No excuses for not having tonne of fun
THE Gold Coast looks set for a massive boom over the school holiday period as businesses brace for the summer rush.
Representatives from shopping outlets and tourism companies have said this time of year is yet again their busiest, with thousands preparing to arrive for the holiday break.
According to travel company Wotif.com, the Gold Coast remains the number one non-capital city destination over the upcoming festive period. That same data also shows usual favourites Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Coolangatta will draw in the biggest crowds.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind said though specific statistics were unavailable, reports from local accommodation providers had so far been exceedingly positive.
“As a general trend we’re expecting a good season on the back of a good year,” he said.
“Consumers are increasingly ready to spend money on leisure and on family holidays, it’s back in fashion as opposed to just spending money on goods.
“There’s two months of strong bookings over this holiday period ... as well a strong indications that people want to get out, they want to experience traditional destinations like the Gold Coast.”
The increase has extended across businesses throughout the Gold Coast, with several already reporting a rise in customers.
Pacific Fair senior marketing manager Kate Halpin said the shopping centre expected a boost “in the thousands” of people passing through over the break.
“Summer holidays is our busiest period and we’ve already seen a 20 per cent increase since school broke out,” she said. “And as we lead into Christmas that number gets even larger ... we shift into summer season next week and post-Christmas we keep stores open until 7pm. A lot of the retailers embrace this.
“It’s a lot of Victorian and NSW visitors. We’re already up 20 per cent on our free bus shuttle, which you can directly relate to our tourism shoppers.”
Other shopping centres are also gearing up for the holiday season, with Robina Town Centre unveiling a range of cooking classes and craft workshops as part of their school holiday program.
They have also extended their trading hours through the holidays from 9am-9pm most days until Boxing Day, including a 9-12am midnight trade day on December 20.
Queensland Police have also launched their latest holiday campaign to target the increase of drivers on roads around the state.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the period was the busiest time on the road as Queenslanders celebrated the festive season and visited family.
“The State Government is absolutely determined to reduce the devastation and trauma that is seen on our roads, particularly around this busy period,” he said.