The Government of Queensland has shortlisted three bidders for a development project that will transform the Cairns waterfront and the region’s tourism industry
Florida-based gaming and hospitality giant Hard Rock International, Australian casino operator The Star Entertainment Group, and a Reef Casino Joint Venture will be bidding for the right to develop a Global Tourism Hub, an integrated resort concept spearheaded by the Queensland Government that aims to boost the state’s tourism industry and draw more domestic and international visitors who spend more and stay longer in the state.
The Cairns Global Tourism Hub will be located in the Tropical North Queensland area and will link the city’s Cruise Ship Terminal, the Cairns Convention Centre and the Central Business District.
The Queensland Government announced in the fall of 2017 that it would award a gaming license to a developer interested to build a hotel and casino complex in the Tropical North area after Aquis Australia withdrew its A$8 billion project for an integrated resort with a casino at Yorkeys Knob.
Commenting on today’s unveiling of the three shortlisted candidates, Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones said that all three firms named
“are companies with strong international and domestic reputations for delivering high quality mixed-use, hotel and entertainment and gaming project.”
Ms. Jones went on to say that the three shortlisted companies
“recognise that with the reef, rainforests and world heritage areas on its doorstep, Cairns has huge potential as an international hub for tourists.”
The Three Candidates
US gaming and hospitality company Hard Rock International has pursued expansion in Queensland for several years now. Hard Rock operates hotel and casino resorts in its home state, Florida, and is also looking to expand its presence in Spain and Japan.
Hard Rock was reportedly exploring opportunities to set foot in the Gold Coast, but has now apparently shifted its attention to Cairns.
The Star Entertainment Group, one of Australia’s two largest casino operators, is currently building a A$3 billion integrated resort in Brisbane and is expanding its existing Gold Coast hotel and casino operation.
A Reef Casino Joint Venture has also been shortlisted to participate in the bidding process for the Cairns gaming license. The existing Reef Hotel Casino currently runs Cairns’ only licensed Las Vegas-style gambling venue.
Local news outlet the Cairns Post reported earlier today that two of the shortlisted companies are in talks to merge their bids. When approached for a comment on the matter, a spokesperson for The Star said that they do “not believe there is room for two casinos in Cairns,” but refused to dwell further on the matter for confidentiality reasons.
The shortlisted bidders now have up to July to lodge full proposals for the development of a Global Tourism Hub. They will have to pledge a minimum investment of A$1 billion into the development of the complex. The winning bidder is likely to be announced in late 2019 or early 2020.
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