Gold Coast tourism: Operators finally paid by Andrew Cox’s Website Travel five months after invoices were issued

A Kiwi Rich Lister has finally coughed up thousands owed to struggling Gold Coast tourism operators - providing a rare piece of good news for the battered sector.

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A KIWI Rich Lister has finally coughed up thousands owed to struggling Gold Coast tourism operators – providing a rare piece of good news for the battered sector.

In April, Website Travel told operators it was suspending payments to agents, operators, suppliers and customers until it had raised $12 million because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That was despite operators, including Byron Bay Dive Centre – which was owed $12,000 – and Australian Kayaking Adventures – owed $4000 – performing the work and Website Travel receiving payment.

The platform connects activity operators with booking agents creating an online marketplace for adventure travellers.

Perry Bartholomew, of Byron Bay Dive Centre, was one of the tourism operators owed thousands by Website Travel.

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Website Travel receives payment for the services and passes it on to operators while clipping the ticket along the way.

It is owned by Andrew Cox, the ex-co-owner of the Melbourne Rebels Super rugby franchise and estimated to be worth $76 million in 2017.

On Monday, Mr Cox confirmed to the Bulletin that operators had been paid in full in September.

However, he declined to answer questions about the capital raising stating an update would be issued on Wednesday.

Kiwi rich lister Andrew Cox is a former owner of the Melbourne Rebels.

Steven Vah, of Australian Kayaking Adventures, confirmed to the Bulletin that he had received payment.

“They paid everything,” he said.

“It was a big surprise when the money came through.

“I didn’t expect it to tell you the truth.”

Website Travel previously said it planned to complete the $12 million capital raise by the end of April but by May was still saying it expected to ­finalise the arrangements “in the coming weeks”.

The company confirmed in May that it had received a $250,000 loan from the Queensland government to retain employees and maintain operations.

Mr Cox through his Imperium Capital Group owns luxury hotels including Eichardt’s Private Hotel on Queenstown’s waterfront in New Zealand.

The penthouse suite commands more than $NZ7000 ($6561) a night while Lake View suites cost more than $NZ1200 ($1124).

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