Ghassan Aboud, Chairman and Founder of Ghassan Aboud Group and the investor behind the three Cairns Crystalbrook Collection hotel developments, has made a fleeting visit to Cairns to inspect construction progress and says he is thrilled; both by how the projects are progressing and by the warm welcome he has received from the Cairns community.

“Cairns really feels like my second home. The people here are so kind and friendly,” said Ghassan Aboud. “I am also very pleased with the pace at which work is progressing. I couldn't be happier right now.”

G. A. Group's $370 million investment across the three Cairns Crystalbrook Collection hotels will generate 2,000 jobs during the construction phase and a further 500 jobs once operational.

While in Cairns, Ghassan Aboud and Mark Davie, CEO of Crystalbrook Collection, also hosted a business dinner to show appreciation for local partners who have supported Crystalbrook Collection since the beginning. Attendees at the dinner included Andy Taylor, Managing Director of Prime Group who are responsible for the development of all three hotels, John Morris, Wendy Morris, incoming Chairperson at Tropical Tourism North Queensland, Michael Huelin, Partner at WGC Lawyers and Danny Betros, Managing Director of Cairns at CBRE Australia.

“Acknowledging the local support is very important to us,” said Laura Davie, Group Director - Operations and Human Resources at Crystalbrook Collection. “As a company, we have always placed great emphasis on employing locally wherever we can and to creating future opportunities for that community.”

Earlier in the week Mr Aboud and Mark Davie were officially welcomed by the Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, and his Ministerial team in Canberra at Parliament House. 

ENDS

For further information or to arrange media interviews contact:

Katie Malone
Group Director – Marketing
Crystalbrook Collection
0424 927 964
katie.malone@crystalbrookcollection.com.au

About Crystalbrook Collection

Crystalbrook Collection is a portfolio of lifestyle hotels that like to think big and a little differently.  Extraordinary customer experiences, appreciation of the surrounding environment and location, innovation, design, with a playful touch of fun added in for good measure is central to the Crystalbrook Collection ethos.

Crystalbrook Collection is backed by the Ghassan Aboud Group.

Upcoming Crystalbrook Collection Hotels

Northern Esplanade, Cairns (hotel yet to be named) – opening 2018

Residing in a prime location on the iconic Cairns Esplanade, this hotel will feature 311 rooms, a lagoon style pool, exquisite restaurant and bar selections, a spa and special zones for children, recreation and quiet time.

CBD, Cairns (hotel yet to be named) – opening 2019

Positioned in the heart of the Cairns CBD, this 222 room hotel will capture the essence of tropical Far North Queensland. Perfect for business or pleasure, the development will offer formal and informal meeting nooks as well as dining options styled on the tantalizing flavours of Aussie cuisine with a touch of Europe.

Central Esplanade, Cairns (hotel yet to be named) – opening 2020

This modern, transformative 280 room property will offer diverse contemporary design, staying attuned to the needs and wants of the connected traveller. Dynamic bars, street food eateries and lounges will incorporate the authentic city culture while a contemporary wellness and fitness centre set within the lush tropical gardens will offer holistic health experiences including yoga and meditation.