Tourism CEO: Olympics are a ‘natural fit’

THE Gold Coast tourism boss says a southeast Queensland bid for the 2032 Olympic Games seems a “natural fit”.

Asked for their latest view on a bid being probed by the South East Queensland Council of Mayors, Destination Gold Coast chairman Paul Donovan and CEO Annaliese Battista said in a statement they believed the Gold Coast was a world-class city capable of hosting world-class events, such as an Olympic Games.

Ms Battista: “We’ve already shown the world the Gold Coast is capable and has the capacity to host mega-events.

“The southeast corner of Queensland is rapidly expanding and by 2032 the population will eclipse Sydney and Melbourne so a state-wide bid for an event the size of the Olympics would seem a natural fit.”

Ms Battista’s enthusiasm echoed backing for a bid by Tourism Australia managing director John O’Sullivan who told the Bulletin during last April’s Commonwealth Games it was the “next logical step”.

Ms Battista said the Commonwealth Games provided the Gold Coast with a blueprint for growth, investment and tourism plus key learnings for big event delivery.

“The bid would need to ensure prolonged and strong economic outcomes for the tourism sector, including major investment in transport, infrastructure and attractions, which are greatly needed on the Gold Coast,” she said.

Exposure from hosting an Olympics would be gamechanging for tourism, she said.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said enthusiasm from southeast Queensland mayors was great but he would not commit ratepayer funds to a bid.

Cr Tate said after the Commonwealth Games ratepayers wanted council “back to basics” focusing on roads and community facilities: “(But) we will offer venues up for training or Olympic competition.”

A State Government spokesman said it would need strong financial backing from all three levels of government.