Visitor Economy Update

21 May 2026

MID-YEAR INDUSTRY UPDATE BREAKFAST 2026

Join us on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 for our Mid-Year Industry Update Breakfast at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast.  
 
Join us as we share the latest destination insights and updates from the EGC team, alongside an engaging City Leaders Panel discussion whilst enjoying a plated breakfast.  

The morning will also include a special 50-year anniversary reflection, recognising our valued long-standing, Partners.  

Following the main program, stay on for a Marketing Masterclass delivered by the EGC marketing team and guest speakers.  

This practical session will explore the evolving destination marketing landscape, including consumer trends, content and channel performance and the impact of technology and AI. You’ll takeaway actionable insights on how to collaborate effectively and optimise your own platforms to drive results.

AUSTRALIA MARKETPLACE HEADS TO ASIA IN 2026

Registrations are now open for Australia Marketplace Japan and Korea 2026, taking place in Tokyo from 2–4 September 2026. Bringing together key players from the Australian tourism industry alongside leading travel buyers from Japan and Korea, the program will feature two and a half days of pre-scheduled appointments designed to foster meaningful connections, strengthen international partnerships and drive future business opportunities. 

With strong demand anticipated, seller participation will be carefully managed in collaboration with state and territory tourism organisations to ensure high-quality engagement across the event. Delegates will also have access to a range of dedicated networking opportunities throughout the program. Seller applications close 19 June 2026.

NATURE-BASED TOURISM PROGRAM

The City of Gold Coast’s Nature-Based Tourism Program supports businesses in creating low-impact, immersive experiences that showcase the region’s unique natural environment. Through grants and investment incentives, it encourages innovation in eco-tourism while promoting conservation and cultural awareness. The initiative aims to diversify tourism beyond beaches, highlighting the hinterland, wildlife, and Indigenous experiences. Ultimately, it drives sustainable economic growth while protecting the Gold Coast’s natural assets for future generations. Funding is now available under 2 categories:  

• Small grants - under $100,000: quick activation financial or in-kind support for new and established tourism businesses.  
• Large grants - over $100,000: new, innovative nature-based tourism products or experiences that provide tangible benefits to the Gold Coast.  

Applications are open to 30 June, with successful opportunity applications to be announced in September 2026.

IT'S TIME TO GET AHEAD OF THE GAME

Queensland stands at the threshold of an era defined by enormous opportunity. From the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to unprecedented infrastructure development, growing tourism and entertainment hubs, increasing global demand for Queensland-made goods and services and new ventures arising from digital innovation and the energy transition, we have a once-in-a-generation chance to become a global economic powerhouse. 

Join Business Chamber Queensland for Ahead of the Game, part of our statewide series helping Queensland businesses prepare for a decade of unprecedented growth and opportunity. The half-day event includes three parts:

• Expert panel sharing insights into how businesses can prepare for emerging opportunities
• Practical workshops delivered by subject matter experts covering critical topics like workforce planning, procurement readiness, branding and visibility, sustainability, export readiness, and leveraging
• Australian Made credentials.
• Networking session including a facilitated industry matchmaking session to meet potential partners, suppliers, and broaden your network

Date: Tuesday, 2 June 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 5:30pm
Venue: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

For more information and to book, visit https://events.humanitix.com/ahead-of-the-game-gold-coast

LAST CHANCE TO CONNECT YOUR BUSINESS TO THE HIGH VALUE MAGIC MILLIONS AUDIENCE

Are you a business looking to connect with a high-value, international racing audience? The Magic Millions National Series returns to the Gold Coast Sales Complex until 2 June, attracting around 3,000 visitors daily, including an esteemed international cohort of owners, breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts, representing major players from Asia, UAE, Europe, and the Americas. 

Timed with the Queensland Racing Carnival, this premier event offers a unique platform for local businesses to showcase offers to a premium, highly engaged audience. The Magic Millions National Sale has a proud history of both unearthing and selling champions. Winx, Golden Sixty, Aeliana, Autumn Glow, Sunshine in Paris, Pierro and Zoustar all emerged from canny Gold Coast buying. 

From dining and retail to experiences and services, participating businesses can position their brand at the centre of one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most influential bloodstock events. Register your offer to be in featured included in official event promotions and visitor communications. 

