Support for Gold Coast festival is music to the ears
Angie Bell MP, Member for Moncrieff
The Morrison Government is providing almost $1.5 million towards an all-ages music festival featuring Australian artists to attract more visitors to the Gold Coast and support the local tourism industry.
The SPRINGTIME festival will feature an eclectic range of music genres across multiple locations at Surfers Paradise in September.
Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell said the music festival would be another reason for Australians to visit the Gold Coast.
“The Gold Coast is one of the best places to holiday in the world, so we’re looking forward to welcoming tourists from all over Australia to our region for this music festival,” Ms Bell said.
“Come for the music and stay for the beaches, theme parks, tourist experiences, restaurants, bars and shopping.
“This festival will provide more support for jobs and businesses on the Gold Coast as the region continues to recover from the impact of COVID-19.”
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the music festival would be another shot in the arm for Gold Coast tourism.
“The best thing our Government can do for the tourism industry is to get tourists back spending money,” Mr Tehan said.
“Before COVID-19, domestic tourism made up approximately 77 per cent – or $107 billion – of tourism spend and we are taking action to get more Australians to book domestic holidays.
“Our 800,000 cheap flights got Australians travelling and taking holidays again and the Gold Coast was the most popular destination. Supporting events, like music festivals, give Australians even more incentive to travel.”
Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the support from the Morrison Government was exceptionally important for boosting the local visitor economy.
“We look forward to working with Major Events Gold Coast to deliver a new contemporary music festival in time for spring, which is set to showcase our home-grown talent”, Ms O’Callaghan said.
“The all-ages event will attract visitors from all over the country to one of Australia’s most iconic and recognised destinations, offering quality accommodation, experiences, a festival precinct and vital support for many local businesses who have been doing it tough.
“These funds are critical to our ongoing recovery and I would encourage all Australians to look no further and book a holiday on the Gold Coast.”
The funding is provided through the Recovery for Regional Tourism Program, an initiative of the Government’s $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund.
ENDS