GOLD COAST TOURISM INDUSTRY RECORDS STRONG YEAR

GOLD Coast has experienced its strongest tourism performance since the Global Financial Crisis this year and accommodation providers say summer trade is up 20 per cent on last year.

The city is expecting about 3 million visitors over summer and Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter (pictured) says the numbers build on the positive momentum generated through 2012.

“Feedback from some of our 500 member businesses indicates this summer could be our strongest summer holiday season in five years,” says Winter.

“Already, in the 12 months to June 2012, visitor spending on the Gold Coast increased by 12 per cent to $4.6 billion.

“This grew the local economy by $512 million dollars and is the largest increase in tourism expenditure and best result since the emergence of the Global Financial Crisis in 2007.”

The results show the importance of Gold Coast Tourism’s marketing efforts, says Winter.

“Our new Don’t Cut Fun Short campaign launched in October and part of our Famous for Fun brand, has been well received throughout the drive market,” he says.

“We’re confident the success of the campaign will generate an additional 73,000 overnight visitors and extra $34 million in overnight visitor expenditure over 12 months."

It has been a positive year for the city’s tourism industry, with the arrival of new international budget carrier Scoot Airlines and the return of Qantas domestic flights.

Winter says Scoot delivers an additional 104,000 inbound seats from Singapore to the Gold Coast each year.