27 February 2025
ROADS LESS TRAVELLED DISCOVERING A NEW SIDE OF THE GOLD COAST
The latest episode of Roads Less Travelled has aired in Australia and New Zealand, offering a fresh perspective on the Gold Coast and highlighting its diverse range of experiences.
Hosts Shane and Amanda took viewers on a journey through sixteen unique Gold Coast operators, including Amore Tours, Dreamworld, Fox & Hounds, Franquette, German Cuckoo Clock Nets Shop, Gold Coast Gondolas, Imperial Hotel, Jet Ski Safaris, JW Marriott, La Luna Mare, Loborn, Pacific Fair, Piada Co, QT Gold Coast, Sun Sailing and Tamborine Rainforest Walk.
If you missed the episode, don't worry! You can catch it anytime on 10 Play.
QUEENSLAND GLOBAL BRIEFING
Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) recently visited the Gold Coast as part of their multi-city consultation, presenting their 2025 Global Market Briefing.
During the event, each of the TEQ International Directors shared valuable insights into their respective international markets, highlighting opportunities for the Gold Coast.
The Directors also outlined their strategic plans to continue promoting Queensland and the Gold Coast, ensuring the region remains competitive on the global stage.
For those who missed out on attending the briefing, the Brisbane recording and presentation are available now.
GOLD COAST TRADE MISSION TO JAPAN: A SUCCESS FOR FUTURE GROWTH
Experience Gold Coast, in collaboration with Tourism Tropical North Queensland, successfully completed a highly impactful international trade mission to Japan earlier this month.
The three-city mission, which included Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, saw Experience Gold Coast and 11 local tourism operators engage with over 350 buyers.
With a record number of buyers in attendance, the mission underscores the strong demand for both the Gold Coast and Cairns, presenting exciting opportunities for continued growth within the Japanese market.
JETSTAR JAPAN SHOWCASES THE ULTIMATE GOLD COAST GIRLS TRIP
Jetstar Airways in collaboration with active lifestyle brand ROXY, has launched the ‘Gold Coast Girls Trip’ campaign, featuring an exciting travel film that brings our destination to life.
The video follows ROXY GIRL’S Nanaha, Ana and Nagi as they explore the ocean and cityscapes of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. From surfing and sightseeing to enjoying the region’s incredible food and outdoor activities, the film captures the best of what’s on offer.
The adventure also takes them to Moreton Island, just a 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane, before continuing to the Gold Coast, which is easily accessible from Brisbane Airport by rental car, shuttle bus, or train.
Through this campaign, Jetstar highlights the attractions of Australia - proving that while it may seem far away, it’s actually closer than you think.
By making adventure travel more affordable and accessible, Jetstar continues to lead the way with low fares and seamless travel options.
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
HELP YOUR GUESTS GET TO GREEN DAY HASSLE-FREE!
Help your guests plan their trip to Green Day – The Saviors Tour at Cbus Super Stadium on Wednesday, 5 March.
With no parking available at the stadium precinct, encourage your guests to use the FREE public transport options or Park & Ride locations to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Share or display this poster in your accommodation to help guests get to and from the concert with ease!
GOLD COAST EXPERIENCE EXCHANGE UPDATE
After gathering hundreds of authentic Gold Coast moments, The Gold Coast Experience Exchange officially launched last week to interstate audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and the drive market.
A key new feature on gcexperienceexchange.com allows users to create a profile, browse experiences and save their favourites, creating their own personalised Gold Coast travel wish list.
To drive engagement, we've also launched a major competition for NSW and VIC residents, where five lucky winners will win a $10K Gold Coast getaway.
All they need to do is sign up, save experiences and they’re in the draw to win a holiday customised to the experiences they’ve saved.
REGISTER TO ATTEND DESTINATION AUSTRALIA 2025
Tourism Australia will host the annual Destination Australia conference on Wednesday, 19 March 2025 at the International Convention Centre Sydney.
This year, with a theme of ‘We are the Australian Tourism Industry’ the future evolution and growth of our sector, will be the focus of the day.
Industry leaders will share insights and updates, explore how we can continue to evolve the depth and breadth of our tourism offerings, and revisit how we collaborate to ensure the sustainable growth of our sector.
As always, a range of topics will be covered from aviation to marketing trends, future distribution landscape to agritourism, and so much more!
Destination Australia 2025 © Tourism Australia
VIEW REGIONAL INSIGHTS WITH TEQ’S TOURISM DATA EXPLORER
Curious about who visits the Gold Coast, how long they stay, and how much they spend? TEQ have produced regional snapshots for Queensland's 11 tourism destinations, which include results for the year ending September 2024 from the National Visitor Survey and International Visitor Survey by Tourism Research Australia.
