It’s official: Coast recognised as international mecca for festivals and events
THE Gold Coast has been named an official World Festival and Event City at the International Festival and Events Associations’ Awards in the US.
Entertainment
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IT’S official. The Gold Coast’s portfolio of more than 900 events a year has seen it officially recognised on the international stage as a festival and event mecca.
The city was named an official World Festival and Event City at the International Festival and Events Associations’ (IFEA) Awards at the 62nd Annual Convention and Expo in Arizona, in the US early today.
This award follows the Coast’s exceptional success in hosting major events with an international appeal, including the Sudirman Cup World Badminton Championships, the Supercars GC600, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival, the ITU World Triathlon Series, the World Surf League’s Quiksilver and Roxy Pro, the Australian PGA Championships and Bleach* Festival.
Mayor Tom Tate said the award means the Gold Coast stands alongside major event destinations such as Dubai, Dublin, London, Shanghai and Boston.
“The Gold Coast already has a formidable reputation as an events destination and this accolade cements the Gold Coast as a powerhouse that punches well above its weight when it comes to hosting world class events,” he said.
MEGA US FESTIVAL HEADS FOR COAST
“With the tourism and events industry worth $25 billion to the Queensland state economy, we’re going to continue to work post-Games to ensure the Gold Coast continues to snag a big slice of this investment.”
Cr Tate said the city hosted more than 900 events every year.
He said council supported 35 events as part of its major events portfolio, which injected around $200 million into the local community.
“As we leverage the benefits of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and we continue to grow the number of events held here, the Gold Coast is truly making its mark on a global scale,” he said.
IFEA World president and CEO Steven Wood Schmader said the annual awards recognised individual cities that had “raised the bar for everyone”.
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