7 May 2026
VALE TONY JOHNSON - REMEMBERING A VALUED MEMBER OF OUR COMMUNITY
We are saddened to announce the passing of Tony Johnson, a well-known and respected leader within the Gold Coast tourism community.
Tony’s drive and determination led him to create one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic experiences, Paradise Jet Boating, founded in 2004. He later went on to co-own Aquaduck, Southern Cross Tours and Quack’R’Duck, helping shape a range of experiences under the Tours Group portfolio. Experiences enjoyed by millions of visitors from Australia and around the world.
Tony was passionate about the industry and deeply committed to promoting the Gold Coast on the global stage, forging strong partnerships across Australia, Southeast Asia, and India. His leadership was defined by resilience, energy, and a clear vision for growth.
To those who worked alongside him, Tony was a mentor, a trusted colleague, and a friend. His impact on the industry, and on the many people he supported along the way, will not be forgotten. He will be deeply missed.
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP RENEWALS COMING SOON!
With FY27 just around the corner, we’ll soon be in touch regarding Industry Partnership renewals. Keep an eye on your inbox for your renewal email outlining your current details and next steps.
If you have any changes or would like to discuss your partnership, our team is here to help at industrypartnerships@experiencegoldcoast.com.
Thank you for being part of the Experience Gold Coast community and supporting the growth of our vibrant visitor economy.
REGIONAL TOUR GUIDE DAY INVITATION – MONDAY 25 MAY
Whether you’re an experienced tour guide, a ranger, or simply curious about starting your journey in guiding, you’re warmly invited to join us at the Regional Tour Guide Day. Hosted by Tourism & Events Queensland, Queensland Tourism Industry Council and Experience Gold Coast, this workshop is ideal for local tourism operators, and anyone interested in exploring a career in guiding.
When: Monday 25 May 2026, Panorama Room, HOTA, Home of the Arts, 9.00am-3.30pm
What’s on offer:
- Introductory workshops for those interested in becoming a guide – discover the role, lifestyle, and career pathways in guiding.
- Professional development sessions for existing guides – upskill, network, and explore new opportunities.
- Open discussions for all – help shape the future of guiding on the Gold Coast.
Register your attendance by Monday 11 May 2026.
CONNECT YOUR BUSINESS TO THE MAGIC MILLIONS AUDIENCE THIS MAY
Are you a business looking to connect with a high-value, international racing audience? The Magic Millions National Series returns to the Gold Coast Sales Complex from 20 May to 2 June, attracting around 3,000 attendees daily, including an esteemed international cohort of owners, breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts, representing major players from Asia, UAE, Europe, and the Americas.
Timed with the Queensland Racing Carnival, this premier event offers a unique platform for local businesses to showcase offers to a premium, highly engaged audience. The National Sale has a proud history of both unearthing and selling champions. Winx, Golden Sixty, Aeliana, Autumn Glow, Sunshine in Paris, Pierro and Zoustar all emerged from canny Gold Coast buying.
From dining and retail to experiences and services, participating businesses can position their brand at the centre of one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most influential bloodstock events. Register your offer to be featured in official event promotions and visitor communications.
2026 TOURISM WEEK – PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES NOW OPEN!
Partnership and sponsorship opportunities for 2026 Tourism Week which will be held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Star Gold Coast, November 4 – 6, are now open.
Delivered by Queensland Tourism Industry Council in partnership with Queensland Government, Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast, this is a prime opportunity for Gold Coast businesses to capitalise on our region’s hosting of the state’s premier tourism industry event to demonstrate your leadership, elevate your brand and connect with visiting government and business leaders.
Opportunities include:
- Destination IQ Forum, The Star Gold Coast, Wednesday 4 November
- Destination Q Conference, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Thursday 5 November
- Queensland Tourism Awards, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Friday 6 November
Click here to enquire about all the options available for your business.
First round Expressions of Interest close on Friday 29 May.
YOUR NEW TOURISM INTELLIGENCE ADVANTAGE
We’re pleased to share a new Tourism Intelligence Dashboard from QTIC, developed in partnership with Localis and now available as a valuable resource for industry. Designed in response to current fuel and market pressures, it brings timely, decision-ready insights into one simple platform.
The dashboard provides real-time data on fuel availability by LGA, visitation trends, booking patterns, pricing pressures, regional performance, and industry sentiment, helping the industry better understand and respond to changing conditions with confidence.
For QTIC members only.
G'DAY AUSTRALIA - APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Tourism Australia invites you to attend G'day Australia 2026 to be held from Tuesday, 13 to Thursday, 15 October 2026 in Darwin/Garramilla, in partnership with Tourism Northern Territory.
