Daydream soft opening to boost Whitsunday tourism industry

Iconic Great Barrier Reef resort Daydream Island has re-opened for business after a $120 million rebuild by its owners China Capital Investment Group.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones welcomed today’s soft opening of the major Whitsunday’s resort that was smashed by Cyclone Debbie in March 2017.

“The re-opening of Daydream Island Resort is a great day for Queensland tourism and signals the rebirth of our Whitsunday islands following ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie just over two years ago,” she said.

“The Whitsundays will have three rejuvenated island resorts back online by the middle of the year. There is strong investor confidence in our Whitsunday region and investors recognise the value our Great Barrier Reef Island resorts bring to regional tourism.

“There is close to $1 billion in private investment currently planned or underway in our Whitsunday Islands resorts alone, and the Palaszczuk Government is supporting this investment pipeline through our own $25 million commitment to island resort rejuvenation.”

The soft opening comes after the State Government selected Daydream Island as the site of a $500,000 coral gardening initiative – a project that will enhance the visitor experience by developing conservation programs aimed at engaging tourists in coral propagation and recovery.

The Great Barrier Reef contributes $3.9 billion to the state’s economy and supports more than 33,000 jobs in the state.

Daydream Island Resort will offer 277 modern rooms and suites with three restaurants and three bars, and will support between 240-250 ongoing jobs for the region.

“I couldn’t be happier to see this iconic Whitsunday island resort reopen again, with the Living Reef experience – the beating heart of Daydream Island – also brought back to life and now bigger and better than before,” Ms Jones said.

The free form coral lagoon spans 200 metres, wrapping around the central building and holding more than 1.5 million litres of water.

“Guests will be able to experience the Living Reef firsthand accompanied by one of the resort’s marine biologists and get close to more than 100 species of marine life from a baby stingray, multiple starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs and reef fish.”

The official opening of Daydream Island is set for mid-June this year.

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