Outrigger Hotels & Resorts has reaffirmed its intention to expand throughout Australia following the signing of a Heads of Agreement with property developer Meridien to manage two new waterfront resorts at the $731.5 million Port of Airlie at Airlie Beach in North Queensland.
Located in Queensland’s Whitsundays region, Airlie Beach attracts around 1 million visitors annually and is widely regarded as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (pictured) and 74 islands that feature heavily in Australia’s international tourism campaigns.
Outrigger will initially manage Meridien’s Boathouse Apartments expected to welcome its first guests in early 2011.
The property, expected to be named The Boathouse by Outrigger, will have 56 two- and three-bedroom apartments spread across two three-level buildings.
The second stage of the development, the Port of Airlie Resort, will feature resort-style apartments, conferencing facilities, restaurant, bar, pool, full resort facilities and specialty outlets.
On completion, Meridien’s Port of Airlie will include a 289-berth marina catering to all boat sizes including super yachts, as well as 365 residential apartments, 15 absolute oceanfront homes, a public harborside boardwalk, beach and public parkland, a retail precinct and an integrated Fantasea ferry, cruise and bus terminal.
