SADDLE UP FOR MAGIC SALE INFLUX
MAGIC Millions boss Barry Bowditch is saddling up for a slew of punters for next year’s sales and racing festival as bookings skyrocket.
Mr Bowditch declared the 2022 yearling sales on the Gold Coast would mark a “huge return”.
“After living in what has been a Covidcentric climate for the past two years, we’re hard at work creating the vibe for a bigger and better event,” he said.
“We are seeing incredibly strong enquiry ahead of next year’s races and expect to see accommodation at capacity, particularly over the weekend of the main event. There could be some major changes to the carnival as we know it so ensure to watch this space.”
Mr Bowditch said the Gold Coasters had plenty of cause to “let their hair down” after enduring the “worst of the pandemic” with border closures and snap lockdowns.
“If there’s anywhere on the Coast to enjoy the party and get stuck into the carnival atmosphere it’s Magic Millions, he said.
Sheraton Mirage general manager Keith Massey said : “We’re excited to see the annual Magic Millions back in full swing. The event has always been a major drawcard for the Gold Coast. We anticipate this year will be no different.
“With the Queensland border reopening date of December 17 approaching, we are experiencing a very positive trend in accommodation demand from interstate travellers, with some dates over the high season almost at capacity. We expect this strong demand to continue to benefit the Gold Coast tourism and hospitality industry as confidence in travel grows.”
A Destination Gold Coast spokesperson said the city was seeing strong accommodation numbers, sitting at 65 per cent booking occupancy for the weekend of January 14-16.
“A trend we’re seeing overall is for last minute bookings, so this level of pick-up this early is very welcomed.”
Main Beach’s Sunbird Beach Resort building manager Rohan McPherson said they are completely booked out for the week: “We have a few owners in the building who are diehard Magic Millions supporters, so it’s exciting to see everyone getting into the spirit.”