General Manager appointed for Mooloolaba’s most anticipated new hotel

KPAT Hotels, owner, developer and operator of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel – one of the most anticipated new hotels to open on the Sunshine Coast – has appointed Scott Wright as General Manager ahead of the property’s opening in April 2026. 

Unlike any other hotel currently operating on the Sunshine Coast, the premium new development will feature 180 rooms and suites and three distinctive dining venues, including a signature restaurant and bar located on the 12th floor, offering soaring views across Mooloolaba Beach.

The hotel will also offer a dedicated wedding and events space, plus a spa and wellness concept that is set to redefine the traditional spa experience. Positioned in the heart of Mooloolaba, the hotel is a short walk to the beach and only 15 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport.

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With a career spanning more than 20 years across Australia and New Zealand, Scott joins Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel following 15 years with the Rydges Hotels & Resorts group, most recently as General Manager of Rydges South Bank where he led the hotel to its strongest performance in 29 years.

Scott said the opportunity to lead Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel was driven by both the excitement surrounding the property itself and the momentum building across the Sunshine Coast region.

“It has been 30 years since the Sunshine Coast last welcomed a full-service hotel and more than 40 years since an internationally branded hotel opened in the region,” he said.

“The Coast has been ready for a hotel like this for some time and I’m thrilled to be leading the operations. Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel will set a new benchmark for premium coastal hospitality, offering an unmatched beachfront experience that feels genuinely connected to the local community.”

Kenneth Wagner, Managing Director of KPAT Hotels, said the appointment marks a significant milestone as Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel prepares to open its doors.

“Scott’s leadership experience and track record in driving high-performing hotels makes him the ideal choice to bring this landmark property to life,” he said.

“His appointment reflects both the calibre of the hotel we are delivering and our commitment to ensuring Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel opens with strong leadership, clear vision and a guest experience that reimagines hospitality on the Sunshine Coast.”

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Since joining KPAT Hotels in November 2025, Scott has been leading operational planning across the final construction and fit-out phase, recruitment and service delivery frameworks for the premium 12-storey Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel.

Construction is set for completion in February and has supported approximately 150 jobs, with 97 per cent of contractors sourced locally. Once operational, the hotel is expected to create around 140 full-time equivalent roles.

Recruitment for key leadership and frontline roles will now begin to ramp up, with Scott focused on building a team aligned to Avani’s people-first service ethos.

“Great hospitality starts with great people and we’re looking for team members with personality and a genuine desire to connect with guests,” he said.

“Skills can be taught, but creating the memorable experiences we’re looking for at Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel comes from human connection.”