13 November 2025
BE PART OF THE GET UP AND GOLD COAST CAMPAIGN
Thank you to those who attended the industry update on Tuesday. For those who weren’t able to attend, we’ve attached the presentation slides and recording HERE.
Phase 2 of the Get Up and Gold Coast campaign will launch from 2 February – 31 March 2026. Together with an aviation and accommodation co-op sale, plus a media campaign across Sydney and Melbourne, Phase 2 will focus on highlighting deals that can consumers the final nudge to lock in their next trip to the Gold Coast.
To get involved, check out the Phase 2 Handbook to read more on media channels, deal examples and co-op media packages. Deals need to be submitted by Monday 8 December.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE 2026 BEST OF QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCES PROGRAM ASSESSMENT?
Now is the time to review your ATDW profile, it could make the difference between achieving Gold, Silver, or Teal status!
If you missed the TEQ Connect webinar on the changes to the 2026 program, you can watch it here: TEQ Connect - Best of Queensland Experiences Program
The key things you should check in ATDW:
- Listing is active
- Your booking and social media links are current
- Your Google Business Profile is added
- Any accreditations &/or memberships are there and valid through to 31 December 2025.
EGC YEAR END CELEBRATION
Take-off is only 2 weeks away – don’t miss out on securing your ticket today!
Swap your Santa hat for a captain’s cap and prepare for take-off at our Festive at Flight Level Year End Celebration! Buckle up and come dressed in your best aviation or travel-inspired outfit as we cruise into the holiday season with fantastic company, delicious food, and celebrations sure to soar to new heights!
When: 5:30pm - 8:30pm, Thursday, 27 November 2025
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Level 77, 3003 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
NATURE-BASED TOURISM ON THE GOLD COAST GETS A $2M+ BOOST
Ten bold, eco-driven tourism projects have secured major funding through the City of Gold Coast’s Nature Based Tourism Program, each receiving $100K+ to help expand and diversify the region’s portfolio of immersive and sustainable nature-based experiences.
From Australia’s longest zipline at Numinbah Escape to solar-powered Nerang River Eco Tours, these projects span adventure, wellness, indigenous culture, and sustainability.
A total of four projects are nearing launch, including The Bower Estate’s wellness precinct and Sea World Foundation’s Wildlife Hospital, while six others received seed funding for feasibility and design.
Together, these initiatives represent $19.7M in project value and are forecast to deliver a $58M economic impact for the Gold Coast.
This is the second round of funding released under the City’s Nature-Based Tourism Program which aims to support and encourage innovative sustainable tourism projects and experiences that celebrate and protect our ‘green behind the gold’.
GOLD COAST SHINES AS AUSTRALIA’S BEST FAMILY HOLIDAY SPOT
The Gold Coast has been voted the Best Family Holiday Spot in the Australian Traveller 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Thousands of Australian Traveller readers cast their votes and selected our beloved coastal city as the top destination for families. A special shoutout to our incredible partners for making the podium:
Sea World Resort – Winner Australia’s Best Family Accommodation and runner-up for Best Resort
Paradise Resort – Runner-up, Best Family Accommodation
Turtle Beach Resort – Runner-up, Best Family Accommodation
EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST AT TOURISM EXPO JAPAN 2025 AND AUSSIE SPECIALIST SEMINAR, SEOUL SOUTH KOREA
Experience Gold Coast recently represented our region at Tourism Expo Japan 2025 in Aichi, one of the world’s largest travel exhibitions. The four day event themed “Travel for Discovery and New Encounters,” provided a great opportunity to showcase the new and the diversity of experiences found on the Gold Coast, while speaking directly with consumers and strengthening Japanese trade relationships.
In Seoul, South Korea, EGC also participated in the Tourism Australia Aussie Specialist Seminar, providing destination training, and sharing key selling points for front line retail staff, who account for around 70% of overseas tour sales.
