10 September 2026
VIRTUAL INDUSTRY PARTNER UPDATE
Join us as we share an update on key activity, upcoming opportunities and ways you can align with Experience Gold Coast as we head into spring and summer. Our Team will cover:
- Upcoming destination marketing campaigns
- Leisure and Business Events activity
- Southeast Asia, Japan and China market updates
- Upcoming Industry Partnership workshops and events
- Education and employability initiatives
This is a great opportunity to stay informed, plan and make the most of what’s coming up for the Gold Coast.
QUEENSLAND TOURISM WEEK
A reminder to book your ticket for Queensland’s leading tourism event, happening right here on the Gold Coast 4–6 November at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Star Gold Coast.
Wednesday 4 November | DestinationIQ
Hear First Nations perspectives and explore the leadership shaping Queensland’s visitor economy.
Thursday 5 November | DestinationQ
Join the conversation on the key priorities, challenges and opportunities for Queensland tourism.
QUEENSLAND STEM ENGAGEMENT GRANTS
Funding of up to $25,000 is now available for projects that connect communities with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Tourism operators, educators, scientists, community groups and organisations can apply to deliver STEM events, educational activities, citizen science projects, workshops and interactive experiences.
Projects can run for up to one year, commencing in 2027.
Applications close 4pm, 29 September 2026.
Could your next visitor experience have a STEM focus?
CARD SURCHARGE CHANGES: GET READY FOR 1 OCTOBER
Businesses are encouraged to prepare now for changes to card payment surcharges taking effect 1 October 2026. From this date, businesses will no longer be able to apply surcharges to eftpos, Visa, Mastercard or American Express transactions.
Operators should use the lead-up to 1 October to:
- Review payment systems – check EFTPOS, POS, invoicing, booking and online payment platforms.
- Talk to your payment provider – confirm what changes are required and when.
- Review pricing and costs – understand how removing surcharges may affect your business.
- Update customer information – remove surcharge references from websites, booking platforms and invoices.
- Brief your team – make sure staff understand the changes and can confidently answer visitor questions.
- Test your systems – ensure everything is ready to go on 1 October.
A ready-to-use toolkit from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman includes key messages, social media assets and FAQs to help businesses communicate the change. The ACCC also provides guidance on pricing and card payment requirements.
ATEC INDIA HOST WORKSHOP - BRISBANE, 17TH SEPTEMBER 2026
India continues to be one of Australia's fastest-evolving visitor markets, with opportunities varying across leisure, visiting friends and relatives (VFR), business and education travel. Whether India already forms part of your business strategy or you're simply looking to better understand the market, ATEC's India Host workshop will help you make informed decisions, strengthen your cultural capability and build confidence in welcoming Indian visitors.
Designed for tourism businesses at every stage of their Indian market journey, the workshop combines practical market insights, cultural understanding and real-world industry examples in an engaging, interactive format.
EVER WONDERED WHAT A SPONSORSHIP WITH EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST REALLY LOOKS LIKE?
It's more than brand exposure.
Our sponsor partners gain access to exclusive hospitality experiences designed to reward teams, strengthen client relationships and connect with influential business leaders, industry peers and the Gold Coast's vibrant arts and events community.
Earlier this year, HOTA, Home of the Arts sponsors were invited to an exclusive behind-the-scenes preview of This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art before it opened to the public.
Guided by HOTA Gallery's Senior Curator, guests enjoyed rare insights into the exhibition's creation, the curatorial process and the stories behind some of Australia's most significant contemporary artworks.
These are the moments that set an Experience Gold Coast sponsor partnership apart, creating memorable experiences while opening the door to valuable conversations, meaningful connections and lasting business relationships.
Ready to give your team and clients access to experiences they can't buy?
Get in touch with the Sponsorship Team at sponsorships@experiencegoldcoast.com.
QTIC TOURISM BUSINESS CAPABILITY SUBSIDY EXTENSION TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2026
Good news for Queensland tourism and event businesses, the Tourism Business Capability Subsidy has been extended to 30 September 2026!
Running a tourism business means wearing a lot of hats. The Subsidy can help make investing in your business a little easier. Eligible businesses can receive up to $2,000 towards approved training and accreditation to help build skills, strengthen operations and enhance your guest experiences. And if your accreditation is due for renewal, funding can now be used for eligible renewals too. A small investment in professional development today can deliver long-term benefits for your business tomorrow.
The Tourism Business Capability Subsidy is proudly funded by the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Each fortnight, we’ll profile an EGC Partner- giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the businesses driving the Gold Coast visitor economy!
BOUNCE SURFERS PARADISE
How would you describe your business and what you offer to someone new to the Gold Coast?
Bounce Surfers Paradise is the Gold Coast’s newest social hotel, right in the heart of Surfers Paradise. We’ve created a new style of accommodation that combines the comfort and quality of a hotel with the fun and social atmosphere Bounce is known for. We have 44 Queen Suite hotel rooms alongside stylish shared accommodation, plus a seventh-floor rooftop pool and bar, wood fired pizza, DJs and events, an in-house café, gym and guest kitchen. It’s not just somewhere to sleep. We want it to be a place where you can actually experience the Gold Coast, meet people and have a great time while you’re here.
What sets your business apart within the Gold Coast tourism industry?
What really sets us apart is the social hotel concept. You can book a Queen Suite and have all the comfort and privacy of a hotel room while still being part of the social atmosphere Bounce is known for. At the same time, our shared accommodation gives younger and budget conscious travellers an awesome place to stay without sacrificing location, facilities or quality. It also works well for groups and teams who want to stay together but might have different budgets or accommodation preferences.
If someone was engaging with your business for the first time, what’s one thing they shouldn’t miss?
Definitely head straight up to Level 7. The rooftop is really the heart of Bounce Surfers Paradise, with the pool, bar, DJs, events and wood fired pizza all overlooking the action of Surfers. Grab a drink, order a pizza and settle in by the pool. It gives you a pretty good idea of what Bounce is all about.
PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
GET READY FOR BIG SMILES AND FESTIVAL VIBES
The Gold Coast's happiest festival is back, bringing the beats, the glitter and all the good vibes. Kidchella returns 12 - 13 September with two jam-packed days of FREE family fun. For one epic weekend, Surfers Paradise transforms into the ultimate beachside festival for kids. Little festival-goers can dance to live DJ beats, spin high on the Ferris wheel, bust a move at the silent disco, shoot hoops, get creative in the Art Studio, hit the skate zone and add some sparkle at the Glam Bar. Gather your crew, throw on your brightest festival fit and get ready for fun!
INFINITY SCRUBS UP FOR SEPTEMBER!
INFINITY is scrubbing up for a great cause this September! On Friday 18 September, INFINITY will donate $5 from every admission sold to the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, helping support clinical care for local patients and their families. Visitors can also enjoy 25% OFF admission on the day using promo code SCRUBUP.
After 25+ iconic years on the Gold Coast, INFINITY is proud to continue giving back to our local community and supporting the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation - a relationship spanning more than 20 years.
TRADE ACTIVITY FY 26/27
- G’Day Australia, Darwin: 13 – 15 October
- ATEC Meeting place, Hobart: 26 – 28 October
VIEW THE 13 AUGUST 2026 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.