The first recipients of the City's Nature-Based Tourism grants have been announced with 13 local operators endorsed for funding by Council this week.
Acting Mayor Mark Hammel said the program proved to be overwhelmingly popular with 74 applications received within a two-month period demonstrating strong market interest in the emerging tourism trend.
"We were impressed by the higher than anticipated demand from so many quality applicants who had exceptional nature-based tourism ideas and opportunities.
"The 13 projects selected are located in all areas of the Gold Coast and will not only provide economic benefits to our city but will improve environmental conservation and cultural appreciation.
"Nature-based tourism is an emerging trend and the Gold Coast has a unique opportunity to diversify our visitor economy and strengthen our reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism."
Acting Mayor Hammel thanked all applicants and noted the quality of the submissions.
"If you missed out this time, we are planning future funding opportunities so make sure you keep an eye out and apply in the next round."
Just over $550,000 worth of funding was allocated to the 13 businesses and will leverage project budgets of $1.19 million.
The portfolio of projects is expected to have an estimated direct economic impact of nearly $4.3 million and create approximately 32 jobs with additional indirect workforce benefits expected.
The applicants were judged on quality, marketability, ability to scale and sustainable operations and represented a varied portfolio across different geographic areas that will attract a mix of national and international visitors.
The Nature-Based Tourism program focuses on immersive, low-impact experiences that connect people to the Gold Coast's unique natural and cultural assets including wellness retreats, bush tucker tours, mountain biking, wildlife encounters and citizen science.
The grants support initiatives that deepen engagement with nature, diversify the Gold Coast's tourism offering and strengthen the city's reputation as a sustainable, world-class destination.
The successful applicants and funding contributions:
- The Tour Collective: The development of a Humpback Whale and Ocean Discovery Learning Hub for education, conservation and an immersive marine tourism experience.
- Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat & Spa: a nature-based wellness immersion project including tree nests for groups, forest bathing and meditation, healing bee hut for relaxation, stress relief and respiratory health, stargazing and silent disco.
- The Boomerang Farm: An upgrade to accessible mountain biking experiences that connect people with nature while maintaining the site's natural integrity.
- Harbour Town Centre Management: The development of a First Nations Bush Tucker and Wildlife Experience to provide an immersive cultural and wildlife program designed for international visitors.
- TreeTop Challenge Currumbin: A curriculum-linked nature-based educational program 'Eco-Adventures & Rainforest Futures' to connect high school students with nature through immersive rainforest canopy experiences.
- Ediblescapes: An edible forest garden in Country Paradise Parklands where the public can participate in regenerative forest gardening, food foraging and biocultural cooking practices.
- Paradise Tours: The launch of a new Gold Coast day tour to show the diversity of the city in a more meaningful and low impact way as well as an enhanced Springbrook rainforest tour.
- Reveling: 'Framed by Nature' - a photographic safari led by an award-winning wildlife photographer showcasing the Gold Coast's biodiversity.
- Wild&Co: The acquisition of more equipment to improve Adventure Racing on the Gold Coast which involves trekking, mountain biking and kayaking over an unmarked course using a map and compass.
- Historic Rivermill: Upgrade and modernisation of the existing commercial kitchen at this scenic riverside location in Mount Nathan to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.
- Southern Cross Tours: The marketing of newly launched tours including the Kangaroos and Mountain Views tour and a new Gold Coast day tour.
- Go Ballooning: A new dedicated marketing campaign to rebuild visitor confidence and awareness 'Back to the Skies: Hot Air Ballooning After Cyclone Alfred'
- Get Wet Surf School: Official ECO Certification through Ecotourism Australia.
For more details on the Nature Based Tourism program visit Nature-Based Tourism Program | City of Gold Coast.
