By James Wilkinson in Noosa

It has been a top domestic conference spot for decades, but now Noosa is gearing up for its biggest year since the opening of the Sheraton in 1989 thanks to the arrival of Quay West and Outrigger in the Sunshine Coast town.

Key MICE focus: Quay West Resort and Spa Noosa

Like many of the region’s big-brand properties – such as Hyatt Regency Coolum and Novotel Twin Waters – Quay West Resort and Spa Noosa has high expectations for 2010 on the MICE market in particular, as the segment continues to come back with a vengeance.

“We hold very strong expectations for the MICE market especially given that Quay West Resort and Spa Noosa is the first new property in ten years providing dedicated and potentially exclusive meeting facilities for the mid-scale meetings and incentive market,” the property’s General Manager, Simon Brown, exclusively told SpiceNews.

“The domestic leisure market will generate the strongest demand, however we are confident that conference demand will grow significantly and will represent 30 per cent of demand within a 12 month timeline.

“This expectation is supported by the initial enquiries which are in line or marginally ahead of expectation,” he said.

Noosa’s popularity for short breaks, team building escapes and mini-conferences is also a significant factor that has contributed to Brown’s confidence.

“The general demand for Noosa has stood up very well over the last 12 months which pays tribute to the reputation that the area has generated over many years as a year round destination for the predominantly domestic market,” he said.

Plus, having a resort that features the newest facilities on the Sunshine Coast is also a major drawcard.

“Catering for up to 240 delegates or simply a board meeting of 20, Quay West Resort and Spa Noosa has the most up-to-the-minute meeting facilities with state-of-the-art technical equipment and breakout areas which include a dedicated covered terrace area and alfresco lagoon areas,” he said.

“Alongside the facilities, this luxurious resort brings a new level of style and sophistication to Noosa for the MICE market and leisure guests.

“Situated on Noosa Sound and surrounded by the National Park Conservation Sanctuary, the Resort features easy access to water sports and an eco walking with vista vantage points to soak up the Noosa way of life,” he said.

Noosa is also one of Australia’s most affordable leisure and MICE destinations, thanks to low-cost airfares and ongoing sales from Jetstar and Virgin Blue. And this is one of the factors, Brown said, of why he is confident of a positive 2010 for the brand new property.

“The resort opened on March 29, 2010 and initial indications are very positive with the first months trading exceeding budgeted occupancy demand,” he said. “We carry a very confident expectation that the property will trade on market within the initial 12- to 18-month period.

He has also been pleased with the initial guest response.

“The guest response has been very encouraging, especially to the accommodation which is apartment in style and offers a full range of facility in a contemporary coastal style,” he said.

“The response to Restaurant Aroona has also been very positive to the modern Australian cuisine served in a chic environment,” Brown said.

Getting the dining right is certainly a major key to success, particularly when Noosa offers some of Queensland’s top regional restaurants. With that tick of approval, Quay West Resort and Spa Noosa certainly is heading in the right direction.