30 July 2026
VALE IAN STRATTON - REMEMBERING A VALUED MEMBER OF OUR COMMUNITY
We are saddened to announce the passing of Ian Stratton, a well-known and respected member within the Gold Coast tourism community.
After acquiring Con-X-ion in 2008, Ian and Joy, with sons Stuart and Paul expanded the business beyond Gold Coast and Brisbane services, with additional acquisitions (including Coachtrans) to become one of Australia’s largest privately owned transfer companies. The business has maintained its Gold Coast roots and is widely respected in the tourism and transport sector locally, as a critical transport connector providing links between Gold Coast and Brisbane airports and the region’s major tourism attractions.
Ian was passionate about the industry and understood global trade opportunities, with the Con-X-ion team forging strong partnerships across Australia and International markets. His leadership was defined by resilience, energy, and a clear vision for growth.
We send our thoughts to Joy, Stuart, Paul and their families and the wider Con-X-ion team and associates. Ian’s impact on the industry, and on the many people he supported along the way, will not be forgotten. He will be deeply missed.
IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR ACCOMMODATION PARTNERS: GOOGLE TO END THIRD-PARTY HOTEL RATES
Google has announced that it will discontinue its third-party rates for hotel ads feature from 30 September 2026.
This change may impact accommodation operators who rely on Google displaying their room rates without a direct connection to Google Hotel Centre.
What does this mean?
After 30 September 2026, accommodation providers using Google's third-party rates will no longer have their room rates displayed in Google Hotel Ads, Google Hotels, or the hotel booking module in Google Search and Maps.
To continue appearing with live rates on Google, operators will need to connect directly through Google Hotel Centre or via a compatible booking engine, channel manager, or CRS that provides Google-certified connectivity.
How do I know if my property is affected?
A quick way to check is by reviewing the connections in your Google Ads account.
Go to: Tools → Data Manager → Connected products
Look to see if a Hotel Centre account is linked.
- Hotel Centre connected? Your property is likely already using a direct hotel rate feed, so this Google update is unlikely to impact you.
- No Hotel Centre connection? If you're advertising through Google Hotel Ads or Performance Max for Travel Goals, it's worth checking whether your current setup relies on Google's Third-Party Rates feature.
What should you do?
Acting now will help ensure your property continues to be visible to travellers searching and comparing accommodation on Google.
If you're uncertain, contact your booking engine, channel manager, property management system (PMS), or digital marketing provider. They can confirm how your rates are supplied to Google and advise whether any changes are needed before the 30 September 2026 deadline.
For more information, visit Google's Help Centre or speak with your technology provider.
Learn more:
JOIN TOURISM AUSTRALIA’S INDUSTRY BRIEFING
Tourism Australia is bringing its Industry Briefing to Brisbane / Meanjin on Wednesday 5 August, providing tourism operators with the opportunity to hear the latest market insights, industry trends and updates on upcoming marketing activity. Hear directly from Tourism Australia Managing Director Robin Mack and the Tourism Australia team as they share key insights shaping the future of the visitor economy. This free briefing is a valuable opportunity to stay informed, connect with industry peers and better understand Tourism Australia’s strategy moving forward.
GET READY FOR 2032 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games present a once-in-a-generation opportunity for businesses across the Gold Coast. As preparations accelerate, businesses of all sizes can position themselves to access opportunities across tourism, events, construction, professional services, technology, hospitality and more. Whether you're looking to become a supplier, expand your network, or prepare your business for future procurement opportunities, now is the time to start planning. The City of Gold Coast has developed a dedicated Brisbane 2032 Business Opportunities hub with resources, updates and guidance to help local businesses get Games-ready and maximise the benefits of this historic event. Explore the hub to learn how your business can get involved and leave a lasting legacy beyond 2032.
YOU'RE INVITED TO THE 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)
RSVP: By Thursday 27 August 2026, please register below
EOI OPEN NOW: ROUND 2 OF THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT'S TOURISM ICONS INVESTMENT FUND
The Queensland Government has recently announced that Expressions of Interest for Round 2 of the $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund are now open. The fund is a key initiative supporting the delivery of world-class tourism experiences and infrastructure across Queensland.
Under this program, operators can apply for up to $5 million in capital co-funding for significant tourism infrastructure projects that align with Queensland's tourism priorities and help strengthen the state's position as a leading global tourism destination. This could include: Large-scale eco-lodges and sustainable luxury stays or other bold, innovative tourism experiences that showcase Queensland’s unique environment and culture.
