The Sunshine Coast has its first internationally branded new-build hotel in more than four decades. Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel opened this month, adding 180 keys directly across from the Mooloolaba Esplanade and dragging the coast's room supply up by roughly five per cent in a single move.

The 12-storey tower is the second Avani property in Australia and the first from Minor Hotels to launch under the brand's new 'lifestyle-led' direction: ground-floor lobby bar, all-day diner, rooftop pool deck with views to Point Cartwright and a wellness floor on level four.

Local operators have responded with cautious enthusiasm. 'Capacity matters,' said Visit Sunshine Coast chief executive Matt Stoeckel. 'For the first time in years we can confidently sell into the international group market again.'