QLD Government announces $2.5m in tourism vouchers for Gold Coast recovery

QLD Government announces $2.5m in tourism vouchers for Gold Coast recovery
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Queensland Premier Steven Miles has today launched a boost for Gold Coast tourism operators in the wake of severe weather.

    The GC Summer FUNds initiative is backed by a government investment of $2.5 million which will see 50,000 $50 vouchers up for grabs.

    Vouchers will give visitors $50 off some of the Gold Coast’s best attractions and experiences, including the major theme parks.

    The program is funded in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast.

    It’s expected the boost will help the city’s thriving tourism industry bounce back quickly.

    QLD Premier Steven Miles said this initiative is good news for the economy, jobs and tourism operators.

    “This summer our tourism operators have been some of the hardest hit here and in Cairns, so it’s time we help them get back on their feet,” Miles said.

    “My government is proud to support this important package, so more people come to the Coast and take advantage of the fantastic opportunities available.”

    The initiative will help local small business owners that have been continuously impacted by severe weather events, border closures and the COVID pandemic. The owner of Go Vertical Stand Up Paddle Board & Kayak, Linda Spiteri, said the temporary closure led to high cancellations and booking hesitancy from guests in the normally busy period.

    “Now, despite the setbacks, I am excited to get behind Summer FUNds so that locals and visitors can experience Gold Coast’s beautiful waterways first-hand,” she said.

    The vouchers program have also been welcomed by Village Roadshow, the owner of Wet ‘n’ Wild, Sea World, Paradise Country and Movie World, which plans of working with Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast to launch this initiative.

    Entrance to Village Roadshow’s Sea World amusement park at Main Beach on the Gold Coast (iStock/Nils Versemann)

    Village Roadshow’s chief operating officer, Bikash Randhawa, encouraged Gold Coast locals to snap up the offer while they can.

    “The program is also a wonderful opportunity for South East Queensland residents to save $50 on some of their favourite Village Roadshow Theme Parks products including our Village Roadshow Locals One Pass which gives unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast and Paradise Country for 12-months plus access to exclusive night events.

    “With a limited allocation of promotional codes available, I’d encourage people to get in early to avoid missing out.”

    More information on Summer FUNds can be found here.

    Latest News

    • Conferences

    Cvent Accelerate Sydney finds event growth will come from pre-, during and post-event data

    Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has concluded its third edition of Cvent Accelerate in Sydney, where technology’s role in catapulting growth was front and centre. The 341 attendees were challenged to think how they are currently using data and additional ways to unlock its potential, particularly across marketing, in scaling event […]

    • Food & Beverage

    Four Seasons Hotel Sydney popular Aperitivo returns to Grain Bar

    Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is relaunching its popular Aperitivo, now located in the George St venue’s award-winning Grain Bar. Originally launched into Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo is inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual where guests enjoy a cocktail, paired with traditional Italian antipasti bites. It became a much-loved offering for Sydneysiders […]

    • Hotels

    nb_ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa completes US$60 million renovation

    Hawai’i’s OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa has completed its US$60 million (AU$90 million) renovation as is once again ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies “New Era”. The revitalised 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces blend the property’s heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. The concept of “koi au” inspired […]

    • Events

    Merlin Venues Sydney partners with bespoke catering

    Merlin Venues Sydney, the events arm of Merlin Entertainments, has announced a new partnership with Sydney-based culinary experts, Bespoke Catering ahead of its event season. Merlin Venues Sydney hosts a range of unique public and private events across their four leading attractions in the city. These include the iconic SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE […]

    • Business
    • Events
    • Exhibitions

    Sprintr launches world’s first 100% recyclable kiosk for delegate registration

    Sprintr has launched its sustainable, lightweight, modular EcoKiosk for delegate registrations, to support the events industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Made from Re-Board® Technology, a durable, versatile, lightweight, printable and 100 percent recyclable product, this impressive design gives the business events industry the option to reduce their environmental impact and deliver on sustainability KPIs. […]