13 August 2026
QTIC FUTURE READY WEBINAR
Queensland tourism operators are invited to join QTIC’s upcoming Future Ready webinar to learn about new European consumer protection rules taking effect from September 2026. These changes will require businesses marketing to European consumers to substantiate environmental claims such as "sustainable", "eco-friendly" and "green" with recognised third-party verification.
Presented by QTIC and EarthCheck, the webinar will feature EarthCheck CEO and Founder Stewart Moore and QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler. The session will cover what the new rules mean for tourism businesses, how to identify and manage risks in marketing materials, and practical steps to ensure environmental claims are credible, evidence-based and future-ready.
Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Time: 10:00–10:45am
INTRODUCTION TO CRUISE WORKSHOP
Tourism and Events Queensland and the Australian Cruise Association are inviting Experience Gold Coast partners to attend an exclusive Introduction to Cruise Workshop.
Designed for tourism businesses looking to engage with the cruise sector, the workshop will provide insights into the industry, opportunities to connect with cruise lines and shore excursion operators, and practical guidance on maximising cruise visitation to Queensland destinations.
Date: Wednesday, 2 September 2026
Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Location: Queen Adelaide 2 Room (Level 3), Brisbane Marriott Hotel, 515 Queen Street, Brisbane
Registrations close: Friday, 28 August 2026.
INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC SOARS 25%
Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) has recorded a standout FY26, welcoming 8.4 million passengers across its four-airport network, up 6.2% on the previous year and outperforming the national average. Gold Coast Airport led the way, with 6.5 million passengers and international travel increasing by 25%.
New services to Bali, Fiji, Hamilton, Dunedin and Auckland, along with increased flights on key domestic routes including Melbourne and Sydney, are strengthening access to the Gold Coast and surrounding regions.
For tourism operators, the results signal growing opportunities to attract more interstate and international visitors, extend visitor stays and increase tourism spending. As air connectivity continues to expand, businesses are well positioned to showcase the region's experiences to an even broader audience.
TOURISM SECTOR CLIMATE ADAPTION WORKSHOP
The City of Gold Coast is hosting a climate adaption workshop specifically for the tourism sector this coming September and are looking for local operators to participate!
The workshop will be an in-person only opportunity and seeks to collect insights on a newly prepared Gold Coast tourism sector climate risk and vulnerability assessment.
This tourism sector assessment will be shared with participants 2-3 weeks prior to the workshop and will form the basis of the conversation, which is facilitated by representatives from the City of Gold Coast's Climate Resilience and Sustainability team and Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT).
Date: Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Time: 9am – 12 noon
Location: Southport Aquatic Centre, Marine Parade - Joe McCabe Room
TOURISM SUPPORT HUB
The Tourism Support Hub helps Queensland tourism operators access advice, connections and guidance to navigate government processes and explore growth opportunities.
Delivered by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Hub provides personalised support through a dedicated Tourism Support Hub Officer who will guide you from enquiry to resolution.
Whether you’re starting a tourism business, developing a new product, expanding your operations, or seeking information about Destination 2045: Delivering Queensland’s Tourism Future, the Tourism Support Hub can connect you with the right information and support.
HELP BENCHMARK FARM TOURISM IN AUSTRALIA
Farm tourism is one of Australia's fastest-growing visitor experiences, creating new opportunities for regional communities and the visitor economy. Tourism Australia is inviting farm tourism operators to take part in the National Farm Tourism Survey to help build the first national benchmark of the sector.
If you offer experiences such as farm stays, paddock tours, cellar doors or paddock-to-plate dining, your input will help identify industry trends, challenges and opportunities, informing future investment and support for farm tourism.
The survey is anonymous, takes just a few minutes to complete, and will contribute to a national report that helps strengthen this growing sector. If you operate a farm tourism business—or know someone who does—please take part and share the survey.
INVEST IN ACCESSIBLE TOURISM
One in five Australians lives with a disability, making accessibility an important consideration for every tourism operator. Creating accessible tourism experiences isn't just about inclusion – it's an opportunity to attract more visitors, reach new markets, and enhance your business.
Accessibility can include improvements for guests with mobility, vision, hearing, sensory or cognitive access requirements. Small changes can make a big difference to the visitor experience while helping your business stand out as welcoming and inclusive.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to build on existing initiatives, explore these online resources, practical checklists, videos and podcasts to help you create tourism experiences that everyone can enjoy.
QTIC EVENT TOURISM IN THE HOUSE
QTIC members are invited to Tourism in the House, an exclusive evening of networking and celebration at Queensland Parliament House on Thursday 27 August.
Held on the Speaker's Green, this special event brings together tourism industry leaders, QTIC members and senior government representatives for drinks, canapés and meaningful conversation. It's a unique opportunity to build connections, engage with key decision-makers and celebrate the strength of Queensland's tourism industry.
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00pm
STAGE 3 OF THE GOLD COAST LIGHT RAIL OFFICIALLY OPEN
The Gold Coast is on the move, with Stage 3 of the G:link now extending the network from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, adding eight new stations and making it easier to explore more of our city.
From beaches, bars and dining to shopping, attractions and major events, the G:link is one of the most affordable ways to experience the Gold Coast, with 50-cent fares across the Translink network.
PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
FUTUREPROOFING YOUR WORKFORCE BREAKFAST
Discover practical strategies to attract, retain and develop great people at this workforce-focused breakfast at SkyPoint - Q1 on Friday 21 August, hosted by the Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce.
Featuring Michelle Erasmus from Dreamworld and Future FITT™ Leadership Strategist Kellie Tomney, the session will explore the workforce challenges facing businesses in 2026, including skills shortages, AI disruption and changing employee expectations. Through a case study, interactive discussions and Q&A, attendees will gain practical insights to strengthen leadership, workforce capability and staff retention.
Date: Friday, 21 August 2026
Time: 07:00–09:00am
AI FOR BUSINESS BREAKFAST
Learn how artificial intelligence is transforming Australian businesses at the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce Switched On AI Breakfast on Thursday 27 August at Coolangatta Surf Club.
Designed for business owners and leaders, the session will provide practical insights into using AI to improve productivity, automate routine tasks and future-proof business operations. Featuring AI expert Carly Woods, Founder and CEO of Ethical Edge Solutions, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to confidently adopt AI in their businesses.
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
Time: 06:45–09:00am
Source: CoStar. Data correct as at 13 August 2026
VIEW THE 30 JULY 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.