Future Brisbane: State should be proud of its food and hospitality

Star Brisbane CEO Daniel Finch says the city’s culinary offering can shine in 2032 and the hospitality workforce will be critical to its success.

As Brisbane approaches the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, our city has an unprecedented chance to make its mark on the global stage.

The Games promise infrastructure and athletic legacy, but perhaps just as transformative is the opportunity for Brisbane’s hospitality industry to shine.

Drawing on lessons from Olympic cities in the past and my own experience in global tourism,

Brisbane can position itself as a tourism and hospitality leader with an emphasis on local culture and history, superb local produce and delivering relaxed but sophisticated experiences.

What sets Brisbane apart?

For starters, it’s the people and the weather. Queenslanders’ friendliness is unique and this is one of our greatest assets.

As we gear up for this global event, training our hospitality workers to amplify this warmth can create a genuinely welcoming experience.

A visit to Brisbane should feel like joining a community, not just checking off a destination. Imagine a city where every restaurant, hotel and bar showcases a sense of belonging that few other Olympic cities have achieved.

Star Brisbane CEO Daniel Finch

Brisbane’s climate is a crowd pleaser. The mild winters and blue sky summers make it ideal

for outdoor dining, leisurely city exploration and vibrant nightlife.

We should take this chance to reimagine our night time economy with extended trading hours, transforming Brisbane into an all hours destination where locals and tourists alike can enjoy our vibrant dining, retail and entertainment options.

Brisbane’s restaurant scene already boasts a unique local flavour, thanks to the region’s

world-class produce. With access to premium seafood, meats and fresh produce, Brisbane’s culinary offerings can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any city.

Our hospitality workers need to understand the importance and value of this and be proud of what we can offer.

This knowledge will boost the story telling for Brisbane restaurants and will help in delivering an authentic Queensland dining experience.

Reflecting on Olympic cities like Tokyo and Barcelona, which have become culinary destinations, it’s clear that the story behind the food is just as significant as the food itself.

Authenticity is key. By immersing visitors in Brisbane’s culture – whether through dining,

tours or hotel experiences – we can create lasting memories.

For instance, our collaboration with the Museum of Brisbane has led to art tours showcasing local heritage and First Nations artwork, seamlessly blending hospitality with culture.

In my previous role at Expedia, I saw how cities that prioritised genuine, immersive experiences left lasting impressions on visitors.

Star Brisbane staff Kaede Ishii, Vivian Vu and Jake Johnson. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The entrance to Star Brisbane at Queen's Wharf. Picture, John Gass

Brisbane has the chance to cultivate a similar reputation, where each hotel and restaurant experience offers a slice of our local lifestyle.

To achieve this, however, we must put customers at the forefront and focus on how we best

integrate all that Brisbane has to offer.

Investing in extensive hospitality training programs that build skills and cultural understanding is crucial. Our team’s pride in delivering exceptional service will set us apart and initiatives like The Star’s Culinary Institute apprenticeship program are paving the way for future hospitality talent.

With foresight, commitment, and a dash of Brisbane’s unique flair, we can ensure that the

world doesn’t just visit once – they’ll tell their friends, return, and make Brisbane a must-see

destination for years to come.

Daniel Finch is The Star Brisbane CEO