Gold Coast, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Mantra Group on track for big Easter holidays

EASTER bookings aren’t just typically strong for the Gold Coast, they are tracking higher than usual ahead of an anticipated bumper long weekend for the city.

Jason and Vanessa Papillo with three-month-old baby Ivy enjoy the pool on the roof of Wave Broadbeach Picture: Richard Gosling

EASTER bookings aren’t just typically strong for the Gold Coast – they are tracking higher than usual ahead of an anticipated bumper long weekend for the city.

In visitor hot spots Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise only limited Easter availability remains.

Most accommodation providers are between 90 and 100 per cent full despite some negative perceptions about Cyclone Debbie flooding impacts.

Surfers Paradise can expect a major influx of visitors for the Easter holidays. Picture: John Gass

A visitor influx is also anticipated for the following weekend, with the Supanova pop culture convention and popular Superhero Parade in Broadbeach.

Mantra, the city’s biggest accommodation provider, said it had seen more demand than last year.

“The Gold Coast is experiencing strong numbers for the Easter long weekend with solid increases year on year,” said Luke Moran, Mantra Group executive director of sales, revenue and distribution.

Jason and Vanessa Papillo with 3-month old baby Ivy enjoying their Easter break by the pool at Wave Broadbeach. Picture: Richard Gosling

“Our Gold Coast properties are nearing capacity this weekend, with a combined average occupancy of 95 per cent, but there are still limited rooms available for those yet to plan their Easter escape.

“The weather forecast is looking great and we are on track for a bumper Easter weekend.

“The Supanova pop culture expo the following weekend is also generating strong demand at our Broadbeach properties, with occupancies nearing 90 per cent already.”

Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw said “there is some limited availability in Surfers Paradise, but one of the advantages of Surfers Paradise is we have everything from two-star to five-star accommodation”.

Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw: “We are open for business and the next few weeks are going to be huge.” Photo: Richard Gosling

Mr Winlaw said it was looking good for a normal, busy Easter despite mistaken perceptions about impacts of Cyclone Debbie flooding last week causing booking drop-offs.

“There was a perception, particularly from interstate, that there was damage on the tourism strip,” he said.

“But we have not been impacted. The beaches are fine and it’s looking like it’s going to be a great couple of weeks for weather.

“We are open for business.”

Broadbeach Alliance CEO Jan McCormick said occupancy was tracking between 77 per cent and full for the four nights of Easter and the Supanova weekend.

Broadbeach Alliance CEO Jan McCormick is expecting a big Easter for tourists.

“It’s going to be pumping,” she said.

“There are a lot of last-minute bookings too for Easter.

“The businesses of Broadbeach are going to be pretty happy.”

Surf Parade main drag operators continue to have either end blocked to vehicle traffic while the Gold Coast City Council’s $4.5 million street upgrade nears completion.

It is scheduled to finish next month but Ms McCormick said it remained open to pedestrians.