GOLD COAST TOURISM EXPERIENCES SHINE IN 2026 BEST OF QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCES PROGRAM

The Gold Coast’s tourism industry has once again been recognised among the state’s best, with a record 372 local tourism experiences awarded recognition through the 2026 Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP).

Delivered by Tourism and Events Queensland, the nation-leading program supports the delivery and growth of high-quality visitor experiences across Queensland and celebrates operators demonstrating excellence in customer experience, digital capability and industry best practice.

To achieve recognition, tourism businesses must meet a comprehensive set of criteria, including consistently strong customer reviews, a high-quality online presence, secure booking capability, industry accreditation, and active engagement with their local tourism organisation.

This year also marks the introduction of new Gold and Silver status tiers alongside the established Teal status - providing greater recognition for top-performing operators while maintaining a clear benchmark for quality across the industry.

The Gold Coast’s 2026 Gold status experiences reflect the strength, diversity and maturity of the region’s visitor economy, spanning immersive touring experiences, nature-based attractions, wellness retreats, dining experiences and premium accommodation providers.

Congratulations to the Gold Coast’s 2026 BOQEP Gold status experiences:

• Australian Sunset Safaris 
• Citrique Restaurant 
• Currumbin RSL 
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Go Ride a Wave Surf School & Hire 
• Gwinganna Retreat & Spa 
• Hopo Gold Coast Ferry & Sightseeing Cruises 
• Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast 
• Jet Ski Safaris 
• JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa 
• Kiff & Culture 
• Odyssey Jet Ski Tours 
• One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort 
• RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast 
• Sea World Cruises & Buffet Dinner Cruise 
• Sea World Whale Watch 
• Southern Cross Tours 

The strong result reinforces the Gold Coast’s position as one of Australia’s leading tourism destinations and highlights the commitment of local operators to delivering exceptional visitor experiences across the region. 

To view the full assessment criteria and listings of current Best of Queensland Experiences, please visit the Tourism and Events Queensland.

EGC FLYING THE GOLD COAST FLAG AT THE AUSTRALIAN TOURISM EXCHANGE 2026

Experience Gold Coast was proud to represent our destination at Australian Tourism Exchange 2026 in Adelaide alongside over 35 of our valued Industry Partners. 

It was fantastic to connect with international travel buyers, wholesalers and distribution partners, strengthening existing relationships and creating new opportunities for the Gold Coast. Across the event, our team undertook over 250 business appointments, showcasing the depth and diversity of our destination on the global stage. 

Thank you to our partners for your collaboration and ongoing commitment to growing the Gold Coast visitor economy.

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

• Registrations are open for ATEC’s Explore South Queensland (ESQ26) in Brisbane from 24-25 June 2026.
  Sellers please register here. 

STRENGTHENING CULTURAL CAPABILITY ACROSS THE GOLD COAST

As one of the Gold Coast’s leading multicultural organisations, Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast (MCCGC) is delivering a practical Cultural Awareness Training workshop designed for tourism, education, community, and industry professionals.  

This engaging two-hour session will help teams build confidence when working with culturally diverse communities, students, visitors, and clients. Participants will gain practical tools to improve communication, strengthen inclusion, and create more culturally responsive workplaces and services.  

With over 40 years supporting multicultural communities across the Gold Coast, MCCGC brings real-world expertise and community insight to every session.  

When: Wednesday, 17 June 2026  
Where: MCCGC Southport Office  
Cost: $140 per person  

Limited places available – register now! 

ARIVAL 360 BRISBANE: 22-24 JUNE 2026 – OPERATORS SAVE 15%!

Arival 360 Brisbane is a 3-day, in-person conference for creators and sellers of tours, activities, attractions, and multi-day experiences from across Oceania and APAC. It’s a content and conversation-led format, featuring keynote speakers, workshops, networking and direct access to technology and distribution partners.  

