New International Hotel Signals Sunshine Coast Tourism Comeback

Minor Hotels plans to open the Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel in April 2026, marking the first internationally branded, newly built hotel on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in nearly four decades. The 12-storey property, developed by KPAT Hotels, will include 180 rooms and suites located about 100 metres from Mooloolaba Beach. The opening will add much-needed accommodation capacity to the area, where large-scale hotel developments have been limited since the late 1980s.

The project is being developed under a franchise agreement between KPAT Hotels and Minor Hotels. It reflects a broader increase in investment in regional tourism infrastructure on Australia’s east coast. The Sunshine Coast, which continues to experience strong domestic visitor numbers, has seen few international operators in recent years. The new hotel indicates renewed confidence in the local market and growing demand for higher-standard accommodation options.

Plans for the property include places to eat, meet, and hold events, as well as wellness facilities like a rooftop pool, spa, and gym. The interiors will feature coastal-inspired designs and materials, combining comfort and functionality to suit both leisure guests and business travelers. The addition of flexible event spaces for up to 250 guests is meant to help the area's growing business and conference tourism sector while still being a popular vacation spot all year round.

Mooloolaba’s location provides convenient access to nearby attractions including Australia Zoo, Point Cartwright Lookout, and the Glass House Mountains. The Sunshine Coast’s ongoing foreshore revitalisation will also improve public spaces and beachfront access close to the hotel. Sunshine Coast Airport, located approximately 15 minutes away, offers direct domestic connections and plays a key role in supporting tourism growth across the wider region.

The opening of the Avani Mooloolaba is a big step forward for the Sunshine Coast's tourism industry. This means that international hotel chains are starting to pay attention to regional destinations again after years of slow growth. The new property could mean that travelers will have more options for places to stay, which would show that people are more confident in the long-term viability of Queensland's coastal tourism economy.