Love GC gaff prompts annoyed Gold Coaster’s response

Frustrated customers wanting to help stimulate the economy after the cyclone emergency are hating on the temporary rollout bungle that hit the $5m LOVE GC discount card deals.

Mayor Tom Tate and Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn announcing Love GC stimulus package

Frustrated customers have been hating on the rollout of the LOVE GC tourism promotion after technical hitches stopped people from using them temporarily.

A temporary technical hitch hit both the use and purchase of LOVE GC cards after 50,000 collectively at $5 million went on sale on Monday.

Unimpressed customers took to Facebook with comments spanning from Monday to Thursday complaining of being unable to make use of the cards.

Experience Gold Coast cited a “technical issue”, taking to its Facebook page explaining “due to high demand, we’re currently experiencing a large volume of traffic to our website”.

But it was little consolation to customers.

Davena Shields on Thursday wrote: “Still can’t get my verification code to access the LOVE GC card which I paid for four days ago. How do I get a refund as this seems to be a scam … You knew how many people would buy this deal so should have been prepared.”

Unimpressed customers took to Facebook to express their disappointment after being unable to use purchased cards

Unimpressed customers took to Facebook to express their disappointment after being unable to use purchased cards

On Tuesday, Holly Unstead wrote: “Myself and my family all purchased the cards last night but we still have not received the card details so that we can use them.”

A Experience Gold Coast spokesperson said technical issues had been resolved and the program was back up and running.

“Customers should now be receiving their LOVE GC cards, and we encourage them to start enjoying the incredible experiences, dining, and attractions the Gold Coast has to offer.

“This fantastic campaign is all about showing the Gold Coast some love and supporting our local businesses in the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.”

The 50,000 cards were part of a stimulus package jointly funded by the City of Gold Coast and Queensland Government. Locals and visitors buy a LOVE GC Card for $50 and get an additional $50, unlocking access to over 150 exclusive deals on Gold Coast accommodations, theme parks, attractions, restaurants, and experiences.

A spokesperson said prior to their launch on Monday the cards were “expected to sell out within days and will deliver millions back into the visitor economy”.

On Friday they added: “We have seen overwhelming demand for the cards, with almost 30,000 sold in the first two days and we appreciate the patience of the community as we worked through the temporary issues with our third-party card supplier.”