Coast’s the big winner

THE winners have been declared, now the numbers have been crunched – the Gold Coast is glowing after an $80 million blockbuster weekend.

Figures released by Tourism and Events Queensland reveal a record 27,135 people from 51 countries took part in the 40th annual Gold Coast Marathon across the weekend.

The record field helped the event deliver an estimated $27 million in economic impact and more than 90,000 visitor nights.

The 60th annual TV Week Logie Awards saw almost one million viewers tune in around the country to watch the live broadcast from The Star Gold Coast, with Queensland’s “Find your perfect next” ads on high rotation during the awards coverage.

The mega weekend also drew more than 600 high profile TV personalities and industry professionals to town for a series of events, pre and postawards.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones hailed “the best Logies ever”.

In addition to generating $40 million in publicity value for the Coast, Mrs Jones said the event had proven an ideal platform to showcase our local tourism, film and TV industries.

TEQ also worked with the awards organisers on two industry information and networking events for screen industry professionals and local students as part of the Logies weekend.

Five media and two influencers were also brought to the Coast for two nights to enjoy a variety of Logies and marathon weekend experiences to showcase the Coast’s diverse range of tourism offerings.