24 September 2026
YOU’RE INVITED: FRIENDS OF EGC EVENING
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Friends of EGC Evening at Australian Outback Spectacular on Wednesday, 14 October.
Industry partners, their employees and students, along with family and friends are all welcome to come together for a relaxed evening of connection and entertainment.
For $65 per person, your evening includes an arrival drink during the pre-show entertainment, live show and a delicious three-course dinner with beverages.
Dress in your outback best – prizes are up for grabs!
Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Time: Doors open 6:15pm, Show start 7:30pm
Venue: Australian Outback Spectacular, Oxenford
VIRTUAL INDUSTRY PARTNER UPDATE PRESENTATION & RECORDING
Thanks to all our Industry Partners who joined our Virtual Update on Monday, 14 September. We shared the latest news, insights and opportunities to help our partners stay informed, understand what’s coming up, and make the most of our activity.
Couldn’t join us live? Log in to the Partner Portal to view the presentation as a PDF or watch the recording. Log in and navigate to Resources to view “Virtual Update Presentation and Recording - September 2026”.
BEST OF QUEENSLAND READY WORKSHOPS
Looking to strengthen your business and work towards Best of Queensland recognition? Join the Best of Queensland Ready Workshops for practical tips, industry insights and strategies to enhance your visitor experience, strengthen your digital presence and meet the expectations of today’s travellers.
Whether you’re working towards recognition for the first time or aiming for Silver or Gold status, the workshops will give you the knowledge, tools and confidence to take the next step.
Facilitated by tourism consultant Susan Maynard from Connect Tourism, the workshops are delivered by Tourism and Events QLD in partnership with Experience Gold Coast and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
We invite tourism partners to register for the Gold Coast Workshop and take the next step towards Best of Queensland recognition.
Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm (light lunch included)
Venue: QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise
ROUND 2 NATURE-BASED TOURISM SMALL GRANT RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
The City of Gold Coast is pleased to announce the latest recipients of funding under the Nature-Based Tourism Grants Program.
Following a competitive assessment process, a diverse range of projects has been selected to enhance nature-based tourism experiences across the region. These initiatives will showcase the Gold Coast's unique natural and cultural assets, support local businesses and communities, and create new opportunities for visitors to connect with the destination.
The program continues to encourage innovative, low-impact tourism experiences that contribute to a vibrant and sustainable visitor economy while celebrating the region's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
To learn more about the successful recipients and their projects, visit:
https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Invest-do-business/Supporting-business/Business-incentives-investment-programs/Nature-based-tourism
Successful Round 2 Large Grant applicants will be announced in November.
MIGRATION CHANGES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Federal Government has recently announced changes to Australia’s visa settings that will affect Working Holiday Makers (WHM’s), international students and other temporary visa holders.
For the Gold Coast, these changes are particularly relevant to tourism, hospitality, accommodation and education, where Working Holiday Makers and international students play an important role in supporting workforce availability and the visitor economy.
Key changes for Working Holiday Makers include the introduction of a ballot system for years two and three of their time in Australia, with caps placed on intake numbers for both of these years. In order to qualify, WHM’s must still meet their visa working requirements before they are able to enter the ballot.
These changes have been introduced alongside changes to international student family visa arrangements and changes to study pathways for students post-graduation.
Experience Gold Coast is awaiting further detail on implementation and transitional arrangements and will continue to advocate for policy settings that support a strong tourism workforce and international education sector.
We want to hear from industry. If these changes are likely to impact your business or workforce, please share your insights with IndustryPartnerships@experiencegoldcoast.com to help inform our advocacy.
You can also sign and share the petition to support the ongoing campaign led by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC).
GOLD COAST AIRPORT EARNS ACCESSIBILITY ACCREDITATION
Gold Coast Airport has secured international recognition for its work to create a more accessible and inclusive experience for visitors. The airport is one of just two in Australia, alongside Perth Airport, to receive the Airports Council International (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation. The program recognises airports working to improve accessibility for travellers with disability and diverse access needs.
The accreditation highlights initiatives including the airport’s dedicated airside Quiet Room, accredited by Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), and a new airside Pet Relief Area.
