MORE UPS THAN DOWNS IN GAMES ROLLERCOASTER RIDE
THEME park and tourism operators say the exposure generated by the Commonwealth Games will mean they are selling hot dogs, popcorn and rides for many years to come.
The event was broadcast to 1.5 billion people and included shots of the beaches, city and hinterland.
Yesterday, English tourist Steve Robins took his son Jonty to Movie World and he expected more tourists would follow.
“Most people in the UK hadn’t seen what the Gold Coast has to offer until the Games,” he said.
Mr Robins arrived in Australia last Thursday and was able to watch the first week of coverage back home.
“The weather hasn’t been great for the past four months in the UK and seeing all the perfect weather – people will flock here.”
Rachel Hind from Manly said the Coast had so much to offer she was considering moving from Sydney.
“It is just too expensive where we live, the value for money and lifestyle for what you can get here is so much better,” she said.
The head honchos of the two biggest park operators shared the same outlook.
“We have some of the world’s best attractions ... and we look forward to the longterm benefits for the tourism industry following from the great exposure the city has received from hosting the Games,” Village Roadshow theme parks general manager Bikash Randhawa said.
Dreamworld chief executive officer Craig Davidson said the Games offered a “truly unique chance to showcase the Gold Coast to the rest of the world”.
“We’re already investing in new world-class attractions.”