Gold Coast tourism suffers $40 million dip due to Coronavirus and bushfires impact

February 3, 2020

The Gold Coast tourism industry is down around $40 million following the outbreak of the coronavirus in China and the recent bushfires.

Speaking to myGC, Destination Gold Coast Chief Executive, Annaliese Battista said the latest setback from the coronavirus “couldn’t have come at a worse time”

She advised “Australia is one of the most popular destinations for the Chinese, and in fact China is the Gold Coast’s largest international market.

“So we are seeing cancellations already and we do expect that to last for several months.”

Figures show cancellations are already around 20%, with long term estimates not showing any hope of an upswing.

Battista told myGC ”we could be in a bit of a predicament for quite some time”, adding "at the moment our very rough estimate – and this is best case scenario and assuming that coronavirus is resolved soon – is that we’ve already taken, as an industry, about a $40 million hit,” she said.

With 92% of the visitors to the Gold Coast from within Australia, Battista says they will be focusing their messaging on the local market, alongside New Zealand.

She concluded that when the Coronavirus threat has passed, she says the Gold Coast will be ready to “welcome the Chinese tourists back with open arms”.

3rd February 2020 - Gold Coast’s Green Bridge connecting HOTA to Chevron Island opens

31st January 2020 - Coronavirus declared global health emergency by World Health Organization

31st January 2020 - Queensland Government plans for eco project west of the Gold Coast

28th January 2020 - Leading consultants suggest Coronavirus impact could deal significant blow to Australian economy

27th January 2020 - International adventure tourism community rallies to support Australia during bushfire crisis

23rd January 2020 - Tourism Australia launches $20 million campaign to support bushfire affected industry

18th January 2020 - South east Queensland deluge closes Dreamworld, Movie World and Wet’n'Wild Gold Coast

10th January 2020 - Tourism Australia looks to reassure visitors with information on bushfire impacts

9th January 2020 - Bushfires have massive impact on Australian tourism industry

5th January 2020 - Bushfires push numerous Australian animal species towards extinction

25th November 2019 - Queensland Government to fast track The Star Gold Coast’s $2 billion redevelopment masterplan

20th November 2019 - Major Events Gold Coast names inaugural Chief Executive

22nd July 2019 - Gold Coast Council makes multi-million dollar commitment to beach protection

31st May 2019 - Record Gold Coast Marathon numbers prompt organisers to adapt the course

25th May 2019 - Village Roadshow reveals $50 million investment into Gold Coast theme parks

4th May 2019 - 2019 Sport Accord Convention the stage for United Through Youth Initiative and Gold Coast Sport Festival

18th March 2019 - Gold Coast dive attraction moves to next stage

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