We’re packed to the rafters

A PACKED schedule of major events coupled with the Anzac Day public holiday are adding up to a bumper long weekend for tourism operators.

Industry insiders say events such as marquee pop culture expo Supanova and the Gold Coast Film Festival pus a predicted spike in visitation on Monday and Tuesday due to the public holiday will translate to revenue for local businesses, with some accommodation providers nearing capacity.

Mantra Group is reporting “strong demand” over the weekend with occupancies higher than 95 per cent at its Broadbeach properties, while The Star is also reporting strong bookings.

Meanwhile, accommodation booking service Wotif.com reports the Gold Coast is the most in-demand holiday destination in Australia outside of capital cities from today through to Tuesday.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind said big events were strong drivers for tourism.

“People want to travel for a good reason, not just for great sights … they want to engage,” he said.

“Everybody wants to be there for a good reason.

“The long weekends are a great opportunity for tourism.”

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland sen- ior policy adviser Catherine Pham said Gold Coast businesses were likely to benefit from Anzac Day falling on a Tuesday with many workers expected to take Monday off as well.

“With a large number of residents expected to stay local during the potential four-day weekend, local businesses will have the benefit of holidaymakers as well as more of the community out on the streets,” she said.

“Businesses on the Gold Coast, following strong visitor numbers through the Easter break, are expected to benefit from the high number of public holidays in April this year.”

Gold Coast Tourism spokesman Dean Gould said he expected a surge in visitation this weekend and early next week due to the Tuesday public holiday.

But Mr Gould said numbers were also likely boosted by a large amount of advertising for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“We’re seeing really strong activity,” he said.

“The Commonwealth Games folk have got a big marketing campaign out at the moment … that can’t do anything but good.”

After a week of mainly clear skies and warm weather, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts good conditions to continue with a top of 25C over the weekend and 26C on Monday and Tuesday, with a low chance of rain on most days.