Gold Coast rebounds with bumper conference windfall
Hoteliers set to benefit as conference bookings build
The challenges of COVID aside, Destination Gold Coast (DCG) has recorded an estimated economic impact of $99.3 million on the back of 104 conferences in the twelve months to June 2021.
And it is now looking forward to the post-lockdown era with renewed optimism.
The future looks even brighter with 144 conferences and meetings, worth an estimated $191 million, committed to meet there between 2022-2030 giving the Gold Coast’s hard-hit hoteliers a reason to smile after an horrendous 12-month period of lockdown.
Recent conference confirmations include The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), 2022 with 1,000 delegates; the 35th Topical Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry, 2023 (200 delegates); the Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) National Convention, 2023 (1,000 delegates) and the API National Property Conference, 2022 (600 delegates).
Announcing the results at the marketing body’s AGM, DCG CEO, Patricia O’Callaghan said it was heartening to see the result in an undeniably tough year for the industry.
“Our industry has demonstrated how incredibly adaptive and resourceful they are when challenges arise, and this collaborative effort certainly reflects the determination of our sector to rebound and come back stronger than ever,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“The Gold Coast is well positioned to lead the visitor economy into recovery with business events set to contribute significantly. Business events are a vital part of our visitor economy, particularly as they support Gold Coast’s economy from Monday to Thursday and during off peak periods.
Ms O’Callaghan said momentum is building and anticipates as the city rebounds, the Gold Coast will become recognised globally as the destination of choice for business events.
“The Gold Coast is a city coming of age in one of the world’s fastest growing regions, which is redefining our offering for business events,” she said.
“Beyond our world-class infrastructure, natural environment, and extraordinary delegate experiences, we’ve also been quietly building a knowledge economy that will contribute significantly to strengthening our business events sector.”