Crowne Plaza Maroochydore to Boost Sunshine Coast’s Hospitality and Events Industry
Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast — A landmark hospitality development is set to redefine the accommodation and business events sector on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Global hospitality leader IHG Hotels & Resorts has teamed up with property investment group Felix Capital to launch the Crowne Plaza Maroochydore, a high-end hotel poised to open in 2028.
This new venture is more than a standard hotel project; it’s a strategic response to the growing needs of a region experiencing booming tourism and business investment. Positioned centrally on Ocean Street, the Crowne Plaza Maroochydore will be ideally situated near the Sunshine Coast’s central business precinct, pristine beaches, and emerging commercial infrastructure.
A Modern Hub for Leisure and Business Travellers
The new Crowne Plaza will offer 180 elegantly designed guest rooms, tailored to meet the expectations of both corporate guests and leisure seekers. These accommodations will seamlessly blend comfort and functionality, with thoughtful touches for business travellers, families, and holidaymakers.
For the business community, the hotel will provide over 770 square metres of flexible meeting and event space, including a 600sqm grand ballroom capable of hosting large-scale conventions, gala dinners, and exhibitions. This addresses a critical gap in high-capacity conference facilities on the Sunshine Coast, as identified by local stakeholders and supported by Tourism Events Queensland.
World-Class Amenities for the Modern Traveller
Crowne Plaza Maroochydore isn’t just about rooms and boardrooms—it’s set to be a destination within a destination. Amenities will include:
- A 30-metre resort-style pool and spa
- A state-of-the-art wellness retreat with gym, sauna, and treatment rooms
- Two levels of secure underground parking, enhancing accessibility
- Multiple F&B venues, including:
- A 210-seat all-day dining restaurant
- A 160-seat signature restaurant for fine dining
- A stylish outdoor pool bar and lounge
- A sophisticated lobby bar for casual business or leisure mingling
This comprehensive approach ensures that guests—whether they’re attending a business conference or relaxing on a weekend retreat—are catered to with exceptional service and choice.
Meeting the Demand for Conference Spaces and Accommodation
By 2032, it’s estimated the Sunshine Coast will require over 2,400 new hotel rooms to support expected economic and tourism growth, as outlined by the Queensland Government’s Destination Management Plan. Crowne Plaza Maroochydore alone will make a substantial contribution to this target, offering upscale accommodation while stimulating the local events economy.
Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts Australasia & Pacific, explained that this hotel redesign—originally planned as a voco brand—was adapted in response to input from the Sunshine Coast community and business leaders. “We recognised a strong need for a premier conference venue that could complement the region’s natural beauty with international-standard event services,” he said.
Elevating the Sunshine Coast’s Global Appeal
The development is designed to attract both domestic and international visitors, positioning Maroochydore as a competitive player in the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market. With Brisbane only a 90-minute drive away and the Sunshine Coast Airport expanding its international capabilities, Crowne Plaza Maroochydore is set to be an ideal base for both tourists and professionals alike.
Michael Maroun, Director at Felix Capital, highlighted that the acquisition of additional land allowed the team to expand their vision beyond just accommodation, integrating premium event facilities and enhanced public spaces. “We wanted this hotel to be a catalyst for regional growth, not just another property,” said Maroun. “We’re creating a space that brings people together—whether for business, celebrations, or leisure.”
Strategic Partnership Driving Regional Transformation
The IHG–Felix Capital collaboration is already shaping the Sunshine Coast’s future hospitality landscape. Their previous joint venture, Holiday Inn & Suites Caloundra, is slated for completion in 2030. With Crowne Plaza Maroochydore, the partnership is pushing the envelope on what a regional hospitality offering can look like—modern, luxurious, and designed to evolve with community needs.
Construction Timeline and What’s Next
The hotel’s construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with a planned opening in 2028. The development phase will focus on sustainable design, local job creation, and opportunities for small businesses in the surrounding precinct.
Local tourism bodies such as Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland have welcomed the project, citing its potential to attract high-yield visitors and support the government’s broader vision for a sustainable, experience-rich tourism economy.
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Year-Round Tourism and Growth
Once completed, Crowne Plaza Maroochydore will not only accommodate a rising wave of travellers but also act as a powerful engine for economic and cultural growth in the region. By combining international-standard facilities with local flair and accessibility, this hotel will become a cornerstone for the Sunshine Coast’s long-term development in both tourism and business.
As 2028 draws closer, the spotlight will firmly remain on Maroochydore—a coastal city that’s fast becoming one of Australia’s most dynamic destinations for business, leisure, and everything in between.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
