‘Sunny’ future bright after turning 50
Sunshine coast is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a series of events across the region along with the start of a number of major tourism infrastructure projects that are set to be ‘game changers ‘ for the region’s tourism future.
The region now spans from Caloundra and the Glass House Mountains in the south, to Noosa and Rainbow Beach in the north. It extends west to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and the Mary Valley, with the popular coastal areas complemented by the Hinterland’s rich agricultural pastures, national arks, rainforests and dramatic mountainous landscapes.
In 2016, the region attracted a record breaking,266,000 international travellers and over three million domestic travellers.
Popularity has spurred new tourism development plans including:
Sunshine Coast Airpot transformation: A new 2450 metre long and 45 metre wide runway will cater for large aircraft, and the terminal will be upgraded, scheduled for completion by 2020.
Two new 5-star hotel developments were announced: Starwood’s Westin brand at Yaroomba Beach, and a 5 star hotel is mooted in Mooloolaba.
$400 million themed water park on Steve Irwin Drive by SANAD Capital – Featuring a wave pool, interactive aqua play structure, hotel and function facilities, and is expected to commence in 2017.
World-renowned Australia Zoo: Planning to expand onto adjoining Beerwah site to provide a dedicated ‘live in’ experience for z00 patrons. The nature based project will consist of eight cabins, 32 recreational vehicle sites and 68 bush camp sites, a reception area and amenities.
New Discover Centre: Part of an upgrade of tourist facilities at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in the Hinterland.
New town plan concepts for Mooloolaba and Maroochydore
This year, Visit Sunshine Coast and the Sunshine Coast Council are launching a new Discovery Guide which provides a guide for visitors to retract the region’s heritage from sites.
Also launching is the Sunshine Coast’s new web-based Food Trail, which allows visitors to discover the region’s world class ‘paddock to plate’ food experience, including new schools, restaurants, breweries and providores.
An extensive events calendar will be announced shortly for the 50th anniversary, including major sporting, food and arts festivals. Already committed are international surf and triathlon events, the Australian Cruise Conference, Australian Events Awards, Australian Society of Travel Writers Annual Convention & Awards, and an all-encompassing Horizon Festival of Arts & Culture, which will showcase the local region in September.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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