence in Queensland’s tourism industry and sets an impressive new benchmark in Brisbane’s quality hotel offering,” she said.

“With the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games just around the corner the timing couldn’t be better.

“This year there are eight new hotels opening in Brisbane including FV by Peppers.

“The confidence in our state and in Brisbane as a tourism hot spot is buoyed by record visitor figures.

“Last year we saw 7.9 million visitors to Brisbane – that’s an average increase of just under 14 percent year-on-year in the domestic market and 4.6 per cent increase in the international market

Ms Jones said new infrastructure projects would help to ensure demand for FV by Peppers.

“Investors continue to demonstrate their confidence in the strength of Queensland’s $25 billion tourism industry, with a pipeline of more than 30 tourism infrastructure projects valued at over $14 billion to be delivered by 2022,” she said.

“Current projects in the tourism investment pipeline are expected to deliver more than 12,000 construction jobs and more than 16,000 ongoing jobs.

“The $3 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development will put Brisbane firmly on the map as a global tourism destination.

“Other transformational projects like Brisbane Airport’s second runway, the new international cruise terminal and the Howard Smith Wharves development are set to drive visitors to Brisbane.

“We’re committed to investing in tourism so this industry continues to be a cornerstone of our economy. That’s why the Palaszczuk Government is tipping an extra $134 million into tourism in this term to strengthen our direct links with key tourism markets and continue to create new attractions.

“In our last term of government, we secured new flights to the tune of 740,000, generating up to $570 million for our economy. We’re investing $48 million to attract more direct flights and cruise ships to our state to build on the great platform we’ve built.”

Ms Jones and Mantra Group Chief Operating Officer Tomas Johnsson cut the ribbon at the official opening.

Located in Brisbane’s premier entertainment precinct the hotel incorporates 986 apartments across three towers and is designed to appeal equally to the Valley’s leisure visitors and the fast-growing business visitor and corporate market.

Mr Johnsson said the company was proud to have officially opened the new hotel.

“We are proud to bring the Peppers brand to Brisbane and officially open FV today,” he said.

“FV by Peppers is a landmark hotel which allows guests to enjoy luxe amenities like the heated u-shaped skyline pool and VIP private spa lounges overlooking the Brisbane CBD and River.”

Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447