30 January 2025
INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
REGISTER NOW: VIRTUAL INDUSTRY UPDATE
To kick off the new year, we will be holding our first virtual industry update at 11am on Friday, 31 January 2025.
The Experience Gold Coast (EGC) team are delighted to take the opportunity to connect with industry post our peak summer period to share key highlights, insights and upcoming initiatives.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from the EGC team. To give you a flavour for what to expect, we'll share highlights from 2024 and an update on events, business events, education, international and marketing including some campaigns.
NEW GRANTS TO DEVELOP NATURE BASED TOURISM ON THE GOLD COAST
To help protect and celebrate our ‘Green behind the Gold’, the City of Gold Coast is opening an exciting opportunity for eligible businesses (existing and new) to apply for grants and funding to develop and expand Nature-based tourism activities and product in the city.
Nature-based tourism provides visitors with experiences in natural settings that combine enjoyment, education, and cultural awareness while focusing on sustainability and conservation.
Developed in response to visitor demand, the Gold Coast Nature-Based Tourism (NBT) Program will support new and existing tourism operators in developing low-impact, immersive experiences that foster appreciation and conservation of our natural environment and cultural heritage.
Examples of eligible opportunities include:
- adventure and recreation activities (kayaking and eco-friendly outdoor adventures)
- educational experiences (guided nature walks and cultural tours, including First Nations-led experiences)
- sustainable-accommodation (eco-lodges near high-value natural areas)
- local dining experiences (featuring native or farm-to-plate ingredients).
Applications open soon.
REGISTER NOW: TEQ'S GLOBAL MARKET BRIEFING 2025
Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) is bringing its Global Market Briefing back to the Gold Coast on Tuesday, 11 February 2025.
These highly anticipated events are 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.
LOAD A DEAL FOR TEQ'S NEXT CAMPAIGN
Queensland is Too Great to Wait! Tourism and Events Queensland’s (TEQ) upcoming campaign aims to convert the strong intention that exists for a Queensland holiday and will promote compelling holiday offers to drive domestic travellers to book a trip now. This campaign will run from 2 February to 30 March 2025 and now is the time to get ready.
When you load your deals through Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW), you can have up to three live deals at a time, so have some fun and let the personality of your business shine through.
The $2.9 million campaign will reach families, couples and group travellers in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
DESTINATION 2045: QUEENSLAND'S TOURISM FUTURE
Help shape a visionary 20-year plan that reflects the voices of our vibrant tourism industry. Consultation is now open for Destination 2045: Queensland's Tourism Future.
This is your opportunity to guide the direction of Queensland's visitor economy by sharing your insights on ecotourism, Brisbane 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games legacy, access, events delivery and experience development.
Register now for the Gold Coast regional consultation session coming to the city on Tuesday February 25.
MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
FREE ROOM HIRE & $200 CREDIT AT GOLD COAST TAVERN
Book your event at Gold Coast Tavern between now and June to enjoy FREE room hire plus a $200 function credit!
Whether it’s a birthday, engagement, or corporate gathering, Gold Coast Tavern offers the perfect setting for any celebration. Let the friendly team help you create an unforgettable experience. Enquire today receive the deal!
WOMEN IN TOURISM HIGH PROFILE HIGH TEA
Building confidence, leadership and style. Join Women in Tourism for the High Profile High Tea at the beautiful Austinvilla Estate from 1:30pm – 4:00pm on Friday, 7 February 2025!
Be inspired by our guest speakers, Erin Pickering from Holystone and Jasmine Grace from Austinvilla Estate, as they share insights on personal branding, leadership, and confidence.
Members: $70 | Non-Members: $89.
Don’t miss this empowering afternoon filled with connection, growth, and delicious treats!
LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
Come along and celebrate Lunar New Year in Chinatown, Southport! Festivities will be kicking off on Saturday, 1 February at 3pm on Davenport and Young Streets, where you can enjoy colourful entertainment including lion and dragon dancers, free kids’ activities and a fireworks finale at 7:30pm!
The $5 food safari is back and will have you snaking around Chinatown feasting on the best $5 deals Southport has to offer.
Lunar New Year is presented by City of Gold Coast and supported by Australia Fair Metro and Triple M Gold.
For more information, visit whatsongoldcoast.au/LunarNewYear or search 2025 Lunar New Year on Facebook.
GET YOUR TICKETS: ULTRA BEACH
Ultra Beach the world’s biggest electronic music festival is coming to Gold Coast on Friday, 11 April 2025 at the Broadwater Parklands.
Hosting the likes of the #1 DJ in the world Martin Garrix, Swedish House Mafia, Axwell and so many more. Last year sold out weeks in advance and this year is no exception, let's showcase Gold Coast to the world in style!
LUNAR NEW YEAR AT WARNER BROS. MOVIE WORLD
Come along to Warner Bros. Movie World between now and Sunday, 2 February, for a vibrant and unforgettable Lunar New Year celebration, filled with festive fun, culture and excitement for the whole family.
Enjoy over 120+ of Warner Bros. Movie World world-class rides and attractions. Bring your family and friends to celebrate the Year of the Snake and create cherished memories. Purchase one of the passes or use your existing pass to gain access!
LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. MOVIE WORLD LOGO: TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
THE WIZARD OF OZ™ PRECINCT NOW OPEN!
Embark on a wicked adventure aboard Flight of the Wicked Witch and experience ultimate twists and turns on Kansas Twister.
Journey over the rainbow to the Land of Oz at Warner Bros. Movie World!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
BROADBEACH SURF SCHOOL
Broadbeach Surf School are a small team of local surf instructors who are passionate about giving you the best surfing experience possible.
Since 2006, Broadbeach Surf School has been teaching surfing to people of all ages and abilities. They are a fully licensed and insured surf school, offering daily private and group surfing lessons, kids surfing classes, surfboard rentals, surf safaris, and free ocean safety and awareness sessions.
Broadbeach Surf School are conveniently located at the northern end of Broadbeach, only a short walk from the Florida Gardens Tram Stop.
DANCING WATERS CAFÉ
Enjoy a variety of homemade treats made with locally grown ingredients. Enjoy the smells and sounds of the rainforest from the Dancing Waters Café balcony or chat to the staff about the best places to visit and the local history.
CORPORATE CHAUFFEURS GOLD COAST
Corporate Chauffeurs Gold Coast is a premier luxury transport service provider that offers a wide range of professional transportation services to meet the needs of our clients.
Specialising in providing high-quality transport services for corporate events, airport transfers, private tours, weddings, and other special occasions.
The team of professional chauffeurs are highly trained and experienced in providing safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation services. The range of luxury cars include Mercedes Sprinter, Audi Q7, Mercedes V-class, and Mercedes S-class.
THE BOWER ESTATE
The Bower Estate sits on 120 acres of unparalleled beauty, nestled in the Gold Coast hinterland, located 1 hour from the Coolangatta Airport.
Surrounded by some of Queensland’s most stunning National Parks, guests are immersed in world heritage rainforest and wildlife corridors, sharing delicious food and supporting local growers and producers.
The Bower Estate is a full-service events venue with onsite catering, event coordination and accommodation. Standard packages are available, right through to bespoke event experiences.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- The 2025 assessment for the Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP) is now underway. The assessment process takes several months, with results estimated to be released around April 2025.
- Tour operators around Australia will have until 1 November 2026 to ensure new buses in their fleet meet several new safety protocols.
VIEW THE 16 JANUARY 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.