26 March 2026
WEBINAR: UNDERSTANDING THE TOURISM IMPACTS OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Join Tourism Australia for a special webinar as they share the latest industry insights on the situation in the Middle East, the potential impacts on tourism to Australia and aviation; and how Tourism Australia is responding.
When: Friday 27 March 2026 at 12pm AEST
O’REILLY’S MARKS 100 YEARS OF FAMILY HERITAGE
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is celebrating a century of family ownership and history. Now run by the third and fourth generations of the O’Reilly family, the resort is recognised as Australia’s longest-running ecotourism destination and continues to prioritise sustainability. The centenary will be celebrated with a full year of special events, unique experiences and promotional offers.
EGC DESTINATION PERFORMANCE UPDATE
Experience Gold Coast is hosting a Destination Performance virtual update, highlighting the latest data and insights into our region’s visitor economy. The session will include a welcome from Rachel Hancock, Head of Visitor Economy and Corporate Relations, followed by a comprehensive overview from Boyd Shacklock, Research and Insights Specialist, covering visitation trends, visitor spending, and forecasts across the accommodation, aviation, international education and business events sectors. Attendees will gain a clear snapshot of the Gold Coast’s current performance and future outlook. Feel free to check out the latest tourism research here!
NEW QUEENSLAND TOURISM AWARDS ACADEMY TO SUPPORT INDUSTRY AWARD APPLICANTS
Tourism businesses across Queensland now have a new way to strengthen their operations and prepare standout award submissions. QTIC has launched the Queensland Tourism Awards Academy ahead of nominations opening on 16 March, offering practical guidance, mentoring and tools to help businesses confidently enter the Awards.
Led by experienced business strategist Kayleen Allen, the Academy will support both new and returning entrants to better showcase their achievements while strengthening innovation, sustainability and customer experience.
Program Highlights:
- Online workshops, practical resources and insights into what Awards judges are looking for
- One-on-one mentoring to help strengthen your business capability and refine your submission
- Guidance to craft a compelling entry and increase your chances of progressing to finalist stage and beyond
TOURISM BUSINESS CAPABILITY SUBSIDY AVAILABLE TO LOCAL OPERATORS
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is proud to be delivering the 2026 round of the Tourism Business Capability Subsidy, now open and offering up to $2,000 to eligible Queensland tourism and event businesses to support targeted training or accreditation.
Whether you’re a sole trader or running a small to medium-sized operation, this program is designed to help you strengthen your business and continue delivering great experiences for visitors.
The subsidy can be used to fund:
- Accreditation for national recognition
- Training programs to build skills
From improving sustainability and accessibility to marine qualifications and tour guide accreditation, now is a great time to invest in your business and your future.
AGODA – GOLD COAST CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES IN SOUTH KOREA
The Gold Coast has taken centre stage in South Korea this March with the launch of the Gold Coast Queensland Agoda Campaign.
Delivered in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), this collaborative initiative strengthens Gold Coast’s presence in South Korea. By aligning state and destination marketing efforts, the campaign maximises reach and impact across key digital booking channels.
As one of Asia’s leading travel-tech companies, Agoda connects millions of registered customers worldwide and is currently ranked No.1 among booking platforms in South Korea. This partnership provides a powerful opportunity to position the Gold Coast prominently within a highly competitive and digitally driven travel landscape.
The campaign has been strategically designed to guide South Korean travellers through the full customer journey, from awareness and consideration to conversion, inspiring them to plan and book their next holiday to the Gold Coast.
Through premium Agoda site placements and targeted social advertising formats, the Gold Coast brand is being showcased across crowded South Korean online booking platforms. The joint activity with TEQ ensures strong brand alignment, increased visibility and measurable outcomes, engaging travellers at the critical moment of trip planning and purchase decision-making.
We look forward to building further momentum in the Korean market and welcoming more visitors to experience the Gold Coast’s vibrant lifestyle, wellness offerings and iconic attractions.
GOLD COAST SHOWCASES AT TEQ INBOUND QUEENSLAND EVENT - SYDNEY
Experience Gold Coast recently joined Tourism and Events Queensland for the two-day Inbound Queensland event in Sydney, bringing together key tourism partners from across the state.
Alongside seven Regional Tourism Organisations, the event welcomed 45 Queensland tourism operators, including eight Gold Coast partners and 45 inbound and online distribution partners, resulting in more than 2,300 business meetings across the program.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Queensland and Gold Coast tourism experiences to global distribution partners who play an important role in driving international visitation and future growth for our destination.
Experience Gold Coast thanks all participating partners for their contribution to the success of the event and their continued support in strengthening the Gold Coast’s presence in key international markets.
KICK OFF ATE26 WITH PRE-EVENT NETWORKING
Join fellow ATEC members for an informal networking evening in Adelaide’s CBD ahead of ATE26. This pre-event gathering is the perfect chance to meet peers, exchange ideas, and catch up before the official sessions begin. Keep an eye out for registration details and reach out to events@atec.net.au with any questions.
Source: CoStar. Data correct as at 26 March 2026
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
FIRE BABY
How would you describe your business and what you offer to someone new to the Gold Coast?
Fire Baby is a contemporary dining destination in Southport offering two distinct experiences under one roof. Fire Baby Pizzeria serves authentic Napoli-style wood-fired pizzas in a relaxed, vibrant setting, while Ember delivers a more elevated dining experience with dishes cooked over open flame and charcoal. It’s a place where locals and visitors can gather around the fire, enjoy bold flavours, and experience warm hospitality in a unique dual-concept venue. In addition to our restaurant offering, our venue also caters for private functions and events, including weddings, corporate gatherings and celebrations, making it a versatile space for both visitors and locals.
What’s one thing clients, guests, or partners consistently value or remember about working with you?
Guests often mention the atmosphere and the experience of the fire. Whether it’s watching pizzas come out of the wood-fired oven or enjoying dishes cooked over charcoal at Ember, the open-fire element creates a memorable and sensory dining experience that brings people together. Our team’s warm hospitality and flexibility in hosting events also make the venue a memorable place for celebrations and gatherings.
What sets your business apart within the Gold Coast tourism industry?
Our dual-concept offering is quite unique. Visitors can enjoy two different dining experiences in the same venue – a casual Italian pizzeria and a more refined fire kitchen. The focus on cooking with fire, high-quality ingredients, and a welcoming environment makes Fire Baby a destination for both locals and travellers exploring the Gold Coast.
What impact do you hope your business has on visitors, partners, or the wider industry?
We hope Fire Baby contributes to positioning the Gold Coast as a vibrant culinary destination. By celebrating fire-driven cooking, local ingredients, and a strong sense of hospitality, we aim to create memorable experiences that encourage visitors to explore the area and support local businesses.