The legacy of the Commonwealth Games is set to deliver a multi-million-dollar boost to the Gold Coast’s growing major events industry in 2019, new data has revealed
Modelling released today shows more than 90 major events are already booked-in for newly constructed and upgraded Gold Coast Commonwealth Games venues in 2019.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the long list of bookings was a testament to the strength of the Gold Coast economy.
"We chose to host the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast because we knew the hundreds of millions of dollars in new sporting infrastructure we would deliver for the Games would help to turn the Coast into a world-leading destination for major events," the Premier said.
"Today we’re seeing this investment paying off."
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the events, would give a shot in the arm to the local tourism sector.
"These events will generate tens of millions of dollars for the Gold Coast economy," she said.
"The data released today is a testament to the legacy of the Commonwealth Games for the local tourism industry.
"We know the trend will continue as the reputation of the Gold Coast grows. Based on current interest, bookings in 2019 will far exceed 2018."
Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the 90 events already booked-in for 2019 would be staged at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Coomera Indoor Sports Centre, Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium, Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Runaway Bay Indoor Sports Stadium and the Gold Coast Cycle Centre.
"The Games allowed us to showcase the Gold Coast to the to the rest of the world and promote our city as a major event destination. Our investment in new and improved venues is reaping rewards with a booming 2019 events calendar," she said.
"Improvements to venues have created opportunities to host lucrative sporting, entertainment and business events. Bookings also show that community sport participation has significantly increased with court bookings more than doubling for local sports clubs.
"Off the back of the Commonwealth Games, we’ve attracted events like SportsAccord, the Pan Pac Masters, Australian Transplant Games, Big Boys Toys Expo and the Australian University Nationals."
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the coast was reaping rewards from GC2018.
"The focus for our council has always been to maximise the legacy benefits from the Games – and we are enjoying these in spades," he said.
"Strong venue bookings tell two stories: that we are rapidly becoming a recognised city for major events nationally and internationally; and our local sporting groups and clubs are embracing the $2 billion-plus investment the State Government, and council, has made in creating these world-class arenas and sporting fields.
"2019 and beyond will be huge for our city.’’
