A minimal disruption for guests

THE first major refurbishment of Fitzroy Island Resort is set to bolster confidence in the Far North tourism market.

Newly-appointed chief executive Glen Macdonald, previously the business’ general manager for six years, has returned after a self-imposed sabbatical.

“Given my understanding of the resort and having worked there from its infancy, I’m the one who had built it up, I think it’s quite exciting, something that bolsters our existence from a local perspective,” he said.

“And from a local business perspective it is also very encouraging to see the owners are investing in the business.

“We have a very strong local market and this is just going to enhance it, it is something new and fresh.

“The resort was built in 2008, and has had some improvements to the actual infrastructure of the property and minor changes to the rooms previously, but this is a complete refurb.”

Mr Macdonald said guests would not be impacted.

“The importance is to show we’re building the business to the next stage and growing the demand of the business,” he said.

“Essentially, we will have a block in between, so guests won’t hear anything.

“We have a big local market through our local membership program and we are a destination liked by domestic and international tourists and locals alike. The resort itself employs 80 people and obviously during the refurbishment we will be employing locals.”