THE Sunshine Coast is set to welcome a new five-star landmark after the region’s council yesterday gave approval for a planned integrated resort at Yaroomba Beach.
The coastal development will involve a 220-room five-star Westin Coolum Resort & Spa, as well as serviced apartments and extensive conference facilities, scheduled for opening in 2021.
It will be the first major international brand to operate in the area since the former Hyatt Regency Coolum was de-branded by its owner Clive Palmer in 2012.
Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) said the approval was a win for the region’s tourism sector.
“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.
“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.”
The resort will be about 10 mins from Sunshine Coast Airport.
Source: traveldaily