‘Time to sand and deliver’

Tourism head wants beaches open for business

A GOLD Coast tourism heavy hitter says it is time to commercialise Glitter Strip beaches to maximise opportunities being enjoyed elsewhere in the world.

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific boss Barry Robinson said the city’s biggest drawcards were being underused when compared to other world-class coastlines.

“Compared to many beaches around the world of this quality, there’s hardly anyone using (our beaches),” Mr Robinson said.

Big-ticket events such as the Opera on the Beach – Aida at Coolangatta and the SandTunes music festival have made their way on to the Gold Coast calendar. However, mainstream hospitality and tourism operators are prohibited.

A Gold Coast City Council survey in 2014 found residents wanted the “same” or “more” business on our beaches.

In late 2015, councillors voted down opening the beaches to business, eight votes to seven.

Mr Robinson said potential bars, eateries or hire businesses could be stationed away from populated areas including stretches from Marina Mirage north or from Tugun to Kirra.

“If council have it structured right I think it would be better, rather than worse, for beaches,” Mr Robinson said.

Mayor Tom Tate said he wanted beach commercialisation on the council agenda, but he did not want touts or spruikers hassling beachgoers.

“Anything that enhances the visitor or tourism experience, but does not intrude on people’s personal space,” Cr Tate said. “Our beaches are famous for being so relaxing – we need to protect that quality.”

Council’s Community Services Chair Bob La Castra said he was staunchly opposed to beach commercialisation.

“We want to protect the environmental aspects of beaches, we also want to stop people from being harassed by touts.”