Little more than a month out from the G20 Summit, Brisbane’s new multi-million dollar Next Hotel, has just opened.

The city is gearing up to accommodate thousands of visiting leaders, their entourages and media from around the world.

Saffi Kerezsy reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The $120 million hotel opened its doors in Brisbane’s CBD today.

Formerly Lennons and then The Chifley, it was gutted and completely rebuilt into a modern 304 room, 4.5 star hotel.

While the Next Hotel doubles the previous capacity, Brisbane still needs more accommodation.

Graham Quirk, Lord Mayor: “Well the reality is that we know that into the future we’re still looking for around 200 to 300 rooms a year over the next 10 year horizon.”

To complement the hotel, Lennons Restaurant and Bar is also open and already booked out for the G20.

Iqbal Jumabhoy, SilverNeedle Hospitality: “It’s really a question of that build-up and of course for the final days of the summit we are fully booked.”

The G20 conference will see thousands of delegates coming to and staying in Brisbane, welcome news for local businesses.

Iqbal Jumabhoy, SilverNeedle Hospitality: “Of course the G20 is a tremendous boost for Brisbane, tremendous recognition for the city and it’s excellent for business.”

The biggest winners are hotels and their supporting industries.

Daniel Gschwind, Qld Tourism Industry Council: “Events do drive business into our industry and into our community so the operators are very excited.”

The Lord Mayor hopes today’s Next Hotel opening is the start of many more.

Graham Quirk, Lord Mayor: “We’ve now got some great new stock in Brisbane that of itself will be, I think, another means of enticing tourists and businesses to come and undertake business meetings, conventions and their tourism operations here.”

The public will be able to find out how the G20 will affect them at two community forums to be held here at City Hall tomorrow. Those interested will need to register online.

Saffi Kerezsy, QUT News.