The recognition reflects Gold Coast Airport’s focus on making travel more welcoming for all visitors. The initiative reinforces the destination’s focus on creating a more inclusive journey from arrival through to the visitor experience.
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!
QUEST SOUTHPORT
How would you describe your business and what you offer to someone new to the Gold Coast?
Quest Southport is a modern serviced-apartment hotel in the heart of Southport, offering comfortable, self-contained accommodation for business travellers, families and holidaymakers. Guests enjoy the space and flexibility of apartment-style living, with convenient facilities and services designed to make both short and extended stays feel like a home away from home.
What’s a fun or lesser-known fact about your business or team?
While Quest Southport is part of a well-known national brand, it’s proudly locally owned and operated. It’s also Fleur’s third Quest property, making it especially meaningful to her. From creating the hotel and building the team to welcoming the local community from day one, Fleur is passionate about making Quest Southport feel like a true part of the Southport community.
Are there any insider tips or advice you’d share to help others get the most out of the Gold Coast experience?
My biggest tip is to explore beyond the usual “must-see” attractions and experience the Gold Coast like a local. With trams at our doorstep, beautiful beaches, hinterland hikes, waterfalls and family-friendly activities, there’s so much to discover. We hope staying with us feels like a home away from home, giving you the chance to relax, explore and truly live like a local.
PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
FRIGHT NIGHTS RETURNS THIS OCTOBER TO WARNER BROS. MOVIE WORLD
As day fades, darkness takes hold. Fright Nights has returned to corrupt the farthest corners and darkest depths of Warner Bros. Movie World. With nowhere safe to turn, one question decides your fate... Will you Survive the Night?
Conquer five petrifying Scare Mazes, brave returning and new Horror Encounters, explore brain-melting Panic Rooms, take on scream-inducing night rides and roaming monsters. Fright Nights rises during October only, so make sure to grab your tickets before it's too late...
TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2026
Tamborine Mountain comes alive for the Scarecrow Festival from 30 October – 1 November 2026! Follow the free Scarecrow Trail across the Mountain and discover creative scarecrow displays made by local businesses, residents and community groups.
On Saturday 31 October, come along to Cauldron Distillery for the festival celebration featuring live music, food, market stalls, family entertainment, local performers and the Scarecrow Awards. It’s a fun spring weekend in the Gold Coast hinterland and a great reason to explore Tamborine Mountain’s attractions, shops, food and local experiences.
CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH FIRE BABY
The end of the year deserves fire, flavour and a proper celebration - good food, good drinks, good company, sorted. Book Early & Celebrate on Us.
Christmas Pizza Party: 20-50 guests
Christmas Long Lunch at Ember: Min. 30 guests | Wed-Sat Lunch Service
Fire Baby Christmas Cocktail Party: 40-200 guests
Private Christmas Dining Experience: 20-40 guests | Exclusive Buchanan Room
Secure your event by 30 September 2026 and we'll welcome guests with a complimentary Christmas cocktail on arrival. Groups of 40 +. T&Cs apply.
All packages available throughout November and December. Enquire at events@firebaby.com.au to secure your preferred date.
UPCOMING PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES
Exciting opportunities are coming up for our Industry Partners. Keep an eye out for upcoming events, networking opportunities, and ways to connect, collaborate and grow.
Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details!
Event Info:
- 27 Oct - BEST OF QUEENSLAND READY PROGRAM WORKSHOP
- 4-6 Nov - TOURISM WEEK – DESTINATIONIQ, DESTINATIONQ AND QLD TOURISM AWARDS
- 9 Nov - BRAND GOLD COAST & EGC STORYTELLING WORKSHOP – SOUTHERN GOLD COAST
- 11 Nov - BRAND GOLD COAST & EGC STORYTELLING WORKSHOP – NORTHERN GOLD COAST
- 26 Nov - EGC INDUSTRY PARTNER YEAR-END CELEBRATION
TRADE ACTIVITY FY 26/27
- G’Day Australia, Darwin: 13 – 15 October
- ATEC Meeting place, Hobart: 26 – 28 October
Source: CoStar. Data correct as at 21 September 2026
VIEW THE 10 SEPTEMBER 2026 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.