29 January 2026
WET SEASON READY: A 10-MINUTE BUSINESS CHECKLIST
Queensland’s wet season is well underway, and the Bureau of Meteorology continues to monitor conditions. Now is the time to get your basics in place, no matter where your business is located - it only takes 10 minutes.
If you only do 3 things today:
- Store important documents for remote access
Keep insurance papers, photos of property or equipment, supplier details, staff contacts, booking records, and essential passwords somewhere you can reach them online. - Create guest and booking communications ahead of time
Draft messages for scenarios like “we are open,” “temporary pause,” and “cancellations with refunds” to safeguard your reputation and reduce last-minute email stress if circumstances change. - Bookmark official warnings and support information
• Queensland warnings and alerts
• Bureau of Meteorology QLD updates
A small amount of preparation now can make a big difference down the line!
SUBMIT YOUR STUDENT DEALS AND LONG-STANDING STUDENT PRICES
Got a special offer for our students? Fill out this quick form to share your deal with our student community! Alternatively, please send photos and flyers directly to: gus.cominese@experiencegoldcoast.com.
Please note: These deals will be promoted to our students ONLY via @studentexperience.gc and Student hub TV. Submission does not guarantee inclusion. All deals will be reviewed and featured at the discretion of our team, based on relevance, suitability, and available content space. We encourage keeping the deal valid for at least 6 months.
INDUSTRY WORKFORCE ADVISOR PROGRAM
The Industry Workforce Advisor (IWA) program supports small businesses with their unique workforce challenges by offering free, one-on-one personalised support to help identify workforce concerns and attract and retain a diversified workforce.
The program guides you through addressing your workforce needs and challenges. Get involved by submitting an expression of interest today!
YOUNG TOURISM LEADERS PROGRAM 2026 
This program empowers emerging professionals across Queensland’s tourism industry to inspire the next generation and champion careers in tourism. Participants share their personal career journeys at schools and career events, helping young people understand the diverse pathways and real-world opportunities available within the visitor economy.
Program highlights include:
- Inspiring school, vocational, and tertiary students to consider a future in tourism
- Showcasing diverse career pathways and providing practical career guidance
- Expanding participants’ professional profiles and industry networks
Expressions of Interest for the 2026–2027 program are now open for eligible applicants aged 18–35 who have the support of their employer.
For all queries related to the Young Tourism Leaders Program, contact QTIC on QTICYTL@qtic.com.au or call 07 3236 1445
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR TEQ’S GLOBAL MARKET BRIEFING EVENT IN FEBRUARY
TEQ will return to the Gold Coast in February 2026 with its Global Market Briefing and networking event. This highly anticipated event is an opportunity for industry to connect directly with TEQ’s International Directors and Country Managers and hear the latest insights and trends coming out of Queensland's largest inbound markets. This briefing is also a valuable opportunity to receive updates on TEQ’s events strategy and domestic marketing. All TEQ presenters will be available for conversation during the networking session.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026
- Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Venue: Mondrian Gold Coast
SOCIAL MEDIA SUCCESS OF RECENT JAPANESE YOUTUBER VIDEO
Achieving over 380,000 views in Japan within just one month is a strong indicator of high-quality content, effective audience engagement, and well-executed promotion. This performance highlights the creator Ryucrew’s strong influence and the platform’s ability to reach and resonate with a wide Japanese audience.
EGC sincerely appreciates the partners who supported and assisted with the media famil program, whose cooperation was instrumental in achieving this successful outcome.
NATURALLYGC PROGRAM
As we head into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with nature. The NaturallyGC program offers our community the chance to engage with the environment through free activities and conservation projects. The City of Gold Coast partners with local organisations and community groups to deliver events such as wildlife shows, citizen science programs, Landcare tree planting, guided walks, and more. Together, these experiences help us deepen our knowledge of nature and make a positive impact on our environment.
Stay connected to nature check out the Activity Calendar here: NaturallyGC program | City of Gold Coast
ROBIN MACK APPOINTED AS TOURISM AUSTRALIA’S NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR
Tourism Australia has announced Robin Mack as its new managing director, marking an exciting chapter for the Australian tourism industry. Mack brings nearly 30 years of experience in travel and tourism, including over a decade with Tourism Australia, where he most recently served as executive general manager, global markets and business events. Known for his collaborative leadership style and deep understanding of global markets, he is well placed to champion Australian tourism operators and destinations internationally!
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
INDUSTRY SKILLS AND JOBS ADVISOR PROGRAM
The Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor program helps Queensland’s tourism industry by ensuring training and workforce initiatives meet evolving industry needs.
It works closely with employers, small businesses, and tourism stakeholders to:
- Gather insights from the tourism industry
- Provide evidence-based advice to government
- Shape training programs
- Identify skills shortages
- Support workforce planning to build a skilled, adaptable tourism workforce
By connecting industry and government, it ensures tourism businesses have access to the talent and training they need for the future.
If you’d like to learn more about the Industry Skills Advisor program and how your business can benefit by getting involved, please contact QTIC’s Program Manager, Kathryn Moody directly at Kathryn.Moody@qtic.com.au.
PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
SCOOBY-DOO! SPOOKY COASTER HAS OFFICIALLY RETURNED
ZOINKS! The mystery has returned! SCOOBY-DOO! Spooky Coaster is now open at Warner Bros. Movie World. Get ready to say ruh-roh! as you relive the adventure, packed with groovy chills, spooky thrills, and unmasked memories. Whether you're a longtime fan or solving your first mystery, Scooby and the gang are revving up The Mystery Machine for a hair-raising haunted adventure.
A BRAND NEW SPY CHASE STUNT SHOW AT WARNER BROS. MOVIE WORLD
The all-new Spy Chase Stunt Show brings explosive action to the streets of downtown Italy, where HAVOC’s leader races to unlock the Atlas Box. The Mission Director needs your help to stop him. Buckle up for roaring engines, daring stunts, and a mission you won’t forget. Now showing at Warner Bros. Movie World!
ONE DOLPHIN PRESENTATION NOW SHOWING AT SEA WORLD
One promise, one connection, one future. Dive into ONE, an all-new Dolphin Presentation now showing at Sea World. Celebrate the deep connection between humans and dolphins, the hope for our oceans, and the promise to protect them. Through powerful storytelling and breathtaking movement, ONE invites you to connect, reflect, and be inspired.
IN THE MEDIA: THE FUTURE IS GOLDEN AS NUMBER OF VISITS SOARS
Experience Gold Coast is driving the city’s international visitor growth through insight, partnership and opportunity as shared by our Head of Visitor Economy and Corporate Relations, Rachel Hancock, in the Gold Coast Bulletin.
“The Gold Coast has long been on of Australia’s most loved and recognised cities… But recognition alone won’t sustain our international visitor economy,” says Rachel Hancock.
“In an increasingly competitive global tourism market, growth comes from making smarter choices, guided by data, informed by experience and focused on long-term value for our visitor economy.”
Read the full update above.
VIEW THE 15 JAN 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.