A new $440 million 6-star hotel planned for the Gold Coast is the latest new project for Queensland's tourism industry, with $13 billion in infrastructure in the pipeline.
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Aquis Australia has unveiled plans for a new hotel at the site of the Pacific Point apartment complex and adjoining properties at Main Beach Parade, Surfers Paradise.
Under the proposal, the current tower will be demolished to make way for a 48-storey complex, including 580 hotel rooms and suites, bars, dining areas, a rooftop with an outdoor cinema and karaoke.
A development application is set to be lodged with the Gold Coast City Council on Friday.
Aquis Australia chairman Tony Fung said it would be the first six-star beachfront hotel in Australia and target "super luxe" international travellers.
Mr Fung promoted the fact the project, designed by architects Woods Bagot, would not be linked to a casino.
"Not all new visitors to Queensland will want to stay in a casino," he said.
"Our project's unique beachfront location will make the Gold Coast's beautiful beaches the star attraction, not pokies."
Aquis has spent almost a year negotiating with the owners in the existing tower to acquire all the apartments.
Pending approval, the project is expected to start construction in 2018.
Mr Fung, a Hong Kong billionaire, has previously tried to build an $8 billion integrated casino resort in Cairns, but notified the state government it would no longer seek a casino licence for the development at Yorkeys Knob.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the Aquis project at Main Beach and said he was all about "jobs, jobs, jobs".
Gold Coast Tourism Corporation chief executive officer Martin Winter said a six-star hotel on the beach would appeal to the increasing number of luxury-seeking visitors.
It comes as figures provided by the state government show $13 billion in tourism infrastructure is in the pipeline across Queensland, an increase of $1 billion on last year.
Key projects in the pipeline include the $3 billion Queen's Wharf development, $600 million Lindeman Island upgrade, $2 billion Laguna Quays Whitsundays upgrade, $1 billion Songcheng Group theme park on the Gold Coast, $50 million Cairns Aquarium, $1 billion Jewel development on the Gold Coast and the $100 million Luggage Point cruise terminal.
The investment "pipeline" includes projects across the state that have secured capital and have a high probability of completion, although they are in various stages of development and assessment.
There are also upgrades planned for the Cairns, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast airports and 600 extra airline seats into Queensland since February 2015.
It comes on the back of strong international and domestic visitor numbers and spending.
In the year to September 2016, 2.5 million international visitors spent $5.2 billion (up 10.6 per cent), while 20 million domestic visitors spent $14.7 billion (up 3.4 per cent).
Acting Tourism Minister Leeanne Enoch said international and Australian tourists could not get enough of Queensland with record visitors coming to the state in 2016.
"Now investors are recognising Queensland tourism's ability to drive growth," Ms Enoch said.
"With more than $13 billion in new hotel and resort investment on the books, the future looks bright."
