27 August 2026
TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2026 TOURISM WEEK
The Queensland tourism industry's biggest week is being held on the Gold Coast!
Tickets for Tourism Week are on sale now, bringing together our industry's brightest minds, boldest ideas and biggest celebrations across three unforgettable days – the DestinationIQ and DestinationQ forums and the Queensland Tourism Awards.
Whether you're looking to connect with industry and government leaders, explore emerging opportunities and trends, tackle the challenges shaping our future, or celebrate excellence across Queensland tourism, Tourism Week is where it all happens.
Early bird registrations are now open and an All-Conference Pass bundle could save you up to $143.46.
LAST CALL FOR GOLD COAST WELCOMES YOU WORKSHOP
The Queensland Welcomes You initiative is designed to help everyone who welcomes visitors become proud local hosts, creating exceptional experiences that inspire guests to become advocates for the Gold Coast.
Hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and Experience Gold Coast, these interactive workshops will cover:
- World-class hosting principles
- Accessibility and inclusion
- Storytelling techniques
- Gold Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
- Environmental sustainability
- Local tourism products and experiences
Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
Time: Note two workshop session times are available (please register for the session time most suitable):
- Session 1 (10am-12noon)
- Session 2 (1pm-3pm)
Venue: Panorama Room, HOTA (Home of the Arts)
RSVP: By Thursday 27 August 2026, please register below
EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS TO INDIA
India continues to be one of Australia's fastest growing, highest value inbound markets and with peak season approaching, now is the time to build your strategic capability. ATEC's India Host Workshop will be held in Brisbane on Wednesday, 17 September, proudly supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, for a practical, interactive session designed specifically for tourism operators.
You'll come away with a clear understanding of the Indian market, preferences and behaviours, along with the cultural awareness and visitor expectations needed to deliver exceptional experiences. The workshop also covers product development opportunities tailored to the India market, how to work effectively with the Indian travel trade, and how to build the partnerships that support long-term business growth.
Participants receive complimentary enrolment in ATEC's India Host training program plus complimentary workshop registration as a valuable head start on your India market readiness.
Date: Wednesday, 17 September
Location: Brisbane (venue confirmed with registered participants)
BRISBANE AIRPORT RECORDS STRONG GROWTH
Brisbane Airport welcomed a record 25.2 million passengers in FY26, including strong growth in international travel. The increased connectivity, particularly with Asia and China, presents opportunities for the Gold Coast by strengthening Queensland’s visitor access and supporting continued tourism growth across the region.
ITB BERLIN 2027 – APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Tourism Australia is inviting Australian tourism businesses to apply for the Australia stand at ITB Berlin, taking place in Germany from 16–18 March 2027. The event offers an opportunity for tourism operators to connect with international buyers and showcase their products on the global stage.
Applications close Friday, 28 August 2026.
UNLOCKING AUSTRALIA'S CHINA VISITOR OPPORTUNITY
Austrade's Office of Tourism and the Visitor Economy helped fund research to produce a research report on unlocking Australia’s full opportunities from the Chinese visitor economy. The report surveyed more than 1,500 Chinese visitors and explores how tourism drives demand for Australian goods, education and investment. The findings provide a roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders and businesses seeking to support growth in Chinese tourism.
PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
GOOD VIBES. LITTLE HUMANS. ONE BIG WEEKEND.
The Gold Coast's happiest festival is back, bringing the beats, the glitter and all the good vibes.
Kidchella returns 12 - 13 September with two jam-packed days of FREE family fun.
For one epic weekend, Surfers Paradise transforms into the ultimate beachside festival for kids.
Little festival-goers can dance to live DJ beats, spin high on the Ferris wheel, bust a move at the silent disco, shoot hoops, get creative in the Art Studio, hit the skate zone and add some sparkle at the Glam Bar.
Gather your crew, throw on your brightest festival fit and get ready for fun!
SOUTHPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS: INSIDE SOUTHPORT: FAST TALKS WITH THOSE WHO SHAPE OUR CITY
Who: Southport Chamber of Commerce
Where: Fire Baby Southport
When: Friday, 4 September
Time: 6:00-8.30pm
Connect with Southport’s business leaders and decision-makers for fast-paced conversations on the issues, opportunities and priorities shaping the city’s future. Build valuable connections, gain local insights and be part of the conversation.
GC CENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS DIGITAL INNOVATION BREAKFAST
Who: GC Central Chamber of Commerce
Where: Bond University
When: Friday, 11 September
Time: 6.30-8.45am
See the future of business in action at the Digital Innovation Breakfast 2026, proudly sponsored by Bond Business School. Experience live demonstrations of emerging technologies, including practical AI solutions, and discover how innovation can help businesses operate, compete and grow.
Hear from industry experts and innovators about the technologies delivering results today and what’s on the horizon for tomorrow.
TRADE ACTIVITY FY 26/27
- Marketplace Japan and South Korea – 2 – 4 September
- G’Day Australia, Darwin – 13 – 15 October
- ATEC Meeting place, Hobart – 26 – 28 October
Source: CoStar. Data correct as at 27 August 2026
VIEW THE 13 AUGUST 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.