Gold Coast tourism: Chinese visitors inject $1.7m into economy during four-day visit

A four-day event being held on the Gold Coast this week will inject $1.7 million into the city’s economy and it promises to bring in millions more.

A FOUR-day event being held on the Gold Coast this week will inject $1.7 million into the city’s economy and it promises to bring in millions more.

More than 700 representatives of Chinese company Zhiban Keji are visiting the city this week to experience the city’s attractions and venues as an incentive reward program.

In a first, it has been backed by both the state and federal tourism ministers who have both talked up the event’s benefits.

CRITICS WELCOME NEW COAST TOURISM CAMPAIGN

More than 700 visitors from China will visit the Gold Coast this week. Picture: David Clark

COAST THE FACE OF NEW TOURISM CAMPAIGN

“This is another great win for the Gold Coast, which has undergone significant infrastructure development in recent years and continues to build on its legacy as one of Australia’s leading events destination,” federal Minister Simon Birmingham said.

“Hosting these international business visitors will provide the Gold Coast with an opportunity to showcase its outstanding tourism credentials, from its world-renowned beaches, beautiful hinterland, top-class shopping and thriving food and wine scene.”

Zhiban Keji is a direct sales company based in Guangzhou, China and works in the education sector.

State Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the Gold Coast was poised to benefit from the visit.

“Business events like this one drive visitors to the Gold Coast and create jobs in the local tourism sector,” she said.

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Annaliese Battista. Picture: Jerad Williams

WHAT NEW ACCOMMODATION DATA REVEALS

A further $2.8 million will be injected into the Coast economy in November when

Amway Taiwan, the world’s largest direct selling company, will hold a similar event in the city.

Destination Gold Coast boss Annaliese Battista said she was looking forward to showcasing the Gold Coast’s world-class offering

“We’re looking forward to welcoming this prestigious event to our city and have every confidence delegates will enjoy our exceptional business events offering and leisure-based experiences,” she said.

“Boasting 44 per cent of Queensland’s conference market share, the business events industry injects $540 million annually into the Gold Coast economy.

“Conferences on the Gold Coast typically attract record delegate numbers, so we work collaboratively with industry to promote the city as a top business events destination in efforts to increase our footprint ongoing.”