Business
28 February, 2024
Fresh future for hotel
AFTER a $28 million upgrade with more to come, the Holiday Inn on the Cairns Esplanade has been rebranded Cairns Harbourside Hotel.
Taisei Kanko Australia Pty Limited has also revealed that the 173-room property would be a self-managed, independent hotel.
To facilitate the change from global management to local management, one of Cairns’ most established tourism figures, Glen Macdonald, has been appointed general manager.
Mr Macdonald was general manager and then CEO of Fitzroy Island Resort for more than 12 years.
As a long-term resident of Far North Queensland and having served as a board member of the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators, Taisei Kanko said Mr Macdonald was ideal to deliver the future direction for Cairns Harbourside Hotel, which had played a fundamental role in establishing Cairns and Far North Queensland as one of the world’s most renowned tropical resort destinations.
Taisei Kanko is one of the pioneers of Cairns’ tourism growth. It has owned the Harbourside since 1991, expanding the property in 1993 from its original 100 rooms to 173 rooms, all with private balconies of water, mountain or tropical garden views.
The hotel underwent a $28m upgrade to the dining area with the Harbourside Bar and Kitchen offering a farm-to-table dining experience focusing on local produce with an extensive organic wine list.
Other facilities include a swimming pool, spa, conference and function facilities, and a CBD shuttle service.
Mr Macdonald said the owners would refresh the rooms, involving new furnishings and an upgrade to bathrooms.
He said that he was thrilled to be appointed general manager of a hotel that had played an important role in the city’s tourism development.
“I was fortunate enough to lead the team at Fitzroy Island Resort as it established a new direction after I joined in 2011, and I am looking forward to being part of the fresh new vision for Cairns Harbourside Hotel,” said Mr Macdonald.
“All the travel trends in recent years have highlighted visitors increasing desires for accommodation that captures the destination’s DNA,” he said.
“With the new brand image and the plans for upgrading the hotel, we look forward to delivering a very authentic tropical Queensland experience, through interior design, the food we offer at our restaurant, and warm and relaxed service.”
New signs will be unveiled as part of the relaunch rollout, and a new website – www.cairnsharboursidehotel.com.au – went live this week.
