Joint release with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Michael McCormack MP and the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP

Business and leisure travellers are set to benefit from the Federal Government’s approval of plans to develop a new hotel and conference facility in the Gold Coast Airport’s terminal precinct.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new hotel will help the airport and associated businesses to continue to grow and thrive.

"The plans to build a 4 to 4.5-star hotel with up to 200 rooms and conference facilities will significantly increase the number of people doing business in and around the airport precinct while attracting more investment into the region’s economy," Mr McCormack said.

"Our approval of the Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) plans shows the Government’s commitment to supporting developments which will strengthen our economy and generate investment and jobs both during construction and into the future."

"Construction and ongoing operation of the hotel will have positive economic impact to the region through the creation of an estimated 64 jobs, as well as the likely flow-on benefits through the demand for day to day goods and services needed to operate the proposed hotel."

Forecasts indicate the airport will have approximately 9,000 employees by 2037 and contribute $2.3 billion to the gross regional product.

McPherson MP and Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the airport is a gateway to the Gold Coast region and will help benefit small businesses and tourism operators throughout the area.

"More and more people are coming to the Gold Coast and seeing what this wonderful region has to offer," Mrs Andrews said.

"More hotels mean more jobs – both in construction and ongoing – and that is good news for local small businesses and families."

Moncrieff MP and Defence Industry Minister Steven Ciobo said the region continues to be a destination of choice for domestic and international travellers.

"Our world-class beaches, restaurants and world-heritage nature reserves means the Gold Coast continues to be a tourism hotspot for business and leisure travellers," Mr Ciobo said.

"Tourism is the backbone of our city’s economy so it is essential we provide the infrastructure for the growing demand so our local tourism operators can thrive."

"The Gold Coast has a huge opportunity to secure more corporate travellers because we know they spend more, which is this why this hotel is great news for the local economy."

"It means more people will come to the iconic Gold Coast and we welcome the investment of more hotels and more tourism options for them while they are here."

QAL Chief Executive Officer Chris Mills said delivery of the facility would represent an important milestone in the development of the Gold Coast Airport precinct.

"The hotel and its integrated conference facilities will provide major improvements in terms of convenience and amenity for visitors and locals, particularly those who need to catch early morning flights," Mr Mills said.

"This exciting project is part of a broader property strategy for the Gold Coast Airport site, and associated landholdings, focused on further stimulating commercial activity within the precinct and accommodating the growth we expect will result over the next few years."

Media contacts:

Minister McCormack's office 02 6277 7520

Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070

Minister Ciobo's office 02 6277 7840

Mr Mills media [at] qldairports.com.au, (07) 5589 1414