Australia. Bob Oatley invests in Queensland tourism with new luxury resort on Hamilton Island

Australia. Bob Oatley invests in Queensland tourism with new luxury resort on Hamilton Island
Tuesday, 29 May 2007



Supporting development of world-class luxury infrastructure is an investment in Queensland tourism's future, says Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech today told delegates at the Australian Tourism Exchange that Queensland was cementing its position as the holiday destination of choice for some of the world's elite.

Officially announcing the planned development of a new luxury resort on Hamilton Island, Mrs Keech said the luxury market continued to grow.

"More than 2.7 million visitors to Queensland stayed in a luxury resort or hotel in the year ending December 2006," Mrs Keech said.

"The new multi-million dollar 'Qualia' development on Hamilton Island is a shining example of how Queensland continues to deliver leading tourism developments to the world.

"The Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef are unmatched worldwide as a natural tourism destination.

"The beauty and significance of the islands and the reef are matched only by the quality and professionalism of the tourism experiences and operators that work within the region.

"I congratulate Hamilton Island owner Bob Oatley for investing in Queensland's tourism industry and helping maintain its position as a luxury getaway destination for international travelers.

"The new resort will offer exclusive premium five star facilities - something more and more visitors, both domestic and international - are demanding.

"And plans to partner with local tourism operators will allow the resort to deliver a truly unforgettable Whitsundays and reef experience."

Mrs Keech said the Beattie Government was committed to supporting private sector investment and partnerships to deliver luxury tourism infrastructure to the state. She said a key focus of the Queensland Tourism Strategy was helping the tourism industry create new economic, social and environmental opportunities for Queenslanders.

"International tourism alone puts more than $3.2 billion in to Queensland communities," Mrs Keech said.

"Tourism is our State's second largest export market and, in the past year alone, the Queensland Government has invested more than $985 million in tourism related infrastructure to support it.

"As a Government we are working tirelessly with industry to deliver new economic and employment opportunities for the State."