British multinational hospitality chain IHG Hotels and Resorts (IHG), has announced the signing of the first voco hotel, its fastest growing premium brand, on the Sunshine Coast in southern Queensland, Australia.

In a press statement, IHG says that it has partnered with Sydney-based developer Felix Capital to open its latest venture, voco Maroochydore Sunshine Coast in 2028.

Located on bustling Ocean Street, the new 153-key upscale hotel will form part of a mixed-use development that is set to transform the city’s accommodation offering to attract both domestic and international patronage, says IHG.

It adds that voco Maroochydore will also address the Sunshine Coast’s recent temporary local planning instrument proposal in response to the need for four- and five-star full-service hotels in the region. 

IHG says that with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games only eight years away, having the right mix of accommodation options will be crucial to deliver a successful Games and support the region’s economy beyond 2032.

Maroochydore will feature water views from lifestyle-led and locally inspired guestrooms

It adds Maroochydore will feature water views from lifestyle-led and locally inspired guestrooms and wellness-focused public areas including a picturesque podium-level outdoor pool, spa and sauna.

Cameron Burke

The hotel will offer a destination-focused 140-seat specialty restaurant and 65-seat lobby bar, located on the ground floor with direct pedestrian access to the vibrant Ocean Street. 

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the Sunshine Coast. The region desperately needs new accommodation product, and hotel developments like voco Maroochydore will play a vital role in stimulating the local economy. We are excited to help enhance the enviable coastal lifestyle that Maroochydore locals enjoy, and to be expanding our presence on the Sunshine Coast by bringing our fast-growing voco brand to this key strategic market,” says Cameron Burke, Director of Development, Australasia and Pacific, IHG Hotels and Resorts. 

“We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Felix Capital, and wholly support their vision to vitalise the Sunshine Coast ahead of its regional showcase to the world as part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Burke adds.

Michael Maroun

“I am thrilled to announce our second strategic partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts and see this innovative new hotel project come to life while creating hundreds of new jobs and showcasing the amazing attractions of Maroochydore. The voco brand is a perfect fit for what is set to be a vivid lifestyle destination on the Sunshine Coast, at a time of significant need for new hotels in the region,” says Michael Maroun, CEO and Founder, Felix Capital.

“Over the last few months we have worked closely with Sunshine Coast Council to ensure our plans for our second hotel in the Sunshine Coast are in accordance with their proposed Temporary Local Planning Instruments by accommodating leisure, corporate and commercial use. It is energising to see that big steps are being made in the right direction for the region’s growth and we are delighted to be part of its journey,” adds Maroun.

IHG says that its new venture will be located just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane and marks its continued expansion into regional Australia.

This is IHG Hotels and Resorts and Felix Capital’s second partnership, following the announcement in April 2024 of the signing of Holiday Inn and Suites Caloundra, Sunshine Coast which plans to open in 2030.