Visitor Economy Update

16 July 2026

TOURISM BUSINESS CAPABILITY SUBSIDY EXTENDED

Great news for Queensland tourism operators! The Tourism Business Capability Subsidy has been extended until 30 September 2026 (or until funds are exhausted), giving eligible businesses access to up to $2,000 to invest in training, professional development, AI skills, sustainability programs, and eligible accreditation renewals. With funding limited and demand expected to be high, we encourage you to apply early and make the most of this opportunity.

2026–27 QUEENSLAND STATE BUDGET: WHAT IT MEANS FOR TOURISM

The Queensland Government has released its 2026–27 State Budget, with several initiatives set to benefit the state's tourism industry. While direct tourism funding remains modest, investments in transport infrastructure, the Reef 2050 Strategy, TAFE Centres of Excellence, roads and ecotourism will help strengthen the visitor economy and support sustainable industry growth into the future. 

GET UP AND GOLD COAST: DOMESTIC INTERSTATE CAMPAIGN

Our interstate Get Up & Gold Coast campaign is live across Sydney and Melbourne until 31 July, delivering over $1.45 million in media value across Out of Home, Digital Video and Display, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.  

This is a digital-led phase focused on scale, consistency and a sustained presence while Sydney and Melbourne are deep in winter, driving consideration and future travel intent for the city. In July, we've also partnered with a key aviation partner on a Gold Coast seat sale campaign, stimulating visitation through August to November.

YOU'RE INVITED TO THE GOLD COAST WELCOMES YOU WORKSHOP

The Queensland Welcomes You initiative is designed to help everyone who welcomes visitors become proud local hosts, creating exceptional experiences that inspire guests to become advocates for the Gold Coast. 

Hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and Experience Gold Coast, these interactive workshops will cover: 

• World-class hosting principles
• Accessibility and inclusion
• Storytelling techniques
• Gold Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
• Environmental sustainability
• Local tourism products and experiences

Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
Time: Note two workshop session times are available (please register for the session time most suitable):

• Session 1 (10am-12noon)
• Session 2 (1pm-3pm)

Venue: Panorama Room, HOTA (Home of the Arts) 
RSVP: By Thursday 27 August 2026, please register below

STAND OUT WITH QUALITY TOURISM ACCREDITATION

Strengthen your tourism business and inspire greater confidence in visitors through Quality Tourism Accreditation. This nationally recognised program helps businesses demonstrate their commitment to exceptional customer service, professional business practices and high-quality visitor experiences, while providing practical tools to improve operations and meet industry best practice. Join more than 6,000 accredited tourism businesses across Australia and start your accreditation journey today.

TOURISM WEEK 2026 EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

Tourism Week 2026 will take place at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Star Gold Coast from Wednesday 4 – Friday 6 November, bringing together tourism professionals from across Queensland for three days of networking, industry insights, innovation and celebration. 

Early bird tickets are now on sale for the All Conference Pass, giving you access to the DestinationIQ and DestinationQ Forums, as well as the Queensland Tourism Awards. Secure your pass early and save up to $249 with the limited-time bundle offer. Individual event tickets will be available in the coming months.

MEDIA FAMIL HIGHLIGHTS FROM JAN – JUNE

From January to June, Experience Gold Coast's famil program showcased 54 industry partners across accommodation, dining, attractions and experiences. The program generated 11 media and social features, reaching a combined audience of more than 3 million people and helping put Gold Coast operators in front of highly engaged domestic and NZ audiences. 

This success is made possible through the support of our industry partners. If you have a new product, experience, or interesting story to share, we'd love to hear from you. Please continue sending product updates and media releases to media@experiencegoldcoast.com so we can identify opportunities for future media and creator visits. 

Coverage highlights:  

• 9Travel - The unexpected Aussie region that was perfect for a 'reset' holiday
• NZ Herald - Old world charm, new world flavour
• CEO Magazine - Kirra on the rise: The Gold Coast's new beachside hotspot
• Luxury Escapes - Insider's Guide to the Gold Coast
• Mamamia - I'm convinced this is the perfect itinerary for a family holiday to the Gold Coast
• Mamamia - This is the best spot for a solo getaway just minutes from the Gold Coast 
• Truly Aus - Find your flow on the Gold Coast
• Chloe Hayden - destination IG carousel
• Chloe Hayden - destination TikTok

BUSINESS DISASTER RESILIENCE FORUM

Local businesses are invited to attend the upcoming Business Disaster Resilience Forum – an initiative designed to support local businesses to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disaster events. 

