Discount flights, tourism vouchers for family of Gold Coast students
Student Shreya Kulkarni hasn’t seen her family in India since she started studying on the Gold Coast in June 2019, but all that could soon change thanks to a new travel plan to reunite families.
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A NEW campaign to reunite loved ones on the Gold Coast is offering discounted airfares and tourism vouchers for family and friends of interstate and international students.
The unique initiative is being brought to life by Destination Gold Coast with partners Study Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland and REX Airlines.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the state government was backing innovative tourism campaigns to support its Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“With world-class visitor experiences, the Gold Coast is Australia’s favourite tourism destination and we’re continuing to support its recovery,” he said.
“The Reunite in Paradise campaign is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $15 million election commitment to help regional tourism organisations like Destination Gold Coast (DGC) to promote their best visitor experiences,” he said.
Friends and families will be eligible for a $100 REX Airlines flight credit and a $50 Play Money voucher to be used on a range of tourism products and experiences.
DGC chief executive Patricia O’Callaghan said the campaign, with support and funding from the state government, would bring people back together on the Gold Coast, support local jobs and contribute to the visitor economy.
“We know there are thousands of interstate and international students who study here and we want to help make it easier for their friends and loved ones to come and visit in 2022,” she said.
Shreya Kulkarni hasn’t been able to return to see her family in India since she started studying on the Gold Coast in June 2019.
The 23-year-old, graduated from Griffith University in April this year with a double Masters in Marketing and International Tourism.
“A few of my cousins got married and I missed my dad’s 50th birthday, I’ve definitely missed out on some special occasions,” she said.
“But this Christmas I’m excited because a friend from Sydney is finally able to come to the Gold Coast to celebrate with me. We’ve tried to see each other two other times but Covid outbreaks and lockdowns stopped us,” she said.
“I know my parents and grandmother would love to visit, and my brother has been waiting for more than two years to come visit, so when tourists are allowed back I know they’ll fly to the Gold Coast to see me.”
Study Gold Coast chief executive Alfred Slogrove said the Gold Coast had long been the education destination of choice for domestic and international students, with friends and family often visiting their loved ones.
“With our premium education and lifestyle offering we’ve seen increasing numbers of interstate students enrolling on the Gold Coast through high school boarders and tertiary students, as such there is considerable demand from friends and family wanting to visit,” he said.
“International students are also looking forward to the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones here so the Reunite in Paradise campaign will be a vital stimulant for local businesses and the city.
‘Big shoes to fill’: New tourism boss revealed
November 25, 2021
THE CITY’S tourism marketing body Destination Gold Coast has appointed its first female chairperson who says she has “big shoes to fill” in succeeding departing chairman Paul Donovan.
Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said she was pleased to welcome Adrienne Readings as chair of the tourism body as it farewelled an emotional Mr Donovan who choked back tears at times, as city leaders paid tribute to his length of service and advocacy.
Her appointment was revealed at the Destination Gold Coast AGM at Star Gold Coast on Wednesday night.
Ms O’Callaghan said was excited to welcome Ms Readings to the role – she has also been a trailblazer as the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre general manager, as the first female to lead a convention centre.
“Adrienne will be a strong asset to the Destination Gold Coast Board as Chair with more than 30 years’ experience in business events, tourism management and hospitality,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“The critical chairperson role is about helping steer the direction of Australia’s most popular tourist destination and we have no doubt Adrienne will continue to help raise the city’s profile as a proud Gold Coast advocate.”
Ms Readings said she was proud to continue Mr Donovan’s legacy – the chairman for 17 years – in the industry and continue to rebuild the region’s tourism economy.
“The next two years is all about our city’s recovery and creating a blueprint for future success to attract more visitors, more often and to grow expenditure for the Gold Coast,” she said.
“It has been a heartbreaking 18 months for our industry, but I see so much opportunity ahead of us with the return of interstate visitors in a matter of weeks and eventually international markets.
“A future pipeline of $179m in business events opportunity for the city as well as working with peers to strengthen the future of the region through new infrastructure, development and city connectivity.”
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