Key themes include:  

• Technology and connectivity – booking tech, system integration and how to choose the best tech stack  
• Distribution and channel management – direct & third-party sales; leveraging OTA partnerships  
• Pricing and revenue strategy – addressing real operating conditions; search, discovery, and bookings in the age of AI
• AI and automation  
• Digital marketing and direct booking conversion  
• Guest experience and how it connects to operations and growth

ATDW in partnership with Arival are offering a discounted registration, where operators save 15% with code
MPAU-TEXV26

(Discount does not apply to Arival Insider Pro Access Members or non-operators and cannot be combined with other promotions)   

QTIC FUTURE READY WEBINAR SERIES: CONVERSATION WITH BRIDGET WOODS – DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, DETSI

Join us for an exclusive webinar with Bridget Woods as she shares her insights on the future of tourism in Queensland. Drawing on her leadership experience within DETSI, Bridget will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry, including sustainable growth, workforce development, innovation, and the evolving needs of visitors and communities across the state.  

This is a valuable opportunity for industry operators and stakeholders to hear directly from government leadership and gain a deeper understanding of the strategic direction of tourism in Queensland.  

Date: Wednesday 27 May  
Time: 10:15am – 11:15am  

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! 

BIG4 GOLD COAST HOLIDAY PARK

How would you describe your business and what you offer to someone new to the Gold Coast?
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is a premium, family-focused accommodation destination located in Helensvale, just minutes from the major theme parks. We offer a wide range of options from luxury villas and safari tents through to spacious caravan and camping sites, all supported by resort-style facilities including a water park, pools, café, and activities designed to create memorable stays for guests of all ages.  

What’s one thing clients, guests, or partners consistently value or remember about working with you?  
Consistency. Guests know they’re going to get a clean, well-maintained park, friendly service, and an experience that delivers on what we promise. That reliability is what keeps people coming back year after year.  

What sets your business apart within the Gold Coast tourism industry? 
We focus heavily on the guest experience; everything is designed to “surprise and delight” without overpromising. It’s the combination of high-quality facilities, strong team culture, and attention to detail that sets us apart, along with our ability to cater equally well to families, couples, and groups.   

If someone was engaging with your business for the first time, what’s one thing they shouldn’t miss?
The water park and resort pool precinct, it’s the heart of the park and where a lot of the magic happens for our guests.  

What’s something you’re particularly proud of that you’d like others to know about?  
Over the past few years, we’ve worked hard to build something special with our team, and that’s been recognised at both a state and national level, including taking out Gold at the Australian Tourism Awards through the Australian Tourism Industry Council. More importantly, it’s reflected in our guest feedback and the number of returning visitors we see each year.

What impact do you hope your business has on visitors, partners, or the wider industry?  
We want to set a benchmark for what a holiday park experience can be, delivering genuine value, creating lasting memories, and contributing positively to the Gold Coast’s reputation as a leading tourism destination.  

PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS

FLY FOR THE SMITH FAMILY AT IFLY INDOOR SKYDIVING

On Tuesday 26th May iFLY Gold Coast is offering ridiculously discounted indoor skydiving experiences with 100% of the proceed from flight packages donated to the Smith Family. The Smith Family focuses on helping young Australians overcome educational inequality caused by poverty. This event will also give locals the opportunity to experience iFLY for as little as $30 per person and make a difference to the Smith Family at the same time. iFLY is open from 9am to 7pm and suitable for anyone age 3+. People living with disability are welcome to fly.

MONSTER MACHINERY DAY IS BIGGER, BOLDER, BOOMIER!  

Monster Machinery Day rolls into Broadwater Parklands on Sunday 31 May, bringing a full kilometre of mighty machines to explore across the Great and Southern Lawns.  

Little builders and digger dreamers can climb, explore and get hands-on with the equipment that digs, lifts, hauls and keeps the Gold Coast moving.  

A huge range of free activities will be on offer, including live machinery demonstrations, a rock-climbing wall, train rides and the ever-popular giant sand pit.  

And because every little explorer needs fuel - the food trucks will be in full gear! A full load of fun and mighty machinery awaits!

FIRE BABY - SUNDAY SESSIONS

Looking for the perfect way to wrap up your weekend? Join us for Sunday Sessions at Fire Baby, happening every Sunday from 5pm to 8pm.

$10 Beers
$15 Cocktails
$20 Selected Pizzas

Good music. Great energy. The perfect Sunday ritual.

Secure your spot via our website, we can’t wait to see you there.