Surfers Paradise cheers Glitter Strip foot traffic spike as precinct finds mojo
SURFERS Paradise has its mojo back — with visitor numbers soaring and veteran operators saying locals are rediscovering a new and improved precinct.
Gold Coast
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SURFERS Paradise has its mojo back — with visitor numbers soaring and veteran operators saying locals are rediscovering a new and improved precinct.
The tourism heart of the Gold Coast recorded a 15 per cent surge in this summer’s foot traffic compared to 2015, almost 3000 more people per day.
The Surfers Paradise Alliance figures show 300,000 more visitors across December, January and February compared to the same period in 2015-16.
It amounted to 4,992,411 summer visitors, up from 4,696,364 a year ago.
Bar and restaurant owners cheering the influx say it’s a return to a bustling heyday prior to the Global Financial Crisis and economic devastation during the light rail track construction.
The most significant aspect of the spike is the anecdotal return of local Gold Coasters impressed by evolving dining and night-life options, veteran operators say.
Michael Fusco, who has run Italian restaurant Costa D’Oro in the centre of Surfers Paradise for more than 30 years, said tram access and increased parking were helping.
“A lot of locals are returning because they realise parking isn’t an issue anymore and new venues have lifted the standard.
“Overall, our unique foreshore and never-ending activities are hard to beat.”
Wife and business partner Nuccia Fusco said locals who frequented the restaurant decades ago were coming back.
“They’re saying they can’t believe how good Surfers is. Way more locals are coming in.”
Avenue owner Mike Russo, at the corner of Cavill Mall and Orchid Avenue for 35 years, said two weekends in February eclipsed trade in typically busier January.
He put it down last month’s Sand Safari sculpture display and associated promotion with giant blow-up tentacles coming out of high-rise apartments on the Gold Coast Highway.
“Don’t ask me how but sand castles work — it brings people into town, sand castles and tentacles coming out of buildings,” he said.
Mr Russo, who last year spent $3m relocating and upgrading in a spot across the road, said the restaurant was trading strong day and night.
“It can only get better, we’re in the home straight towards the Commonwealth Games. Imagine when the whole world is looking at that stretch of coastline, the ongoing effects after the Games are going to be just as good.”
Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw said the tram, consistent warm summer weather, frequent SPA activations, large-scale developments and new venues were contributing to Surfers’ renaissance.
“It certainly has seen increased visitation and it’s a significant increase. It’s a strong time for the precinct.”
Mr Winlaw said SPA-commissioned surveys during the Sand Safari festival recorded a lot of locals feedback.
“Locals are talking very positively about the change in Surfers Paradise. We are breaking down those barriers.”
CBRE Manager of Retail Services for Soul Boardwalk, Rudi Scutti said a booming construction including the $1 billion beachfront Jewel towers were generating activity and employment.
“We are seeing an evolving retail experience with new entrants like Hurricanes, House of Brews, Brooklyn Depot and Betty’s Burgers offering great experiences and a different crowd,” he said.
“Multinational brands are having a closer look following the success of Cotton On’s mega store on Cavill Avenue.”
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