The inaugural 80 TWENTY Hotel Conference kicked off this week and the whole day event held at The Star Gold Coast has proven a huge success, attracting over 150 delegates.
AccomNews was there to hear from industry experts and leaders about how they view the “new normal” beyond COVID-19.
Organiser and host Jude Bolger, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Nuvho, said: “It was a fantastic turnout at our Gold Coast conference that had insightful speakers and panellists discussing some of the current issues facing the serviced accommodation sector.
“The speakers and panellists were of an exceptional calibre.”
Nick McGuire, Manager City Economy, City of Gold Coast began the day with a warm welcome to the city and spoke passionately about the amount of investment and developments happening, saying “it’s an exciting time for the sector.”
He explained that the sector will benefit from support to the local economy, with investment in the Gold Coast Light Rail and Gold Coast Reef, alongside the expansion of the arts centre and theatre, plus new works in Cavill Avenue.
The council recently announced over $55 million investment to boost the city’s economy, in areas including marine, film, television, tourism, and small business. This amount of investment is great news for the sector because it promises to attract significant returns through greater local employment, more tourists and greater marketing exposure.
There was more exciting news about the future of the sector on the Gold Coast.
Next up, from STR, Paul Hammond, Business Development Manager Pacific revealed the extent of investment in the Gold Coast sector with well over 600 hotel rooms expected to open in 2022.
On developments Will Hoc Nhan, Chief S&M Officer from SPG Land told the 80 TWENTY audience why the major Hong Kong-based developer chose the Gold Coast to be the location for its planned $880-million, 800-apartment triple-tower Paradiso Place being developed on the largely undeveloped block on Ferny Avenue in Surfers Paradise.
He said that the Gold Coast attracted the attention of SPG Land because it’s evolving at a remarkable rate in terms of population growth and popularity with a high level of recent investment in infrastructure, and of course the 2032 Olympics.
He considers iconic Surfers Paradise to be overdue for renewal, with the destination encompassing all the fundamentals to be great once again. He added that having now lived on the Gold Coast for some time, he also recognises what a great lifestyle it offers.
Throughout the day key issues such as managing the staffing crisis, revenue management, marketing, and sustainability were discussed by panels comprising of operators, and interesting leaders from across the accommodation sector, including hotels, caravan parks, and the wellness industry, who contributed their unique insights.
Jude Bolger thanked the event co-hosts, sponsors, media partners, exhibitors and supporters.
The next 80 TWENTY Hotel Conference will be in Brisbane on the 16th of June 2022, at The Emporium Hotel South Bank. Find out more here.
AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.