Pacific International Hotel in $10m revam

The owners of the first international hotel in Cairns have shaken off the tourism blues and will today reveal a $10 million upgrade to its conference centre.

The upgraded centre and events facility occupies the entire third floor of the Pacific International Hotel on the Esplanade.

Executive director Paul Kamsler jr said the refurbishment, started in 2008 and done in five stages, was a significant commitment by the family owned hotel.

"For us the global financial crisis commenced in August 2007 with the first stock market correction," he said.

"Our board took a contrarian's view to the future of tourism and that was, while others froze investment, we chose to commit and invest now while the going was tough to be ready for the eventual future upswing. We have achieved this at an investment of around $10 million."

Mr Kamsler said the hotel was now looking forward to the future as a leaner and meaner business with aggressive plans to drive its brand in the market place.

"History shows that tourism will bounce back. The next property boom will be bigger than the last and we are ready to meet the challenge," he said.

Mr Kamsler said the hotel had to cut back staff to about 80 full-time and 40 casual and part-time staff but the revamped centre had resulted in new business and extra staff being hired.

The Pacific Conference and Events Centre was a "back-to-bare concrete" refurbishment involving interior designer Suzanne Dawson of StoneEdge and specialist builders Paul Brookes Construction.

Now offering eight versatile spaces, the new centre features high-quality furnishings and contemporary decor.

The hotel's ballroom will accommodating up 180 people banquet style and 315 people theatre style.

It will be suitable for larger-scale corporate and social events and on top of the six conference rooms, is ideal for break-out sessions, meetings and seminars.

The hotel's poolside terrace, which offers views over the Cairns waterfront, can cater for up to 100 people.

It features a contemporary design and offers an indoor/outdoor option for delegates using the conference rooms.

Mr Kamsler said five of the spaces were on the same level and could be combined to create a "super space" for conferences and events that required flexibility and the need for break-outs.

"We believe it is the most versatile space available in Cairns, a floor area that can be compact yet flexible, stylish and very impressive.

"When the Pacific International opened 30 years ago it caused a sensation. Its features and facilities were new and cutting edge.

"Now with the opening of the newly built Pacific conference and events centre we will regain our prominence offering greater value for money, attention to detail and more personal service."

Other features include wireless internet as well as video conferencing and high definition projection.

C-Bus lighting and energy control systems have also been installed, allowing for the zoning of lights and the pre-setting of different atmospheres to all areas.

The 30-year old pool terrace has modern grey tiles and an expansive all weather sun deck.

Extensive refurbishment work of the hotel’s lobby and facade will be undertaken within the next 12 months.

"We will be opening up the lobby with a more user friendly space and modern decor to compliment the conference rooms refurbishment," Mr Kamsler said.

Source: Cairns.com.au, 16 May 2012