Gold Coast Tourism Businesses to Receive $2.5 Million in Support Funding
The Queensland government has announced that storm-ravaged tourism businesses on the Gold Coast will receive an additional $2.5 million in support funding. This comes after deadly storms hit south-east Queensland on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, causing significant damage and leaving many homes and businesses without power.
As a part of the support package, 50,000 vouchers worth $50 each will be made available through a website. These vouchers can be used at Gold Coast tourism businesses, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. Premier Steven Miles stated that the vouchers have proven to be effective in promoting the region and encouraging people to plan trips.
How Do the Vouchers Work?
When you spend $50 on a participating day tour or attraction, you will receive an additional $50 credit. This means that a $100 experience will only cost you $50 out of pocket. Patricia O’Callaghan, the CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland, highlighted the benefits of these vouchers in both the short and long term. She explained that they allow people to experience new attractions and often lead to repeat visits.
How Can I Get a Tourism Voucher?
To access one of the 50,000 vouchers, south-east Queenslanders can visit the GC Summer FUNds website once it goes live. The vouchers will be available for use until the end of March.
Positive Feedback from Businesses
Tourism operators have welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the challenging times they have faced due to the storms. Linda Spiteri, a stand-up paddle-boarding business owner, described the past few weeks as tumultuous but expressed gratitude for the support. Grant Amor, director of the Gold Coast Motor Museum, emphasized the long-term benefits for his business and the opportunity to showcase their offerings to both locals and tourists.
Partnership and Funding
The GC Summer Funds initiative is a partnership between the Queensland government and Experience Gold Coast, the council’s tourism body. Tourism Minister Michael Healy highlighted the importance of supporting the Gold Coast’s tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the storms. City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate praised the collaboration between state and local government, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on families and the region’s recovery.
Conclusion
The additional $2.5 million in support funding and the introduction of tourism vouchers aim to revive the storm-affected tourism industry on the Gold Coast. These initiatives provide financial relief to businesses and encourage visitors to explore the region’s attractions. With the support of the Queensland government and local authorities, the Gold Coast’s tourism sector is expected to recover and thrive once again.
About the Author
“Our operators do a great job of really giving these people a great time, and we know that they do come back as a result.” – Patricia O’Callaghan, CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
