15 January 2026
WELCOME TO 2026 FROM EXPERIENCE GOLD COAST
As we welcome in 2026, we hope you’re enjoying a busy and successful summer holiday period. We know this time of year is peak season for tourism and many of you are flat out delivering incredible experiences for visitors. That said, we also hope you’ve managed to find some time to spend with family and loved ones over the festive period.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the year to come and look forward to continuing to work closely with you throughout 2026. Our Industry Partnerships team is here to support you and help you maximise the opportunities and benefits available through your Experience Gold Coast Partnership.
If there’s anything we can assist with or you would like to arrange a meeting, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
Email: industrypartnerships@experiencegoldcoast.com
Wishing you a strong start to the year and continued success throughout 2026.
DON’T MISS TEQ’S GLOBAL MARKET BRIEFING EVENT NEXT MONTH
TEQ will return to the Gold Coast in February 2026 with its Global Market Briefing and networking event. This highly anticipated event is an opportunity for industry to connect directly with TEQ’s International Directors and Country Managers and hear the latest insights and trends coming out of Queensland's largest inbound markets. This briefing is also a valuable opportunity to receive updates on TEQ’s events strategy and domestic marketing. All TEQ presenters will be available for conversation during the networking session.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026
- Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Venue: Mondrian Gold Coast
BUILD SKILLS AND RESILIENCE WITH FREE TOURISM COURSES
QTIC, together with the Queensland Government, is excited to present Pathways to Industry Excellence. This is a free, flexible online learning program created specifically for Queensland tourism operators.
Developed with industry experts, these short courses deliver practical tools, real insights and ready-to-use resources across sustainability, ESG, decarbonisation, wellbeing, risk management and workplace relations, with digital badges awarded for every course completed.
Designed for tourism business owners, managers and staff, the program helps strengthen skills, sustainability and resilience across Queensland’s visitor economy.
HELP SUPPORT OUR MARINA MIRAGE & MARINERS COVE OPERATORS
You may have noticed in the media construction is underway at Mariners Cove & Marina Mirage for the future Ritz-Carlton & Luxury Collection Resort by Marriott International.
Whilst some businesses have relocated we have several tourism partners who will remain open and continue to welcome visitors during the construction. We encourage you to continue supporting these operators.
These include:
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GUIDING: QUEENSLAND REGIONAL TOUR GUIDE DAYS
Queensland Guiding Community of Practice is launching Regional Tour Guide Days across Queensland in 2026, recognising the vital role tour guides play in delivering exceptional visitor experiences.
Open to current guides, rangers, tourism operators, community stakeholders, and anyone curious about a career in guiding, the events feature introductory workshops, professional development, networking, and open discussions to help shape the future of guiding.
Why attend?
- Connect with industry leaders and peers
- Learn about training, accreditation, and career options
- Be part of an inclusive, supportive community
PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
PINK FLAMINGO BRINGS BIG FUN FOR LITTLE LEGENDS
Pink Flamingo is bringing big magic for little guests! Their new Kids’ Parties are now available, featuring vibrant décor, fun-filled games, roving entertainers, party hosts, photo moments and kid-friendly catering - with full venue hire for a completely private celebration. This January, Pink Flamingo’s carnival-themed Circus Fun House returns for a limited season, bursting with colour, laughs and spectacle. Families can also enjoy private balcony packages with plush seating, panoramic views, free kids’ meals and optional show bags - the perfect luxe family experience.
VIEW THE 11 DEC 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.