Queensland’s iconic Dunk Island is set for a major revival, following the island’s recent sale to Australian-owned international investment group Mayfair 101.
As part of the purchase of Dunk Island, Mayfair 101 will also acquire 200 tourism-related properties in and around Mission Beach, as part of its bold plan to redevelop the destination to become a “tourist mecca”.
To find out more about the island’s revival, Spice caught up with Mayfair Iconic Properties CEO Stuart Duplock for all the details:
What is the overall vision for Dunk Island?
The group has now embarked on a long-term plan to revitalise the local tourism industry, and ensure that Dunk Island and its surrounds return to their former position as the jewel in Australia’s tourism crown.
Mayfair 101’s vision is to position the Mission Beach area as a tourism mecca, and for Dunk Island to be one of the most highly sought-after island destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
This vision will see the creation of interconnected tourism experiences that celebrate the area’s unique natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle and famed ecology. The plan will be centred on a signature redevelopment of the Dunk Island Resort, supported by key upgrades to tourism infrastructure on the mainland.
Mayfair 101’s property development division, Mayfair Iconic Properties, will lead a redevelopment of the Dunk Island Resort and is exploring the possibility of up to two additional resorts to cater to luxury and family travellers.
What is the proposed timeline for reconstruction and opening?
Whilst a reconstruction start date is yet to be confirmed, economic modelling by the respected consulting group AEC Group indicates full development plans over a 15-year period.
In this time, the flow on from this investment will see the creation of 3,680 full time equivalent (FTE) direct jobs and 6,850 FTE indirect jobs in and around Mission each.
Are there plans to capture the corporate events market with the redevelopment?
We are primarily focused on tourism opportunities for the immediate future.
We have commenced discussions with a broad set of recognised international hotel and resort operator brands, the majority of which have indicated a keen interest to establish their brands in the Mission Beach region and on Dunk Island.
In time, these resorts will provide a superb location to host conferences and corporate events.
Where does Mayfair 101 aim to position Dunk Island on the luxury scale?
Across the region, the vision is for a series of interconnected tourism facilities that cater to a broad range of visitors ranging from camping and caravans through to ultra-luxury. Holidaymakers are expected to be drawn from both domestic and international markets.
One of the key opportunities we see is for a high-end beach club-style resort on the Mission Beach mainland, and already have interest in this initiative from recognised international operators that would provide immediate global awareness for the region.
This would be a unique offering in Far North Queensland and be a significant drawcard for the younger-end luxury market, a market that Australia currently doesn’t cater well for, leading to many travellers heading to Europe for winter as opposed to Far North Queensland.
