Families encouraged to staycation
FAMILIES cancelling overseas trips fearing the coronavirus are being enticed to take staycations on the Gold Coast to enjoy the safety of the city’s resorts and holiday parks.
Located within walking distance of world-class beaches and with waterparks, poolside cafes and kids clubs, some offerings rival family-friendly resorts in Fiji, Bali and Thailand.
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park owner Norton Whitmont said he was taking a positive view on the impact of the coronavirus on his business and hoped locals would holiday at home.
“The Gold Coast has such a variety of world standard, quality attractions that are a ‘must see’. We need to pull together to ensure Aussies don’t overlook the wonders right on their doorstep,” he said.
Gold Coast Tourist Parks operates nine facilities across the city, with two located on South Stradbroke Island.
A Gold Coast City Council spokeswoman said the parks contributed $86 million to the local economy through employment and engaging local service providers.
“Our current year-to-date occupancy is 68 per cent, with a forecast occupancy for February (traditionally an industry-wide low season) at 45 per cent,” she said.
In good news for Gold Coasters, the parks are not yet fully booked over the Easter school holidays, although they are for the Easter long weekend. In March, the holiday parks are also offering midweek deals for those who stay for three nights or longer.
Accommodating 130,000 guests each year, the parks bring in around $19 million in revenue, and return $4.13 million of it to the community.
Mayor Tom Tate said the city’s tourist parks were located in prime waterfront locations, giving people a range of affordable, family-friendly accommodation and the opportunity to experience the unique Gold Coast lifestyle.
“They also offer a sense of community by providing organised activities like outdoor movie nights, barbecues, craft activities and entertainment,” he said.
“We also invite our guests to experience the Gold Coast’s rich indigenous history through events such as our recent welcome to country smoking ceremony with the local Yugambeh people, held at Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park.”