Wyndham has officially marked the opening of the Ramada Port Douglas resort in North Queensland.
The company has invested over AUD$16 million in the acquisition and an extensive refurbishment of the property since mid 2011.
The extensive refurbishment project included the conversion of 194 hotel rooms into 86 apartments comprising 15 studio apartments, 34 one-bedroom apartments and 37 two-bedroom apartments.
David Kempton, Member for Cook, (representing Jann Stuckey, Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games), joined tourism and local Government representatives on Thursday, June 20 at an official opening function at the property.
Michael Trout, Member for Barron River was also in attendance at the function, which showcased the results of the resort’s AUD$7.3 million refurbishment.
Ramada Port Douglas operates as a mixed-use property in partnership with Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific, the largest vacation ownership company in the Asia Pacific region.
Wyndham Hotel Group and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific both form part of the Wyndham Worldwide Corporation family of companies.
In addressing the audience, Kempton welcomed Wyndham Hotel Group as a major employer in the region.
“I am thrilled to see Wyndham and its international brand, Ramada establish its presence in Port Douglas,” he said.
“The resort has already established itself as a premier resort for the region and has made great contributions to the community, the tourism industry and regional employment.”
At the official function, guests were given a tour of the newly refurbished and magnificently appointed resort accommodation, landscaped grounds, heated pool and resort reception.
Guests were also shown around the existing resort facilities, including the Tree Bar and Grill set amongst ancient fig tree trunks, swimming pool, waterfall and swim up bar. The resort’s wedding and conference venue and day spa were also showcased.
Sustainable initiatives in keeping with Wyndham Worldwide’s ‘Wyndham Green’ program were also highlighted, including in-room recycling and water saving measures.
CEO and Managing Director of Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific and Managing Director of Wyndham Hotel Group in the South Pacific, Barry Robinson, hosted the cocktail function, which was attended by local and interstate guests.
“We are very proud to showcase the new look Ramada Port Douglas as a premier resort in our South Pacific resort portfolio,” Robinson said.
“Through the refurbishment and service focused management of this resort we aim to further enhance the experience of guests who visit this very special part of the world.”
Ramada Port Douglas’ official opening marks yet another milestone in the company’s plans to expand Wyndham Hotel Group brands throughout the South Pacific region – the company currently owns, manages or franchises six properties in Queensland and 31 properties across the South Pacific with two more hotels in development in Brisbane and Mackay under its TRYP by Wyndham brand.