23 April 2026
SAVE THE DATE - EGC INDUSTRY UPDATE
Save the Date - EGC Industry Update Breakfast | Wednesday 10 June | 7:00am – 8:30am | Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Join us for our mid-year industry update breakfast, featuring the latest destination insights and updates from the EGC team, plus a leader’s panel discussion. An optional practical marketing masterclass will follow from 9:00–10:00am. Formal invitation to follow — we look forward to seeing you there!
TEQ CAMPAIGN UPDATE WEBINAR
Tourism and Events Queensland is relaunching their ‘That Holiday Feeling’ campaign this May, inspiring Australians to travel to—and within—Queensland. With a whole-of-state approach, the campaign highlights Queensland as an easy, accessible, and great-value holiday destination.
To support the rollout, TEQ is hosting an exclusive industry webinar for operators, providing an overview of the campaign, activation plans, and how you can get involved.
Date: Thursday 7 May
Time: 1:00 – 1:30 PM
Don’t miss this opportunity to align your business with Queensland’s latest domestic tourism push.
TOURISM AUSTRALIA INDUSTRY WEBINAR
Tourism Australia’s upcoming webinar will share the latest insights on consumer sentiment, the aviation landscape, and key updates from partners around the world. Managing Director Robin Mack will be joined by Regional General Managers to discuss current conditions across their respective markets. A representative from Austrade’s Office of Tourism and the Visitor Economy will also present recent domestic tourism data and insights.
SECURE COMMUNITIES GRANTS NOW OPEN
Queensland small and family businesses impacted by crime can apply for funding through the Secure Communities Partnership Program, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to support security upgrades like CCTV, alarms and lighting. The initiative aims to reduce the cost and impact of crime while creating safer, more vibrant business areas across the state.
Applications are open until 30 June 2026 (or until funds are exhausted), with businesses required to co-contribute 50% of project costs.
SECURITY ALERT – SUSPICIOUS EMAIL
We’d like to alert all Experience Gold Coast Partners to a scam email currently circulating.
Details:
- From: Various sender names, none using an @experiencegoldcoast.com email address
- Subject: Experience Gold Coast
- Content: Offers to sell a “Distribution/Member List” of EGC contacts
This email is not from Experience Gold Coast and is not affiliated with us. It appears to involve the sale of scraped, publicly available data via an Excel document and may pose a security risk.
Please:
- Do not click any links or open attachments
- Do not reply or purchase any lists
- Delete the email and report it as spam/junk in your email system
Experience Gold Coast does not sell Partner lists. All official communication will come from an @experiencegoldcoast.com email address.
If you’re ever unsure about an email, please contact the Industry Partnerships team at industrypartnerships@experiencegoldcoast.com.
TEQ CONNECT | LEVERAGING EVENTS IN YOUR REGION
Events bring people to your destination — are you making the most of them? Discover how tourism operators can partner with event organisations in their region to capture event‑driven visitors and grow their business. Learn how to turn events into an opportunity by engaging visitors before, during and after events. Hear firsthand insights from Kate Scott, Principal Tourism & Events at Toowoomba Regional Council - Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, and Scott Healey, Destination Events Leader at Tourism and Events Queensland.
This webinar is ideal for tourism operators and businesses who want to learn how to turn events into an opportunity by engaging visitors before, during and after events.
Date: Monday 27th April Time: 11:30AM - 12:15PM AEST
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL ROUNDTABLE
This month, we welcomed Deputy Director-General of the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) Bridget Woods to the Gold Coast for an industry roundtable. EGC CEO John Warn and Head of Visitor Economy Rachel Hancock were joined by 22 other key tourism stakeholders for this roundtable. Operators had the opportunity to share their insights on any emerging trends, challenges and opportunities in the sector. The discussion focused on several key areas including: investment in the destination, nature-based tourism, fuel supply, planning frameworks, talent acquisition, international student attraction, public transport and current visitor trends.
QLD DAY AWARDS
Queensland Day is just around the corner on 6 June - a time to celebrate everything that makes our state truly special. From iconic beaches and hidden gems to local legends and must-visit experiences, the Queensland Day Awards shine a spotlight on the very best Queensland has to offer.
Queenslanders are invited to vote across 15 categories, recognising the unique places and businesses that help define our state. Get involved by voting, nominating your favourites, and discovering the people and experiences that capture the true Queensland spirit. Voting is now open until 28 May 2026.
