28 February 2024 – Prominent Cairns hotel and tourism executive, Glen Macdonald, has been appointed General Manager of Cairns Harbourside Hotel.
The long-established hotel, owned by Taisei Kanko Australia Pty Limited, recently relaunched itself as a self-managed, independent hotel after two decades of global management.
Prior to his appointment, Mr Macdonald was General Manager and then CEO of Fitzroy Island Resort for over 12 years, significantly enhancing the resort’s performance through innovative management and marketing.
Mr Macdonald has also worked in management roles at Sheraton Port Douglas and with major hospitality groups in Darwin and North Queensland.
As a long-term resident of Cairns and having served as a Board member of the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators, Mr Macdonald is ideal to deliver the future direction for Cairns Harbourside Hotel, which has played an important role in establishing Cairns and Far North Queensland as a renowned tropical resort destination.
Taisei Kanko is one of the pioneers of Cairns’ tourism growth, having owned the Harbourside since 1991, expanding the property in 1993 from its original 100 rooms to 173 rooms, all with private balconies to enjoy the water, mountain and tropical garden views.
Other facilities include the farm-to-table Harbourside Bar & Kitchen, swimming pool, spa, extensive conference and function facilities, and a CBD shuttle service.
With new management in place, Taisei Kanko will now look to establish the property as an independent hotel that captures the tropical Cairns ambience.
New signage will be unveiled as part of the relaunch rollout, and a new website – www.cairnsharboursidehotel.com.au – is live.
Additionally, the owners will commence plans to refresh rooms, involving new furnishings and an upgrade to bathrooms.
Mr Macdonald said that he is thrilled to be appointed General Manager of a hotel that has played such an important role in Cairns’ tourism development.
“I was fortunate enough to lead the team at Fitzroy Island Resort as it established a new direction after I joined in 2011, and I am looking forward to being part of the fresh new vision for Cairns Harbourside Hotel,” said Mr Macdonald.