Available through TEQ’s Tourism Data Explorer, this up-to-date information provides essential tools for operators and stakeholders to better understand visitor behaviour, economic impact and growth trends within their local areas.
TEQ’S TOO GREAT TO WAIT CAMPAIGN IS LIVE!
TEQ’s latest campaign promoting Queensland is live, telling Aussies the state is 'Too Great to Wait' to book a holiday.
The campaign will run in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland until the end of March, driving bookings through to Easter and beyond. View the ad here.
Want to take advantage of the strong traffic to Queensland.com? Ensure your best deal is available through the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) – there’s no charge.
NOMINATE NOW: TOP TOUR GUIDE AWARDS
Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s (QTIC) Queensland Top Tour Guide Award celebrates the significant contribution quality tour guides make in our great state. The award recognises guides that provide a special, distinctive, and memorable experience for visitors.
Businesses that are accredited through the Queensland Tourism Accredited Business program can nominate a tour guide or coach captain. If your business is not accredited and you’d like to nominate someone outstanding for the Top Tour Guide Award, your business will need to become accredited by close of nominations.
Nominations are now open and will close at 5pm on Monday, 10 March 2025.
MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOMINATE NOW: GOLD COAST AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
City of Gold Coast wishes to recognise those people that are changing our community for the better. Those whose challenges and triumphs are manifested in their life achievements. Those who go above and beyond in their career. Or those who are simply champions in one way or another and have an impact on those around them.
The Gold Coast Australian of the Year Awards are supported by Gold Coast Bulletin, Channel Nine and 102.9 Hot Tomato.
Nominate a Gold Coaster now!
For more information and to nominate, visit the website. Nominations close Sunday, 23 March 2025.
PINK WHALE NOW OPEN AT THE PARADISE CENTRE
Pink Whale is now open at the Paradise Centre Surfers Paradise! It delivers an authentic street food experience that perfectly complements the iconic atmosphere of its location. Whether you're seeking a flavourful escape during a busy day or a savoury evening indulgence, why not order street food from the cart out front.
Pink Whale promises an unforgettable dining experience that captures the true essence of street food in a bustling, picturesque setting. Open 7 days, 9am - late.
THE DEAL FINDER DIRECTORY IS HERE TO HELP
Head to the Merchant Portal and simply complete your profile.
Deal Finder will help you promote your weekly in-house specials direct to customers who are looking for you. There is a free package so no matter your size or budget, you can still sign up and benefit from the Deal Finder App.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
KIRRA POINT SURF SCHOOL
Learn to surf at the world's best wave! Come and find out why this is the fastest growing and most loved surf school on the Gold Coast.
Kirra offers a unique surfing experience due to the sheltered nature of the bay gifting us with consistent gentle waves for participants of all skill levels!
Whether you're a first timer of working on more advanced surfing techniques, Kirra Point Surf School has you covered with the most experienced instructors around.
VIKASATI
Vikasati offers one of Australia's largest Finnish sauna’s, hot and cold magnesium plunge pools and chilly ice baths.
OCR CAR RENTALS
OCR Car Rentals is one of the leading car rental companies that offer services across Australia. There are various car options, such as economy, premium hybrid, electric, intermediate, compact SUV, SUV 7-seater, family SUV5, family SUV7, people mover, and many other cars that can be selected depending on the requirement.
Car rental services are available 24/7, so a car can be booked at your convenience, and the team will be available for pick-up and drop-off services.
CINEFLY
Cinefly makes it incredibly easy for anyone to create professional-quality videos using just a mobile phone. With the AI Director Guide, users receive real-time instructions on what to say and how to shoot, ensuring every video is on-brand and high quality.
Once the footage is captured, Cinefly’s AI handles the post-production - automating tasks like editing, colouring, and branding - delivering a finished video in minutes.
- No need for complicated software or editing skills: just point, shoot, press a button, and Cinefly does the rest.
- Authentic and engaging content: create videos that truly resonate with your audience.
- Effortless process: whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to content creation, the Cinefly AI Director makes it easy to create polished videos every time.
- Fast and cost effective: generate high-quality, brand-compliant video content quickly and affordably, anytime you need it.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- FlyPelican will offer flights from Newcastle to the Gold Coast beginning March, starting at $245 one-way. From June the Gold Coast will also welcome direct flights from Darwin, operated by Jetstar four days per week, starting from $109 one-way.
- North Kirra Beach made #4 on the Best Australian Beaches 2025 list.
- To celebrate 20 years of Google Maps, Google has released Australia’s most talked-about places. Two Gold Coast businesses made the list with Charis Seafoods as the Most Reviewed Fish and Chips shop (5.1K reviews) and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary as the third Most Reviewed Park (11.9K Reviews).
VIEW THE 13 FEBRUARY 2025 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.