New Gold Coast casino player emerges in bid for global tourism hub

ONE of the world’s most recognisable brands is chasing our second casino licence — and they reckon they’ll be bringing something vastly different to the Gold Coast.

US-BASED casino and hotel giant Hard Rock has emerged as a major player chasing the available second casino licence on the Gold Coast.

In an email to the State Government, city council and Gold Coast tourism leaders, Hard Rock International has flagged its plan to bid for the Global Tourism Hub.

Documents obtained by the Bulletin detail how the Florida-based company wants to build an “entertainment-centric” development much different to the Coast’s sole operator, The Star at Broadbeach.

Hard Rock had been “actively engaged” with the Government from the beginning of the expressions of interest process, which began two years ago.

Hard Rock Cafe guitar in Surfers Paradise.

Edward Tracy, the company’s CEO for Asia Pacific, wrote in a brief to the government and industry leaders: “What intrigues us is the holistic model presented by the Queensland Government for the IRD (integrated resort development) plans.

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“They made it clear that they are not setting out to expand the industry in its current form which is in saturation.

“That aligns with Hard Rock’s vision as we are not keen to build another property in the mould of the incumbent operators.

A fireworks display marks the opening of a casino at the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel inside the City of Dreams Entertainment and Casino Resort Complex in Macau in 2009.

“We believe Queensland has a strong market potential for a new product paradigm, one that is more entertainment-centric, not merely in physical amenities themselves but how they are delivered to customers.

“People flock to the Hard Rock because of the lifestyle element the brand exudes. The casino is but one among a plethora of entertainment options.”

When approached yesterday by the Bulletin, Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the Government’s position had not changed.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones at Parliament. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

“When we go to market on the Gold Coast, we’re making it clear that the focus should be on big-name entertainment, bringing the likes of Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Jennifer Lopez to the Coast to perform,’’ she said.

“This is the model that Hard Rock is currently building in Spain and that (US gaming giant) Caesars has at destinations all over the world.”

Mr Tracy said it was obvious that Ms Jones, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and the State Development team were aligned with their vision.

The iconic Hard Rock Cafe. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We believe (with) the proposed locations in Queensland, each offers its own individual charm and opportunity and I can envisage a Hard Rock product for each setting,” he said.

Daniel Cheng, the company’s senior vice-president for development Asia, wrote to the Government, council and tourism leaders to explain the group’s interest in a Global Tourism Hub remained high.

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Ms Jones visited the US in June and met several heavyweight figures in the casino industry in Las Vegas, where interest was expressed in the available casino licences in Cairns and the Gold Coast.

A licence is only likely to go to a proponent that fulfils a brief for extensive accommodation, dining, shopping, entertainment and gaming facilities.

“I would like to express our company’s utmost interest and support to the very exciting Global Tourism Hub vision which we strongly believe will complement Queensland’s existing world-class tourism assets and vault the state’s tourism industry to greater heights,” Mr Cheng wrote.

“We look forward to participating and contributing on this journey with Queensland. We have been very busy but would like to reassure you the Queensland GTH vision continues to rank high in our attention.”

Originally published as New Gold Coast casino player emerges in bid for global tourism hub