10 July 2025
EGC MID-YEAR INDUSTRY UPDATE & NETWORKING EVENT
Late last month, we hosted the Experience Gold Coast (EGC) Mid-Year Industry Update & Networking Event at The Star Gold Coast.
EGC CEO John Warn opened with an industry update, followed by Head of Marketing Brant Hirst, who shared valuable marketing insights. The presentation concluded with an engaging conversation with Head of Visitor Economy & Corporate Relations Rachel Hancock and Craig Davidson, the newly appointed CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland.
With over 250 industry partners in attendance, it was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on our achievements so far and share an exciting preview of what’s ahead. Seven of our industry partners, along with the EGC Education Team, also had the opportunity to connect and showcase their businesses to those in attendance.
PARTNERSHIP RENEWALS REMINDER
We sincerely thank our Industry Partners who have already renewed their Partnership for FY26. We are grateful for your support over the past year with a shared commitment to the Gold Coast’s visitor economy.
This is a friendly reminder that invoices were distributed in June and are approaching the payment due date.
Pay by 11 July 2025 and you'll go in the draw to win a $500 VISA Gift Card for you and your team - our way of saying thanks!
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with all our Industry Partners into FY26 and beyond.
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
REGISTER NOW: ATEC MEETING PLACE
Registrations are open for ATEC Meeting Place 2025, which will be held in Perth from 27–29 October 2025.
The event will consist of three dynamic days of B2B meetings, conferencing and forums, multiple networking events, local experiences, and more.
AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL INDUSTRY CONFERENCE 2025
The Australian Festival Industry Conference (AFIC) returns to Brisbane’s Rivershed on 8–9 September, bringing together professionals across music, arts, food, ideas, and sport festivals.
AFIC has also just announced a keynote speaker from Burning Man Festival (USA)—offering rare insights into one of the world’s most iconic events.
The full 2025 program is now live and includes keynotes; government updates; presentations, Q&As and panel discussions; as well as a trade exhibition and networking events.
To view the program and to buy tickets, visit (Register before 31 July and save 5% off the full registration price): www.australianfestivalconference.com.au
NOMINATE NOW: WOMEN IN TRAVEL AWARDS
It’s time to celebrate the women driving change, breaking barriers, and shaping the future of our industry.
From visionary leaders to rising stars, the Women in Travel Awards shine a spotlight on talent, resilience, and innovation across every corner of the travel world.
Entries are now open. Whether you're putting your own name forward or championing a colleague, don’t miss this chance to recognise the women who make our industry thrive.
TOURISM BUSINESS VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Save time and get straight to the answers you need with the Tourism Business Virtual Assistant on Business Queensland.
The smart, AI-powered chatbot is designed specifically for tourism operators, giving you instant access to accurate, up-to-date information from more than 3,300 trusted sources.
BOOST TO BEST OF QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
Tourism and Events Queensland’s Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP) is evolving — with a fresh approach designed to reward high performance and better reflect what today’s travellers are looking for.
From 2026, operators will no longer be classified simply as ‘successful’ or ‘unsuccessful.’ Instead, a new tiered recognition system will be introduced, celebrating those who go above and beyond with Gold, Silver and the familiar Teal stamps. The shift offers greater transparency and gives operators a clear pathway to continually improve and elevate their offering.
Two new criteria will also be added to the 2026 assessment:
- A verified Google Business Profile
- Valid Sustainability Certification
The cut-off for the 2026 BOQEP assessment is 31 December 2025.
PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
CON-X-ION RELAUNCHES FREEDOM PASS FOR GOLD COAST
Con-X-ion has reintroduced its popular Freedom Pass, offering unbeatable value for travellers with return airport transfers and unlimited 7-day travel on the G:link tram and Surfside bus networks.
Starting at just $99, it’s ideal for FITs, families, and group tours. The pass includes door-to-door shuttle service from Gold Coast or Brisbane airports, easy voucher-based booking, and is issued on arrival. Designed for trade, it simplifies local transport and enhances holiday experiences. Backed by 30+ years of expertise and over 10 million transfers, it’s a seamless, high-value solution for domestic and international travellers.
ICONIC GOLF BALL RETURNS - PUTT PUTT MERMAID BEACH
A beloved Gold Coast landmark has made a grand comeback! The giant smiling golf ball from Putt Putt Mermaid Beach has once again taken its place above the Gold Coast Highway, returning in the early hours on Friday 4th July 2025.
After Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred took a wild swing earlier this year and knocked him down, the community was quick to share their sadness and stories about the much-loved local landmark. His absence left a noticeable gap in the skyline and in the hearts of those who’ve smiled up at him for decades.
Following a careful crane extraction and a full off-site refurbishment, the big, beaming golf ball is now primed to return – brighter and happier than ever.
SUNDOWN MUSIC EVENT
Sundown, the ultimate pop-up music event that celebrates our homegrown musos is returning to the Gold Coast, Saturday 26 July 2025!
Kicking off in Nerang Street, Southport from 3pm we're bringing you an epic line-up of artists, great vibes, tasty eats and colourful art.
Sundown is FREE, all-ages, no tickets - just music and memories that will last a lifetime.
For more information, visit whatsongoldcoast.au/sundown.
Sundown is presented by City of Gold Coast.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- The Australian Taxation Office has released its tax time toolkit for small business. This includes new measures for deductions, guides and factsheets (including for primary producers) and a directory covering additional information and tools that are available.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering $10 million in the Budget for first-of-its-kind Sea World Foundation Wildlife Hospital. Read the full media release here.
VIEW THE 26 JUNE 2025 VISITOR ECONOMY UPDATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.