The 173-room hotel is owned by Taisei Kanko Australia and recently relaunched as a self-managed, independent hotel after two decades of global management.

Macdonald previously worked at Fitzroy Island Resort, where he was general manager and then CEO for 12 years. He has also held management roles at Sheraton Port Douglas and major hospitality groups in Darwin and North Queensland.

“I was fortunate to lead the team at Fitzroy Island Resort as it established a new direction after I joined in 2011, and I am looking forward to being part of the fresh new vision for Cairns Harbourside Hotel,” says Macdonald, a long-term Cairns resident who has also served as a board member for the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators.

Taisei Kanko Australia has owned Cairns Harbourside Hotel since 1991, and the site’s facilities include farm-to-table Harbourside Bar & Kitchen; a swimming pool and spa; conference and function facilities; and water, mountain and tropical garden views.

Renovations to the guest rooms are also in the hotel’s future plans.