Gold Coast tourism: How city’s biggest industry is changing post-Covid
The Gold Coast visitor numbers remain stubbornly below pre-Covid numbers but new data reveals something surprising about the present and what it means for the future. FULL STORY
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The Gold Coast visitor numbers remain stubbornly below pre-Covid numbers but the city tourism boss says all signs are positive, highlighting higher expenditure.
New Tourism Research Australia data for 12 months to June reveals spending is above 2019 figures but the numbers travelling to the city lags behind those from the same year.
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said the numbers underlined “the Gold Coast’s sustained recovery in the post-pandemic landscape”.
“The Gold Coast’s visitor economy remains resilient, generating $7.7bn in total visitor expenditure in the twelve months to June – 30.5 per cent above pre-pandemic levels,” he said.
“At the same time, we welcomed 12.3 million total visitors, down 9.1 per cent respectively on 2019 levels. But encouragingly, we saw total visitation lift by a solid six per cent in the last quarter alone.
“The new figures show we have positively navigated the post-lockdown landscape, maintaining total visitor nights at 22.5 million, which is just 13.9 per cent shy of 2019 levels while Queensland and Australia both saw sharp declines.”
Mr Warn said the city was recovering despite global economic challenges, including inflation.
“Overall, our visitor economy is stabilising, with international visitation restored to 62 per cent of pre-pandemic levels as international visitor expenditure recovered by 86 per cent,” he said.
“Rebuilding international arrivals continues to be a priority, with top markets including New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, China and USA.
“Total visitation has so far recovered by 91 per cent year-on-year as we look ahead with confidence to close in on pre-pandemic visitor levels and rebuild a more sustainable visitor economy.”
According to the new data:
* New Zealand remains the city’s top international market, with 214,000 Kiwis flying in between July 1,2023, and June 30, 2024;
* South Korean visitors have hit record high of 57,000 to become the Gold Coast’s second-largest market;
* Domestic visitation remains strong, with 2.1 million people travelling from interstate, up five per cent on 2019.
It comes in the face of a tough tourism market.
A Bulletin report in August showed a sharp decline in international visitors passing through Gold Coast Airport as the loss of connections outside Australia and New Zealand.
Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey shows the city generated $1.131 billion in expenditure from internationals in 12 months to the end of March.
That was down $228 million on pre-pandemic figures recorded at the same time five years ago – a 16.7 per cent decline. Only Melbourne fared worse in dollar terms, with international visitor expenditure in the Victorian capital down $727 million – a nine per cent drop on 2019.
Mr Warn said the market was showing green shoots, with Gold Coast Airport welcoming new aviation routes in 2025.
“Experience Gold Coast is squarely focused on repositioning the Gold Coast to target new market segments in the medium to long term, driving enhanced and dynamic visitor growth,” he said.
“Aviation connectivity is key to strengthening visitation and keeping the Gold Coast at the forefront of travellers’ minds, whether they’re seeking leisure, business exchanges or educational experiences.”
Two new Jetstar Gold Coast-New Zealand direct routes to Dunedin and Hamilton will kick in mid-next year
A Hong Kong Airlines’ Gold Coast-Hong Kong direct seasonal service has been made possible through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, he said.
“These strategic partnerships invigorate our visitor economy as we continue to expand our footprint with innovative events, world-class sporting offerings, and vibrant cultural initiatives, all aimed at attracting high-yield markets and ensuring the Gold Coast remains an irresistible choice for travellers globally.”
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