Until just over 50 years ago, our region was known rather unflatteringly as the ‘Near North Coast’ of Brisbane.
This was because it was seen as a ‘flop and drop’ escape for residents of the Queensland capital.
But lucky for us all, a few savvy property marketers thought that the ‘Sunshine Coast’ had a better ring to it, and after some negotiations the region became known officially as the Sunshine Coast.
Recently, when the Sunshine Coast was named as one of the venues for the 2032 Olympic Games, it caught many non-locals by surprise.
Known as a laid-back, relaxing holiday destination by most people, what many Australians hadn’t appreciated was that the Sunshine Coast had grown up.
Yes, the beaches remain as tempting as ever and you can be in rich tropical rainforest in the hinterland just 30 minutes after leaving Sunshine Coast Airport, but beyond the obvious beauty lies growing sophistication and a serious business side.
The new Maroochydore CBD is creating high-quality restaurants and offices for an increasing number of national companies that have decided to establish their base in this little piece of heaven.
Based in the centre, we are extremely excited to welcome the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast.
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Due to open next month, it will feature 181 guest rooms and suites, rooftop pool and conference and function facilities.
This is the first Suites product for the Express brand in Australia and will be one of the jewels in the crown of one of the nation’s most-advanced, 21st century CBDs.
The coup signifies increasing demand for new accommodation on the Sunshine Coast and it is timed perfectly to support the recovery of our tourism and hospitality industries.
Matt Stoeckel is CEO of Visit Sunshine Coast.
