21 August 2025
TOURISM AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES NEXT CHAPTER OF GLOBAL COME AND SAY G'DAY CAMPAIGN
Tourism Australia is embarking on the next stage of its globally successful Come and say G’day campaign with the second chapter about to launch in key international tourism markets around the world.
Brand ambassador Ruby the Souvenir Kangaroo is back and joining her this time are talent well-known to local audiences in the US, UK, China, India and Japan, with a series of localised creative executions to encourage international travellers to plan and book an Australian holiday.
Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, said the latest Come and say G’day campaign will help to ensure Australia remains front of mind for travellers in a competitive global travel market.
Find out more and view campaign resources here.
YOUR PASSION SHINES THROUGH FOR NATURE BASED TOURISM
The City of Gold Coast would like to thank our partners for the incredible response to the Nature-Based Tourism (NBT) Program. The City received a significant amount of applications across both the Grants and Opportunity Response Program (ORP) streams, highlighting your passion for innovation and commitment to enhancing nature-based experiences on the Gold Coast.
The Project Team and Assessment Panel are currently undertaking a robust, merit-based process to prioritise projects for Council endorsement.
As a pilot round, this phase of the program was designed to test market interest and help inform future investment priorities - and the response has been more than anticipated. Given the highly contestable nature of the program and limited funding available, a select number of projects will be supported at this time.
The City greatly values the time, effort and innovation shown by all applicants, and is committed to providing clear and transparent updates as the assessment process continues.
Timeframes for announcements:
- Grants: Successful grant applications will be announced in September
- ORP (Opportunity Response Program): Successful ORP applications will be announced in November
UNLOCKING GROWTH IN INDIA & SOUTHEAST ASIA
In a major effort to boost international trade ties, Craig Undery attended Tourism Australia’s Marketplace events in Southeast Asia (Jakarta) and India (Jaipur), holding over 160 appointments with high-value travel partners across both markets.
Attending alongside Tourism & Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast partners, Marketplace showcased the depth and diversity of the destination’s experiences across leisure, business events, and educational tourism sectors.
EGC also engaged in targeted trade activity, including Aussie Specialist Program training at Tourism Australia’s Jakarta office, and a collaborative trade dinner in Mumbai with Brisbane Economic Development Agency, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, and key Indian trade partners.
Enhanced connectivity through Malaysian Airlines’ new Brisbane–Kuala Lumpur service commencing in November, alongside existing international services, presents a prime opportunity to capitalise on new capacity for continued growth.
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
GET YOUR TICKETS: QTIC WORLD TOURISM DAY LUNCH PRESENTED BY EGC
In celebration of World Tourism Day, you’re invited to attend the QTIC World Tourism Day Event, presented by Experience Gold Coast.
Get ready to catch up with friends and colleagues and meet new faces at one of Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s (QTIC) largest annual networking events.
Date: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Time:11:30am arrival. 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: Isoletto Privé, The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
Experience Gold Coast partners can access the special member rate by using the promo code egcmem.
TEQ'S DRIVE CAMPAIGN: INDUSTRY TOOLKIT
The toolkit includes everything you need to amplify the campaign across your channels and help showcase why Queensland is the perfect spot for a road-trip.
If you missed the industry webinar held recently, you can view the recording here.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: TAIWAN TRADE MISSION
Expressions of interest are now open to join Experience Gold Coast on a trade mission to Taiwan in November 2025.
This mission will target leisure and corporate sales agents in Taipei, including a one-day workshop with trade and airlines, plus an evening networking function. The one-day trade event will take place on Monday 17 November, 2025, immediately following Tourism Australia’s Marketplace China event, providing a cost-effective way for those EGC partners already in market to engage in Taiwan.
For further information and to express your interest in attending this trade mission, please email Craig Undery, Experience Gold Coast International Marketing Specialist – craig.undery@experiencegoldcoast.com. Expressions of interest will close on Friday, 29th August, 2025.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity!
FREE CYBER SECURITY TRAINING
As part of the Queensland Government’s partnership with the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA), Queensland small and family businesses have access to a suite of free cyber security courses, webinars, guides and resources.
These short, self-paced courses and tools can help you, your team and your business, build greater cyber resilience and awareness.
AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL TOURISM CONVENTION 2025 PROGRAM RELEASED
The program for the Australian Regional Tourism Convention 2025 has been released, with a lineup of incredible industry speakers.
The convention is a must-attend event for anyone who wishes to contribute to the future of regional tourism in Australia and is tailored for all sectors of the tourism industry. It is a great networking opportunity and forum to exchange ideas about ways to grow a sustainable regional destination and to showcase best practice success.
The convention will be held in Adelaide Hills from 14 – 16 October 2025. Tickets are available to purchase through the website.
REGISTER NOW: 2025 QUEENSLAND DISABILITY CONFERENCE
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), in partnership with the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, is hosting the 2025 Queensland Disability Conference — ‘Unlocking Potential: Reforms, Innovation and Inclusion’.
Event highlights will include discussions on rights and discrimination, disability reforms, employment and social impact, and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The online event will be held on an interactive platform, where you will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other attendees, whilst watching a live feed of the presentation. The event will be held virtually on Friday, 29 August 2025 from 9:30am – 4:30pm.
PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
OCEAN BEACH TOURIST PARK WINS TOURISM VENUE OF THE YEAR
Ocean Beach Tourist Park, located in Miami, proudly won the 2025 Tourism Venue of the Year award, standing out among 43 other incredible Belgravia Leisure Australian & New Zealand Tourism products.
Park managers, Pete and Becky along with their team won the award based on their commitment to guest experience, community engagement, and operational excellence.
It's been an award-winning year for the Ocean Beach team who also won the ReviewPro People’s Choice Caravan Park of the Year Award, during the recent national Caravan Industry conference held of the Gold Coast.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- Tourism Australia has released their Hot List for August 2025.
- Screen Queensland has announced that filming has begun in the Gold Coast & Queensland, for Netflix drama The Mosquito Bowl.
- Six world-class women’s football matches to be played on the Gold Coast in 2026. Learn more here.
- Boost your tourism business with up to $2,500 in digital upgrades plus expert support. From websites to social media, transform your online presence. Join the funding waitlist now and get future-ready today.
VIEW THE 7 AUG 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.