Experience Gold Coast in partnership with Tourism & Events Queensland and our Airline partners is calling on both Japanese and South Korean consumers to escape the approaching winter months with a vibrant summer holiday on the Gold Coast. Experience Gold Coast has partnered with eight campaign partners in Japan and a further ten partners in South Korea.
ATEC MEETING PLACE 2025
Experience Gold Coast recently joined more than 530 tourism industry leaders in Perth for the annual ATEC Meeting Place, Australia’s premier inbound tourism trade event. Alongside six Experience Gold Coast tourism partners, our team engaged in business-to-business meetings - connecting with key national and international buyers and key industry stakeholders.
Now in its 53rd year, Meeting Place combines a series of business appointments, conference discussions and networking events across three days. The event provides the opportunity for Experience Gold Coast to represent our local tourism industry, to reconnect with inbound tour operators and online travel agents, build vital business relationships, raise awareness of new trade-ready product and enhanced tourism offerings in our region, and open doors to new markets and inbound visitor growth.
Next years Meeting Place will be held in Hobart, Tasmania. To understand the benefits of becoming an ATEC member and attend future events, visit the website below.
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
INDUSTRY WORKSHOP: DON’T LET A CRISIS CATCH YOUR BUSINESS OFF GUARD!
Join this free, interactive 3-hour workshop and networking event designed to help Gold Coast small businesses prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters, IT threats, and other crises. Hear from a keynote resilience expert, connect with local support providers, and walk away with practical tools, resources, and strategies to strengthen your business’s disaster preparedness and long-term resilience.
GATEWAY TO BRISBANE 2032: EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST NOW LIVE
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Procurement Program is now live, unlocking exciting new business opportunities for Queensland operators.
Over 50 Expressions of Interest are already open across sectors including hospitality, events, logistics, and more. Whether you’re a small tourism business or a major supplier, this is your chance to play a role in delivering a world-class event.
MAXIMISE YOUR ATDW PROFILE: BOOST VISIBILITY & REACH
This essential session is tailored for both small and large tourism operators looking to optimise their ATDW profiles and enhance online visibility. Gain fresh insights and practical strategies to make the most of ATDW’s expansive distribution network and ensure your business stands out to more travellers.
Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Time: 10.30am - 11.15am AEST
Where: Microsoft Teams (Virtual Event)
You'll learn how to:
BOOST YOUR TOURISM BUSINESS WITH DIGITAL SUPPORT
Don’t miss your chance to digitally transform your business with the Tourism Business Digital Adaptation Program, offering up to $2,500 in rebates and free expert support to upgrade your website, streamline bookings, and enhance social media.
Applications close 21 November 2025 so don’t miss this opportunity to fast-track your path to delivering standout visitor experiences and reaching more customers.
PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
ASHMORE PALMS LAUNCHES LUXURY 2-STOREY MODNPODS
Family-owned and operated since 1986, Ashmore Palms Holiday Village will celebrate 40 years in 2026. The Village has unveiled its new 2-storey Paradise Penthouse cabins, created in collaboration with Gold Coast modular builder ModnPods. The project marks ModnPods’ first 2-storey modular accommodation. Each cabin features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a cocktail bar, Ninja slushi machine, full kitchen, laundry and private outdoor mini golf. Fully solar powered and air-conditioned throughout, the cabins accommodate up to 10 guests in comfort and style, providing a new level of luxury for extended and blended families.
STAYCO’S 4TH BIRTHDAY – WIN YOUR 2026 HOLIDAY BACK
StayCo is celebrating four incredible years on the Gold Coast and giving back to the community that’s supported them along the way. To mark the milestone, guests have the chance to win their 2026 StayCo holiday back as part of an exclusive $6,800 prize pool, including a prize pack proudly contributed by Experience Oz. As one of the region’s leading providers of self-contained holiday apartments, StayCo has partnered with local businesses to showcase the best of the Gold Coast experience. Book by 30 November 2025 for stays 25 January – 11 December 2026.
T&Cs apply. Ph: (07) 5536 0100
VIEW THE 30 OCT 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.