Sheraton unveils plans for Hervey Bay Resort with Jamie Durie as Project Ambassador
Part of the $445 million Torquay waterfront development, the resort is set to be a 223-room five-star hotel, making it the largest and most luxurious new hotel between Brisbane and Cairns
In a major development for the Fraser Coast region, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, could be coming to Hervey Bay after signing an agreement confirming its intention to operate the proposed Hervey Bay Esplanade Resort.
Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, part of the Marriott International group, would become the operator of the 223-room five-star hotel component of the $445 million Torquay waterfront development. Sheraton Hervey Bay would be the largest and most luxurious new hotel between Brisbane and Cairns.
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Adding to the allure of the project is the involvement of Jamie Durie, an international award-winning designer, television host, environmentalist, and author, who has been appointed as an ambassador for the project. Durie will be designing a world-class Oasis recreational area for the new Sheraton Hervey Bay resort.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Sheraton Hotels and Resorts and developer Sunny Beach Land, following a rigorous international search for the right partner to manage the resort.
If the plans come to fruition, Hervey Bay would only be the fifth Sheraton location in Australia, joining prestigious properties such as the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resorts on the Gold Coast and in Port Douglas, the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, and the Sheraton Melbourne Hotel.
Marriott International, the world’s largest hospitality company, with 32 brands, 8,900 hotels, and 800,000 people across 140 countries, is recognized as the global leader in the five-star and luxury accommodation sectors.
The proposed Sheraton Hervey Bay resort aims to offer not only luxury rooms with bay views but also a range of amenities including a resort pool, fitness center, business lounge, world-class conference and function space, kids club, signature restaurant, and a destination rooftop bar overlooking the bay. Additionally, a dedicated tour desk would facilitate trips to the region’s attractions, including K’gari and whale watching.
The potential economic and social benefits of the project have garnered strong community support ahead of the local government elections. Thousands of locals have backed the need for a luxury five-star offering in the region.
Sunny Beach Land Director Dan Cuda expressed excitement about the announcement, highlighting its potential to firmly establish the Fraser Coast region as a world-class tourism destination. He emphasised the significant economic contribution Sheraton’s presence could make to the local economy, businesses, and employment opportunities.
Richard Crawford, Vice President Hotel Development Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International, echoed these sentiments, expressing confidence in Hervey Bay’s outlook and Sunny Beach Land’s vision for the project.
He said: “Hervey Bay is a destination with excellent prospects for growth and long-term success, however, its lack of high-quality accommodation has diminished the city’s appeal to affluent travelers, and it is missing out on the marketing power of international hotel companies.
“In Marriott’s case, we focus our distribution on our 200 million Marriott Bonvoy loyalty members, who represent 50 percent of night occupancy at our hotels.”
Jamie Durie also shared his enthusiasm for the project, he stated: “I’m thrilled to be working with the team on this project both on the environmental front and to deliver a stunning beach front oasis and recreation area to shine a spotlight on Hervey Bay globally.
“We all know that K’gari is paradise and with the internationally recognised Sheraton brand behind it the world will too. A destination hotel with the pedigree of Sheraton gracing the Esplanade in Hervey Bay will be a magnificent drawcard for tourists both across Australia and the world. Hervey Bay will become a landmark destination and a must-see on our international guests ‘visit Australia checklist’.”
With plans underway and strong community support, the Sheraton Hervey Bay resort project promises to elevate the region’s tourism offerings and position Hervey Bay as a premier destination on the global stage.
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