Federal government pledges $10m investment for Gold Coast tourism

With Queensland’s borders set to open in a matter of days, the federal government has rolled out a $10m package to help operators make the most of the expected boom.

The Gold Coast tourism sector is in for a boon as bells ring for Christmas, with a $10m windfall pledged to upskill operators and promote the region.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the Gold Coast was ideally placed to capitalise on pent-up demand from interstate travellers under the Recovery for Regional Tourism (RRT) program.

“This funding will ensure the Gold Coast is at the front of mind when people book their next trip,” he said.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the Gold Coast was ideally placed to capitalise on pent-up demand from interstate travellers. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Major endeavours under the RRT include $1.05m to the Modern Family Campaign to attract more families, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds to holiday on the Gold Coast.

A further $1.325m will be spent on inviting interstate travellers to the Coast’s theme parks and attractions, $2.585m on a ‘Stay and Play’ voucher incentive scheme and $180,000 to upskill 120 small and medium-sized tourism operators’s digital marketing skills.

Member for Fadden Stuart Robert said the support would help Gold Coast businesses scale up to welcome vaccinated tourists.

“Now the (state government) has given certainty to vaccinated tourists, we can safely open the Gold Coast economy for good and prepare for our interstate guests.” he said.

“Many tourism businesses are on their knees at the moment and this support will help some of our most loved iconic attractions and businesses prepare for the school holiday period and see our region return to an economic powerhouse in the New Year.”

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O'Callaghan. Photo: Scott Powick

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the support from the government

was important for boosting the local visitor economy.

“We look forward to working with our industry partners to deliver a range of initiatives that

are designed to stimulate our tourism economy and entice interstate visitors to holiday on

the Gold Coast,” she said.

The RRT program is an initiative of the government’s $1bn Covid-19 Relief and

Recovery Fund.