COAST BENEFITS AS CHINESE FAN OUT FOR NEW YEAR
NEARLY 10,000 Chinese passengers have descended on the Gold Coast in the past month in the lead-up to Chinese New Year celebrations, which begin today.
Five additional flights chartered by Hong Kong Airlines were added to the five-times per week schedule to cope with extra demand until the end of this month, thanks to an active Gold Coast Airport team focusing on developing the Chinese market.
Airport chief operating officer Marion Charlton said passenger numbers were likely to increase nearly 4 per cent above last year.
“Current passenger forecasts for Chinese groups
show a 3.8 per cent increase to 9634 on last year’s Chinese New Year period,” she said. “(The airport) has a dedicated team focused on developing the Chinese market.”
Gold Coast Tourism spokesman Dean Gould said the body also had a tourism office in Shanghai, with three staff engaging that market throughout the year. He said the Chinese New Year period was one of the busiest, thanks to a large Chinese community.
“We embrace other cultures and have a strong and active Chinese community,” he said.
Domestic tourists were expected to stay a few days while international visitors could stay up to five days on the Glitter Strip.
It was estimated international visitors spent about $240 million each year on the Gold Coast, Mr Gould said.
A number of events will be held on the weekend to celebrate, including the Gold Coast Turf Club set to host its first Chinese New Year race day.
Sanctuary Cove will host its fourth annual celebration with traditional festivities and a newly introduced fireworks display, while the Coast’s own China Town in Southport will come alive with dancing, singing and fireworks.
Chinese New Year is today, but events will span the weekend.