Event details:
Date: Thursday 23 July 
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm 
Location: Southport Yacht Club, Main Beach 

This free forum will bring together local businesses, industry experts and recovery partners to share practical insights and real-world experiences. The session will include: 

• Practical strategies to strengthen business preparedness for severe weather and disruptions 
• A hands-on Business Continuity Planning activity 
• Insights from local business owners 
• Information on insurance, grants and available recovery support 
• Opportunities to connect with other businesses across the region 

Registrations are now open

THE GOLD COAST INDUSTRY CONNECTS AT ARIVAL 360

Experience Gold Coast and local Gold Coast tourism operators recently attended Arival 360 in Brisbane in June. 

Arival 360 is a practical, hands-on conference focused on helping tourism experience businesses grow through technology, distribution, connectivity, artificial intelligence, and customer experience innovation. The event brought together industry leaders, tourism operators, and technology providers to explore the trends and tools shaping the future of visitor experiences. 

Importantly, this was Arival’s first event held in Australia, and a significant milestone for the Australian visitor economy establishing Arival 360 as an important addition to the tourism industry's annual calendar. 

It was wonderful to see strong Gold Coast representation at the inaugural event, ensuring our destination and operators remain at the forefront of innovation, distribution, and experience development.

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! 

GET WET SURF SCHOOL

 

How would you describe your business and what you offer to someone new to the Gold Coast?  
Get Wet Surf School has been operating on the Gold Coast since 2005 and is one of the region's longest-running surf schools. We offer fun, safe and unforgettable surfing experiences for all ages and abilities. Our team is passionate about creating genuine connections with our guests and giving them an authentic taste of the Gold Coast by introducing them to one of the locals' favourite pastimes, surfing. Every lesson is about more than just learning to surf, it's about creating memories and helping guests experience the coast like a local.   

What’s one thing clients, guests, or partners consistently value or remember about working with you? 
The experience itself is what people remember most. Time and time again, our reviews mention the fun, welcoming atmosphere created by our team and how they left with smiles on their faces. While we proudly offer a stand-up guarantee, we believe success isn't just about getting to your feet, it's about having an unforgettable experience. Whether a guest stands up on their very first wave or spends the lesson laughing with new friends while learning something new, they're guaranteed to leave with lasting memories of their time on the Gold Coast. That's what keeps people recommending us to family and friends long after their holiday has ended.  

What sets your business apart within the Gold Coast tourism industry?  
As a locally owned small business, we believe the people who surf with us are so much more than customers booking a lesson. To our instructors, every guest is someone we have the opportunity to connect with, encourage and introduce to a lifestyle that we're genuinely passionate about. Over the years, we’ve faced plenty of challenges, particularly with Cyclone Alfred, Covid, beach closures, and times when operations had to pause unexpectedly due to things out of our control. Despite this, our team has consistently kept high spirits and a strong commitment to delivering great experiences. That resilience and positivity has become a defining part of who we are. 

Being a small business allows us to stay close to what matters most; our guests, our team, and the experience itself. Every smile, every wave caught, and every returning guest reminds us why we keep pushing through the challenges and continue doing what we love. 

PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS

RETAIN & DEVELOP YOUR WORKFORCE EVENT

What does the workforce of 2026 really look like and is your business ready for it? Join Michelle Erasmus from Dreamworld and Future FITT™ Leadership Strategist Kellie Tomney for an exclusive breakfast at SkyPoint, Level 78 of the Q1 Building. Through a candid Dreamworld case study, audience Q&A and interactive workshop discussions, you'll uncover what younger generations want from employers, how leading organisations are tackling skills shortages and AI disruption, and proven strategies to strengthen leadership, capability and retention. Walk away with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Friday 21 August 2026 | 7:00–9:00am | SkyPoint, Surfers Paradise 

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO GOLD COAST VISITORS

Now is the perfect time to promote your business with T.H.E Brochure Service. For over 20 years, we’ve connected businesses with Gold Coast visitors through 200+ high-traffic displays from Sanctuary Cove to Tweed Heads, including The Star Casino, Sheraton, Rydges GC Airport and more. As hands-on owner-operators, we restock every 7–14 days to keep your brochures visible. You’ll also gain bonus digital exposure via MiGoldCoast, featured on our website and promoted to 73k+ social media followers. Reach visitors actively planning their experiences, T.H.E Brochure Service delivers real results. Call Rebecca today on 1300 655 418

SUNDOWN IS BACK!!

We’re bringing the heat Saturday 18 July 2026. 

Save it. Send it. Be there! 

• Pacific Avenue
• Letters to Lions
• The Colliflowers
• Laurel Hill
• Yours to Keep
• HAEL
• merge presents Laneway Takeover

From 3:30pm, Nerang Street, Southport transforms into a street party packed with live bands, DJs, street art and SURFACE Festival creatives. Free entry. All ages. No tickets. Good vibes, live beats, street eats and cold drinks from Miami Booze Traders, Carafe Wine and Precinct Brewing Co. Keep it going with Sundown's official after parties at Mr P.P.'s, Last Night on Earth and Vinnies. Presented by City of Gold Coast.