19 March 2026: Sunshine Coast locals with a passion for exploring their own backyard are being invited to apply for what could be the best job on the Sunshine Coast, with KPAT Hotels recruiting a dedicated Avani Experience Host for the new Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel ahead of its highly anticipated opening on 11 May.
The unique role will see the successful candidate help guests discover the very best of the region – from sunrise swim spots and hidden coastal walks to favourite local cafés, markets and cultural experiences.
Rather than relying on algorithms or travel apps, the Experience Host will provide real, human insight into the Sunshine Coast, helping travellers shape a stay that feels personal, spontaneous and deeply connected to the Coast.
The role forms part of a broader recruitment drive for the 180-room Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, the first full-service internationally branded hotel to open on the Sunshine Coast in more than four decades.
Developed, owned and operated by Queensland-based KPAT Hotels, the hotel will introduce a new style of stay to the heart of Mooloolaba, featuring a rooftop pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, destination dining at Sully’s Rooftop and contemporary social spaces designed to bring travellers and locals together.
KPAT Hotels Managing Director Kenneth Wagner said the Experience Host role reflects a growing shift in how travellers want to experience destinations.
“In a world where almost every trip starts with a search engine or AI itinerary, people are increasingly looking for something those tools can’t deliver – genuine local knowledge,” Wagner said.
“The Avani Experience Host is someone who knows the Sunshine Coast intimately and can introduce guests to the places, people and moments that make this region special.”
“Helping travellers discover a sunrise swim spot, the café locals line up for, or the coastal walk that never makes it into guidebooks – that’s the kind of experience we want our guests to take home.”
Beyond the Experience Host role, KPAT Hotels is currently recruiting across a wide range of hospitality and operational roles as the hotel prepares to welcome its first guests.
Positions currently open include Front Office Supervisors, Front Office Guest Service Agents, a Front Office Night Manager, Housekeeping Attendants, Food and Beverage Supervisors and Food and Beverage Attendants, with opportunities across guest services, food and beverage operations and hotel management.
Wagner said the recruitment campaign represents an opportunity for locals to be part of a landmark moment for the region’s tourism industry.
“Opening the first internationally branded full-service hotel on the Sunshine Coast in more than forty years is a major milestone for the region,” he said.
“But more importantly, it’s an opportunity to create new hospitality careers on the Coast – from front-of-house guest experience roles through to culinary, events and hotel leadership positions.”
“Hotels are powerful economic drivers. Every new room we open supports a network of local producers, tour operators, transport providers and small businesses across the Sunshine Coast.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel says the Avani Experience Host could be the dream job for someone living on the Sunshine Coast
“If there’s ever been a dream job on the Sunshine Coast, this might be it. The Avani Experience Host will be out capturing the real Sunshine Coast experience, creating those everyday sunshine moments with our people, places and lifestyle.
“Just as importantly, it shows how KPAT Hotels is investing in local tourism jobs, which is critical for the continued growth and maturity of our visitor economy,” he said.
The hotel’s dining venues will prioritise locally sourced seafood and seasonal produce, further supporting the region’s agricultural, fisheries and food industries.
Applications for all roles are now open ahead of the hotel’s launch, with locals encouraged to apply via SEEK.
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For more information, images and interviews please contact:
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au