2025 Pacific Leaders Conference at the Mondrian in Burleigh Heads
Events including the Gold Coast Marathon have fast-tracked tourism recovery, but industry titans say the city needs boosted connectivity for its economic powerhouse to go the distance.
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Events including the Gold Coast Marathon have fast-tracked tourism recovery, but industry titans say the city needs boosted connectivity for its economic powerhouse to go the distance.
At the launch of the 2025 Pacific Leaders Conference on Monday at the Mondrian, bosses at accommodation giant Accor – the largest hotel operator on the Gold Coast with 28 properties – were glowing in their assessment of the city’s performance in a shaky global market.
Accor Chief Executive Officer – Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific Duncan O’Rourke said winter was traditionally a softer period for leisure destinations like the Gold Coast, but not this year.
“On the Gold Coast, July and August bookings are tracking 5 per cent ahead of the same time last year and September is up 3 per cent,” he said.
“This growth is being fuelled by a combination of increased consumer confidence, continued domestic leisure demand, and a strong rebound in group and business-related travel.
“There’s real momentum here.”
Accor Chief Operating Officer – Pacific Adrian Williams said the Gold Coast’s “world-class events calendar” was translating directly into hotel demand.
“Events like the Gold Coast Marathon in July are a perfect example – we’re currently holding 16 per cent more in occupancy across our hotels than we were at the same time last year. That’s a significant jump,” he said.
“The four-day V8 Supercars event in October is tracking 7 per cent ahead overall, with peak weekend nights up 8 per cent.
“These events act as powerful magnets for tourism – driving extended stays, increasing average spend, and bringing valuable national and international exposure to the region.
“What we’re seeing now is guests building entire holidays around these events – it’s no longer just a one-night visit.”
Mr Williams said while the “Gold Coast already offers a world-class tourism product” there was room to build on its success.
“Improving connectivity – both international and domestic – is key,” he said.
“We’d welcome increased direct flights into Gold Coast Airport, particularly from key Asia-Pacific hubs, which would open the door to more inbound visitors.
“Investment in public transport, like the light rail expansion, also plays a vital role in ensuring the guest experience is seamless.
“Continuing to invest in a diverse and high-impact events calendar will keep the destination front of mind for travellers year-round.”
Speaking last week at a Future Gold Coast think tank, Gold Coast industry stalwart Paul Donovan expressed concern that the city’s hotel price point wasn’t competitive on a global stage.
“Domestically, tourism is going exceptionally well, the numbers are there, but the only thing I’d say is the hotel rates are too expensive, that puts people off,” he said.
“I think when you’re looking at a stay at a Grand Hyatt in Shenzhen for $230 a night, and you’ve got to pay $350 for a place here, that puts people off.”
Mr Williams was confident rates were right – with room to grow – and said price sensitivity was continually reviewed.
“What we have here at the Mondrian, for example, is incomparable – absolute beachfront, something very special,” he said.
“We actually think there’s more room for luxury growth on the Gold Coast
“I think (the Gold Coast) is very attractive to Australian travellers and (they’re) absolutely (willing to pay).
“All of our properties are pitched at different levels so there is a choice for everybody.”
With a welcome party at the freshly minted Burleigh five-star, the Pacific Leaders Conference continues this week with 350 of Accor’s general managers and senior leaders in town.
“The energy of this city sets the perfect stage for shaping what’s next,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“Looking ahead, the Gold Coast holds great potential for future growth.
“In particular, we see exciting opportunities in lifestyle and extended-stay segments, where traveller demand continues to surge.
“It’s a market we know well, believe in deeply, and continue to invest in.”
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