With Round 2 total funding of $20 million now available, the Queensland Government is seeking investment-ready projects across priority tourism sectors, including:
- Ecotourism
- Adventure tourism
- Dark sky tourism
- Agritourism
- Coastal and marine tourism
- Cultural and heritage tourism
- Paleo tourism
Applications for Round 2 are now open and will close on Sunday 10 August.
Interested applicants can access the guidelines, eligibility criteria and apply online.
TOURISM SECTOR CLIMATE ADAPTION WORKSHOP
The City of Gold Coast is hosting a climate adaption workshop specifically for the tourism sector this coming September and are looking for local operators to participate!
The workshop will be an in-person only opportunity and seeks to collect insights on a newly prepared Gold Coast tourism sector climate risk and vulnerability assessment.
This tourism sector assessment will be shared with participants 2-3 weeks prior to the workshop and will form the basis of the conversation, which is facilitated by representatives from the City of Gold Coast's Climate Resilience and Sustainability team and Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT).
Date: Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Time: 9am – 12 noon
Location: Southport Aquatic Centre, Marine Parade - Joe McCabe Room
2027 COOLY ROCKS ON SPONSORSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
From naming rights of the ever-popular Show ‘N’ Shine presented by Autoglym, to Indian Motorcycle displays and the impressive 35-tonne Shannons Insurance Super Rig, Cooly Rocks On provides brands with countless ways to stand out.
Whether it's creating immersive experiences, showcasing products, engaging directly with audiences or owning a key festival moment, Cooly Rocks On is the perfect playground for brands to have fun and make a lasting impression.
Interested in exploring a Cooly Rocks On partnership? Our Sponsorship Team can help design the perfect festival experience for your brand.
YOUTH AND ADVENTURE TOURISM INDUSTRY TO UNITE ON THE GOLD COAST
The 2026 Adventure Tourism Awards are coming to the Gold Coast on 21–22 October, bringing together industry leaders, innovators and changemakers from across Australia’s youth and adventure tourism sector. Hosted at The Island Gold Coast, the two-day event will feature networking opportunities, the Youth Tourism Conference and the Adventure Tourism Awards Gala Dinner. Attendees will gain insights into emerging trends, sustainability, technology and market opportunities while celebrating the businesses and individuals shaping the future of the industry. Tickets are now on sale, and nominations are open for the 2026 Adventure Tourism Awards.
EXPLORE THE BROADWATER’S MARINE LIFE
Step aboard a NaturallyGC boat tour and discover the fascinating marine life of the Gold Coast Broadwater on Saturday 1 August. Guided by marine biologists from Ocean Connect, you'll gain insights into the region's unique coastal ecosystems while learning about iconic local species including dugongs, dolphins and marine turtles. This interactive experience offers a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Broadwater's natural environment and the importance of protecting it. Suitable for ages 12 and over, with places limited, so early registration is recommended.
LATEST VISITOR ARRIVAL DATA HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED TOURISM GROWTH
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) overseas arrivals data for May 2026 highlights continued recovery and growth across Australia’s international visitor markets. Australia welcomed nearly 9.2 million visitors in the 12 months to May, reaching 98.2% of 2019 levels, with several key markets now exceeding pre-pandemic benchmarks. Strong growth was recorded across priority Asian markets, including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and China, reinforcing the ongoing opportunities for the Australian tourism industry.
PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
GORDON KERR, DUFFY BOATS - MND JOURNEY
With heartfelt gratitude and a little vulnerability, we are sharing the GoFundMe page our beautiful children, Eleia and Keenan Kerr, have created for our family.
As many of you know, we are navigating Gordo's MND journey, a path that has changed our lives, but also shown us the incredible kindness and love within our community. As small business owners in tourism, this support helps ease the challenges of this journey, allowing us to focus on what matters most precious time together and creating memories. Every share, message, donation, and gesture of kindness means the world to us. Thank you.
HICKSVILLE SOUTHPORT - NOW OPEN
Where patience meets fire, and flavour does all the talking. Real American-style BBQ, done right. Slow-cooked meats, serious smoke, bold unapologetic flavour, zero compromise. The kind of food that speaks for itself.
Smokehouse Trading Hours:
Thursday: 5pm–late
Friday & Saturday: 12–3pm & 5pm–late
Sunday: 12–5pm
Also at the Village, Hicksy's Cafe is your go-to for mornings done right – freshly-baked goods and specialty coffee to get your day started.
Hicksy's Cafe Trading Hours:
Monday – Friday: 6:30am–2pm
Saturday – Sunday: 7am–12pm
Find us at 11 Hicks Street, Southport.
Source: CoStar. Data correct as at 30 July 2026
VIEW THE 16 JULY 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.