New Esplanade Hotel shows trust on Cairns tourism

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

The Oaks Cairns Hotel is all geared up to open from September 15th, 2020. It’s anticipated to be a major addition to the recovering tourism scenario of Cairns.

This five-storey structure with 76-room development signals important hotel operator’s faith in Cairns future in tourism.

It just follows after the declaration of Queensland Government this morning to commit $11.3 million to boost up its tourism.

This multi-million-dollar package will finance shovel-ready projects at attractions like the Paronella Park, Wildlife Habit and the Undara Experience, and at the same time fund key events and reef boat operators.

The Oaks Cairns Hotel is on 59 Cairns Esplanade. It offers a panoramic view of the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and the Coral Sea. Local group Esplanade Central Pty Ltd is giving the $12 million development on lease to Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites, an industry leader in contemporary residential-style accommodation with 27 other hotels in Queensland.

Chief Operating Officer of Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites Craig Hooley stated that the company is hoping the return of high tourist numbers to Cairns.
“It has been a challenging year for the tourism industry with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting all hotels nationally. (We are) thrilled to see Oaks continue to move forward … offering a premium accommodation option from which to explore the region,” Mr. Hooley said.

Director of Kelly Development Services and expert in North Queensland development projects Paul Kelly confirmed that the hotel was important but essential venture for Cairns.

“New boutique hotel stock is a necessity for Cairns to reflect the changing needs of travellers and capitalise infrastructure and improvements taking place along the Cairns waterfront,” he said.

“Converting a former commercial and retail space was an effective use of the site, and with Oaks’ well-known brand in the region it was a perfect fit.”

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