G'day Australia 2026 is a combined training workshop and familiarisation event held exclusively for Aussie Specialist Agents from retail outlets and key wholesale/tour operators from all of Tourism Australia's key markets. The 300 Aussie Specialists who are frontline travel agents attending G'day Australia 2026 will meet with over 100 Australian tourism operators during a 2-day workshop and networking events
High demand is anticipated for the event and oversubscription will be managed in line with the selection criteria and in conjunction with state and territory tourism organisations to ensure quality appointment schedules.
For more information about the event and to begin your application, visit the website. Applications close Monday 8 June 2026.
DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH (DFVP MONTH)
May marks DFVP Month in Queensland. An annual initiative to raise awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV) including coercive control, highlight support services available, and share the message that DFV is not tolerated.
This year’s theme: Together Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence.
Whether you’re a visitor, business owner, member of a community or sports club, or an everyday Gold Coaster, there are things that we can do to prevent DFV in our communities.
The City of Gold Coast is supporting the initiative, including hosting Bystander training for community and sporting groups on 14 May.
NATURE BASED TOURISM GRANTS NOW OPEN
To meet the growing demand for nature-based experiences, the City of Gold Coast is offering funding and partnership opportunities to build a pipeline of sustainable projects for the region. Funding is now available under 2 categories:
- Small grants - under $100,000: quick activation financial or in-kind support for new and established tourism businesses.
- Large grants - over $100,000: new, innovative nature-based tourism products or experiences that provide tangible benefits to the Gold Coast.
Applications are open to 30 June, with successful opportunity applications to be announced in September 2026.
WELCOMING KOREA’S PREMIER TRAVEL SPECIALISTS TO THE GOLD COAST
Last month, Experience Gold Coast partnered with Tourism Australia Korea to host an exclusive trade famil for Premier Aussie Specialists from Korea.
Working alongside Gold Coast Partners, the itinerary showcased a range of standout experiences across the region that captured the depth and diversity of our destination.
The visit strengthened engagement with key Korean trade partners and reinforced the Gold Coast’s appeal within this important market.
A sincere thank you to our industry partners for helping create a seamless and memorable program.
Source: CoStar. Data correct as at 7 May 2026
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Each fortnight, we’ll profile an EGC Partner- giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the businesses driving the Gold Coast visitor economy!
COOLY ECO ADVENTURES
How would you describe your business and what you offer to someone new to the Gold Coast?
Cooly Eco Adventures specialises in immersive ecotourism experiences, including Whale Watching, Swimming with Whales, and Swimming with Turtles. We offer an unparalleled ocean experience for patrons, focused on education in ocean conservation, marine life, and ecology. Our tours are conducted on a custom-built, adventure-style vessel, designed for intimate groups of 9–12 guests, ensuring a personal and uncrowded encounter.
What inspired you to start or join this business?
Cooly Eco Adventures began with the fundamental question: "Can we provide a luxury encounter without compromising the environment?". Our strong devotion to environmental sustainability drives us, with the core goal being to stop the further deterioration of our planet and its oceans by encouraging a more symbiotic relationship with nature.
What’s one thing clients, guests, or partners consistently value or remember about working with you?
Guests consistently value the intimacy of our small group sizes, which ensures a personal experience with 360-degree views, often placing them at eye level with the whales.
What sets your business apart within the Gold Coast tourism industry?
We are distinguished by our commitment to environmental sustainability, which has led to us being award-nominated in Sustainable Tourism. We’ve made a conscious choice to run our operations on hydrogen-powered technology. This sustainable choice, combined with our small-group capacity (max 12 guests) and our strong focus on conservation and education, sets us apart as a leader in eco-conscious marine adventure.
If someone was engaging with your business for the first time, what’s one thing they shouldn’t miss?
If someone is visiting during the migration season (June to November), they shouldn’t miss the opportunity to Swim with Whales, particularly from August to October, which offers the best chance for an unforgettable eye-to-eye encounter with the gentle giants. Alternatively, our Swim with Turtles tour provides a 99% chance of swimming with turtles at Cook Island.
PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
AQUADUCK CELEBRATES 30 YEARS ON THE GOLD COAST
Aquaduck is marking 30 years as one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic tourism experiences with a weekend of family-friendly celebrations on 9–10 May in Surfers Paradise. As Australia’s first amphibious city tour, it continues to delight visitors with its unique land-and-water experience, now having welcomed over 3 million guests. The birthday weekend will feature “Adults at Kids Prices,” character appearances, party bags and the chance for kids to even drive the duck. Don’t miss this special milestone event celebrating a true Gold Coast favourite!