ARIVAL 360 BRISBANE: 22-24 JUNE 2026 – OPERATORS CAN NOW 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 can save 15% with code MPAU-AWXV26.
(Discount does not apply to Arival Insider Pro Access Members or non-operators and cannot be combined with other promotions)
Source: CoStar. Data correct as at 23 April 2026
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!
PINK FLAMINGO
With their final day set for May 9, now is the perfect time to visit them and celebrate all they’ve brought to the Gold Coast.
How would you describe your business and what you’ve offered to the Gold Coast over the years?
Pink Flamingo Gold Coast has always been about creating bold, high-energy entertainment experiences that you simply can’t find anywhere else. We brought together world-class performers, immersive production, and a uniquely playful, glamorous atmosphere to create something truly different for the Gold Coast. It’s been a place where people come to celebrate, escape, and be part of something unforgettable.
What inspired you to start or be part of this business, and what has that journey been like?
For me, it was about protecting something special and making sure it continued to exist for both performers and audiences. The journey has been incredibly rewarding and, at times, challenging — but always driven by a passion to create opportunities for talent and deliver exceptional experiences. Seeing the team grow and the audience response night after night has made it all worthwhile.
For those visiting before you close, what’s one experience they absolutely shouldn’t miss?
Disco Disco is our signature — it captures everything Pink Flamingo is about in one show. It’s high-energy, visually spectacular, and pure fun from start to finish. If you’ve never been, now is the time. And if you have, come back and experience it one more time.
What are you most proud of when you look back on your time in business?
The people. The cast and team who have shown up every single week and delivered something truly special. We’ve created a space where talent has been nurtured, opportunities have been created, and unforgettable memories have been made — and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
What lasting impact or legacy do you hope your business leaves?
I hope Pink Flamingo is remembered as a venue that pushed boundaries and brought something different to the Gold Coast — a place that celebrated creativity, individuality, and live performance. Most importantly, I hope it’s remembered for the joy it brought to people. And for all the performers and staff that have graced the stage or floor I want them to be proud of themselves and know that I have loved every minute of being with them all. They are truly incredible.
PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
FESTIVAL ON THE FARM AT PARADISE COUNTRY
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Paradise Country on Sunday, 10 May with Festival on the Farm. Hosted by Emily Jade and Hot Tomato, enjoy a fun-filled day of live music, tractor rides, line dancing, character meet and greets, and adorable animals. Feast on delicious food trucks, grab sweet and savoury treats from The Burrow Café, and unwind at the cocktail bar. Make Mum’s day extra special with a Farmhouse Restaurant dining upgrade or a unique animal encounter. It’s the perfect family day out to celebrate Mum. Tickets from $49.
SUNSHINE, FLAVOURS & STAYS – DISCOVER QUEENSLAND FROM KOREA
A two-month hotel conversion campaign with Hanatour, delivered in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), launched in April to drive bookings from Korea to Queensland. The campaign leverages a combination of partner-owned channels and paid media.
The dedicated website showcases a wide range of accommodation, experiences, cafés, and restaurants, appealing to Korean travellers seeking a destination that offers both convenience and exciting holiday experiences.
DROP FOR A CAUSE
Ready to step up…to drop down? Drop for a Cause is a unique, fun - and slightly terrifying - fundraising event launched by the Gold Coast Community Fund to support locals doing it tough. Businesses, community groups and brave individuals are invited to form teams of eight and sponsor a drop for $2,500, helping those facing illness, domestic violence, homelessness and disability. On Friday 8 May at Dreamworld, the event promises to be BIG, with Hot Tomato broadcasting live, breakfast for participants, plenty of entertainment and laughs. Step outside your comfort zone for a great cause.
MOTHER'S DAY AT EMBER BY FIRE BABY
Make this Mother’s Day one to remember at Ember, where good food and great company come together over the warmth of charcoal fire. Treat the special women in your life to a relaxed and flavour-filled lunch, featuring our signature Charcoal Sunday Roast, or explore our thoughtfully curated à la carte menu. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Date: Sunday 10 May Time: 12pm - 2:30pm (Maximum seating of 2 hours) Charcoal Sunday Roast: $40 per person (includes sides).
With limited seating available, we recommend booking early to secure the perfect table and give Mum the celebration she deserves.