By Lewis Kwarcianyi
THE Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce recently ventured behind the scenes at Glass House Mountains Ecolodge for its latest Business Backstage event, offering members an insight into one of the region’s most unique tourism businesses.
Guests were welcomed by new owner Chris Pires, who took over the Ecolodge in March this year. Chris shared the inspiring story of his journey from an engineering career to hospitality and tourism, explaining how a lifelong connection to the Glass House Mountains drew him back to the area after more than a decade travelling the world.
Established by previous owner Keith in the 1990s, the Ecolodge has become a peaceful retreat renowned for its distinctive railway carriage accommodation, tranquil bush setting and commitment to sustainable tourism.
Chamber members enjoyed a guided tour of the picturesque property, exploring its mature fruit and coffee trees, scenic bush walks and beautifully maintained grounds with mountain views.
Chris spoke about the rewards and challenges of operating a tourism business, highlighting the importance of attracting local, interstate and international visitors while showcasing the natural beauty of the Glass House Mountains.
Business Backstage events provide local businesses with the opportunity to open their doors, share their stories and build valuable connections within the community. The morning also featured barista-made coffee and delicious baked treats from Shayla Bakes and Brews, creating the perfect atmosphere for networking.
The event once again demonstrated the strength of the Glasshouse Country business community, bringing together local business owners, community leaders and Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace to celebrate collaboration, local enterprise and the remarkable businesses that continue to make the region thrive.
