W Brisbane opening, proof of a booming hotel industry

W Brisbane

The opening of W Brisbane – the CBD’s first five-star hotel in 20 years – is proof of the city’s booming hotel and accommodation industry says Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones.

“Today’s opening is a vote of confidence in the Queensland tourism industry and sets an impressive new benchmark in Brisbane’s high end hotel offering,” she said.

“The confidence in our state and in Brisbane as a tourism hot spot is buoyed by record breaking visitor figures.

“Last year we saw 7.9 million visitors to the Brisbane region – that’s more than a 15 per cent increase for domestic visitors year-on-year and a 4.6 per cent increase in international visitors.

“More people than ever before want to holiday in Brisbane. The industry has responded and that’s why we’re seeing a number of great new hotels spring up around the CBD.

“By 2022, our $3 billion Queen’s Wharf development will put Brisbane firmly on the map as a global tourism destination.

“Other transformational projects like Brisbane Airport’s second runway, the new international cruise terminal and the Howard Smith Wharves development will also help to drive visitors to the Sunshine State.”

W Brisbane features 312 guestrooms and suites with river views as well as three distinct destination venues.

The venues include the hotel’s signature dining experience - Three Blue Ducks as well as Living Room Bar which is a laidback lounge by day and a vibrant bar by night. Level Four’s rooftop WET® Deck is a destination bar for curated cocktails and barbecued fare.

“Today’s opening is a really proud moment for the Palaszczuk Government as we see the first phase of the Brisbane Quarter development come to fruition,” Ms Jones said.

“To cut the ribbon at the opening of W Brisbane this morning was a special moment.”

Located at the site of the former Queensland Supreme and District Courts, the location holds a rich history for Brisbane and the hotel is designed to appeal equally to the city’s visitors along with the fast-growing business and corporate market.

“Investors continue to demonstrate their confidence in the strength of Queensland’s $25 billion tourism industry, with a pipeline of more than 30 tourism infrastructure projects valued at over $14 billion to be delivered by 2022,” Ms Jones said.