Gold Coast readies for busy holiday season

The Morrison Government has supported the Gold Coast’s tourism sector as it prepares for a busy Christmas season with $10 million to promote the region and upskill tourism operators.

Funding a range of initiatives throughout 2021, agreements for the last Gold Coast projects under the Morrison Government’s Recovery for Regional Tourism program (RRT) have now been finalised. They include:

• $1,050,000 to the Modern Family Campaign to attract more families to holiday on the Gold Coast. This co-operative marketing campaign will invite families from diverse cultural backgrounds to enjoy all the Gold Coast has to offer,
• $350,000 for the popular Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to deliver and promote its new interactive Extinction Trail experience, and
• $180,000 to upskill 120 small and medium-sized tourism operators on the Gold Coast to strengthen their digital marketing and online presence.

Member for McPherson Karen Andrews said the much-needed boost would ensure the Gold Coast could roll-out the welcome mat to interstate visitors.

“Despite an extremely difficult two years, our tourism operators have continued to adapt and persevere,” Mrs Andrews said.

“Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary remains a must-visit attraction – especially for families and those from diverse cultural backgrounds. Their Australian wildlife exhibits are world class and their new interactive Extinction Trail will deliver added excitement.”

Member for Fadden Stuart Robert said this targeted support will ensure our local Gold Coast attractions and businesses are ready to scale up and welcome vaccinated tourists.

‘Now the Queensland Government has given certainty to vaccinated tourists, we can safely open the Gold Coast economy for good and prepare for our interstate guests.’

‘Many tourism businesses are on their knees at the moment with the local tourist economy significantly impacted by border closures. This support will help some of our most loved iconic attractions and businesses prepare for the school holiday period and see our region return to an economic powerhouse in the new year.’

‘We know visitors – from Sydney, Melbourne and beyond – will head straight for the Gold Coast now our borders are open. This targeted support will ensure we’re ready to welcome them to our iconic beaches, thrilling attractions, and picturesque hinterland.’

Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell said Queenslanders have worked hard to achieve the 80% double vaccination target and deserve to be reunited with the rest of Australia and vice versa.

“From Monday, Queensland will begin welcoming interstate travellers as part of the Morrison Government’s National Plan, thanks to the work of all Queenslanders.

“The Morrison Government will jumpstart the Gold Coast’s tourism industry by extending the half price flights to enable and encourage interstate travellers to make the Gold Coast their next holiday destination. This is a major win for Moncrieff and the greater Gold Coast region.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said there is pent up demand to take a holiday this summer and the Gold Coast is ideally placed to capitalise on this demand.

“We know that most Australians are thinking about booking an interstate holiday, and this funding will ensure the Gold Coast is at the front of mind when they book their next trip.”

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the support from the Government was exceptionally important for boosting the local visitor economy.

“We look forward to working with our industry partners to deliver a range of initiatives that are designed to stimulate our tourism economy and entice interstate visitors to holiday on the Gold Coast,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

“We are a tourism-reliant destination and without a doubt these funds are critical to shaping our ongoing recovery.

“I would encourage all Australians to look no further than the nation’s playground for a getaway that encompasses our iconic beaches and attractions to a stunning rainforest hinterland setting.”

Other Gold Coast projects funded under the RRT program have included:

• $1,325,000 for a marketing campaign inviting interstate travellers to enjoy the Gold Coast’s world-class theme parks and attractions;
• $2,585,050 for a ‘Stay and Play’ voucher incentive scheme;
• $270,000 for an awareness campaign highlighting whale watching as a key experience for interstate visitors:
• $400,000 to drive the accelerated recovery of the Gold Coast’s business events sector.

The RRT program is an initiative of the Government’s $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund.