Star Gold Coast expansion: China boom coming, we need more hotels

The boss of the Gold Coast’s existing casino and entertainment hub believes the region is on the cusp of a “golden age of tourism” with more hotels a must.

Star Entertainment Group CEO Matt Bekier said his company’s long-term $2 billion, seven-tower vision for its Broadbeach island site was backed by expected tourism visitor influxes.

Star is already expanding in southeast Queensland, building a $3b Queen’s Wharf entertainment and accommodation hub in Brisbane and starting a third Broadbeach tower in August.

“Where are they going to go, where are they going to stay? If you look at what’s holding Australia back in terms of tourism it’s the capacity and quality of our hotel offering.

“We want to ensure they spend the money in Queensland and stay with us in our properties — for that we need hotels, food and beverage more than anything else,” Mr Bekier said.

Star had commissioned research showing “a lot” of tourist expectations revolved around food, shopping and event experiences. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin.