The start of big things
THE Gold Coast will become Australia’s next hub for major international events following the Commonwealth Games.
The tourism industry is hoping the Coast’s transformation into a city able to host major events will rake in millions of dollars in years to come.
Gold Coast Tourism spokesman Dean Gould said while operators were excited for what was to come, there was one issue on their lips.
“There is a real thirst for information around transport,” he said.
“We know the tourists are coming, we just do not know how they are getting around.”
He said the industry was aware more detailed traffic plans would be the “first cab off the rank”.
While transport issues were causing some nerves, most of the industry was preparing for Tourism chiefs say more major events will follow after Games a change in focus following would give a big boost to the the Commonwealth Games. city after April’s Games.
“The conversation that the “The Commonwealth Games allows us to have is to Games gives us the chance to talk about business events, in say we are of the status that particular to international holds these international people,” Mr Gould said. events,” he said.
The Games is expected to Mantra CEO and Tourism bring unprecedented exposure Australia chair Bob East said to the city with images of the proving the city could hold Gold Coast set to be broadcast major events was one of the to more than 70 nations. most important impacts from
That exposure is expected the Games. He said business to provide an ongoing boost to conferences would be particularly all sectors of the tourism lucrative. industry. The city has already “Those who attend conferences booked in a major international have a tendency to stay conference to take place less a few days before or after the than a month after the Commonwealth event,” Mr East said. Games. “They will do their exploring
The Infinitus conference is in the city during the week expected to bring about and then afterwards they will $50 million and 6000 delegates get in the car and start travelling to the region. further afield.”
Mr Gould said it was more Surfers Paradise Alliance conferences like this which president Mike Winlaw said the city’s Glitter Strip already had events in place to capitalise from the Games.
“All of us are looking for event strategies (after the Games),” he said. “We will be making sure Surfers Paradise Live in May will be a significant line-up and that will continue with the momentum.”