29 May 2025
2025 BEST OF QUEENSLAND RESULTS RELEASED
Earlier this month, more than 2,300 Queensland tourism products were named Best of Queensland Experiences (BOQE) for 2025.
The Best of Queensland Experience program was developed in partnership with the state's Regional Tourism Organisations, the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
Businesses are assessed against key criteria that includes the consistent delivery of an exceptional experience based on positive customer reviews, website with secure online booking, social media presence, RTO membership and Accreditation.
Access the BOQ Portal to access your operator report and to download your stamp (if achieved). If you require assistance, please email experiences@queensland.com.
LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
Kinetik Global recently awarded a 12-month Leadership Scholarship for their premium Lead Strong Foundation Program. Promoted via this newsletter, the team were blown away by the high calibre of applications received and the incredible emerging leadership talent right here on the Gold Coast.
Congratulations to Caitlin Clark at Village Roadshow Theme Parks on being awarded the scholarship! Nominated by her Managers and the HR team, Caitlin was identified as an up-and-coming leader who ‘has shown a commitment to growing personally and professionally’.
Given the exceptional standard of applicants and the teams commitment to investing in the development of emerging leaders, Kinetik Global decided to award two additional coaching programs to recognise and support the following rising stars:
- Erin Oakley – Sea World Gold Coast
- Jasmine Buck – The Tour Collective Group
These individuals have been awarded a six-month leadership coaching program, to support their development and further build their leadership capability and confidence.
Congratulations to all.
A GOLDEN NIGHT FOR GOLD COAST TOURIST PARKS!
Gold Coast Tourist Parks (GCTP) enjoyed a golden night at the prestigious 2025 Caravan Parks Association of Queensland (CPAQ) Annual Industry Awards, held at RACV Royal Pines Resort – taking home a number of awards across key categories.
- Tidy Park
- Winner: Kirra Beach Tourist Park
- Outstanding Host
- Winner: Broadwater Tourist Park
- Highly Commended: Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park
- Good Corporate Citizen
- Winner: Burleigh Beach Tourist Park
- Employee of the Year
- Winner: Victoria Torti, Broadwater Tourist Park
- Simon Warner Memorial Young Achiever of the Year
- Winner: Matthew McDonald (Park Manager), Broadwater Tourist Park
A fantastic achievement for the entire Gold Coast Tourist Parks team.
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
APPLICATIONS OPEN: AUSTRALIA MARKETPLACE NORTH AMERICA
Applications are now open for Australia Marketplace North America (AMNA25) via Tourism Australia's website.
Australia Marketplace events present an opportunity for representatives from the Australian tourism industry to establish business relationships with key qualified travel agencies, wholesalers and tour operators from North America. The event will include two days of pre-scheduled appointments between buyers and sellers as well as networking opportunities.
High demand is anticipated for the event. Oversubscription will be managed in line with the selection criteria and in conjunction with state/territory tourism organisations to ensure quality appointment schedules. Applications submitted after the application deadline will be automatically waitlisted.
Date: Monday, 15 September to Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Location: Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach
Visit the website for more information or apply to attend below. Seller applications close on Friday, 20 June 2025.
APPLICATIONS OPEN: BUSINESS EVENTS AUSTRALIA ADVANCE PROGRAM
Managed by Business Events Australia, the Advance Program is an international partnership program for Australia’s business events industry.
The program offers the opportunity for Australian industry to access financial support to deliver industry-led projects, which either increase consideration of Australia for new international business events via distribution activity (such as site inspections or in market activity), strategic association media buy linking to Australia’s priority industry sectors; or to increase international delegate attendance at events already secured for Australia.
Applications are currently open for the Advance Program 2025/26 and will close at 5pm on Monday, 30 June 2025.
Click below to learn more about the supported activity and eligibility requirements.
YOU'RE INVITED: QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT'S 20-YEAR TOURISM PLAN LAUNCH
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), as the industry’s peak body, is delighted to invite you, on behalf of the Queensland Government, to attend the official launch of the 20-year tourism plan.
Be there in person with the Honourable Andrew Powell MP, Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, as he shares his vision for Queensland’s tourism industry, followed by a discussion on what it means for Queensland and the industry.
Date: Monday 2 June 2025
Time: 4:00pm for a 4:30 start, concluding 7:30pm
Location: Plaza Terrace Room, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank
QTIC QLD FIRST NATIONS TOURISM PLAN CONSULTATION - GOLD COAST
Join The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and the Queensland First Nations Tourism Council (QFNTC) when they bring together tourism operators, stakeholders, and community members from the region.
The event will provide a valuable platform to discuss future strategies and opportunities for shaping the next iteration of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan. Our representatives will be in your area soon and would like to meet you.
Gold Coast Consultation
Date: Thursday, 12June 2025
Time: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Venue: HOTA, Home of the Arts - 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Proudly funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and the Queensland Government.
MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
REGISTER NOW: GOLD COAST WINTER TOURISM EXCHANGE
You're invited to the Winter Gold Coast Tourism Exchange on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at SkyPoint, Surfers Paradise.
Connect with top local experience operators, discover the latest winter tours and attractions, and learn how to boost bookings via the Experience Oz Local Agent platforms.
Choose from two sessions:
- Session 1 - 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
- Session 2 - 1:30 PM–3:00 PM
Complete your GCTE Passport to go in the draw to win prizes valued over $3,000.
RSVP by 30 May to secure your spot and select your preferred session. For questions or to get involved, contact lauren.coad@bigred.group.
ARE YOU LOSING BOOKINGS ONLINE?
Hopscotch Digital help tourism operators turn browsers into bookings. With years of experience in the tourism space, they know how travellers interact with websites – where they click, where they drop off, and what turns interest into bookings.
They have helped brands like Sea World Cruises, Skydive Australia, and Reef Magic increase conversions and would love to do the same for our local Gold Coast operators.
With EOFY approaching, they've got offers available for tourism businesses, plus free website audits to help you spot what’s holding your site back.
SEAFIRE THIS SATURDAY!
The tides are high but we’re holding on! Due to the effects of Cyclone Alfred and some incredibly high tides, SeaFire is changing this year for community safety.
For the first time, you’ll be able to view the same spectacular international fireworks competition from not one, but four locations on Saturday 31 May at 7pm:
- Surfers Paradise Foreshore
- Broadbeach
- Broadwater Parklands
- HOTA Parklands
The 18-minute show will showcase the two international competitors Belgium and USA, and will culminate with a spectacular Aussie fireworks finale.
SeaFire is a FREE, family friendly event, presented by City of Gold Coast.
DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH
May marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in Queensland.
This year’s theme is ‘take positive action today to build a safer Queensland’. Together, we can change the culture that enables violence to persist and create a safer Gold Coast for everyone.
Your actions and values can help to shape what people think is and isn’t acceptable in their relationships. Take positive action today. You can help to stop violence and disrespect before it starts.
For more information on how to get involved and support, visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/dfv.
Support resources are also available at all City community centres and libraries.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- Air New Zealand will introduce a seasonal suspension to its Gold Coast to Christchurch services from November 2025 to March 2026.
- With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, now is the time to shape the future of sport across our state - from the grassroots right through to elite competition. The Queensland Sport Strategy discussion paper is now open for public consultation. Complete the online survey today.
- The May 2025 edition of Tourism Australia’s Hot List has been released.
VIEW THE 15 MAY 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.