The Gold Coast continues to evolve in its ability to serve up a mix of exciting and refreshing experiences for event delegates
Destination Gold Coast’s annual destination showcase for business event planners, This is Gold Coast 2023 (TIC2023), proved to be an eye-opener for many individuals tasked with sourcing ideas and experiences for their upcoming events.
TIC2023, hosted last August, treated delegates to a range of destination experiences such as stand-up paddleboard yoga at Tallebudgera Creek, distilleries and breweries that dot the coast, dinner under the stars at Sea World’s The New Atlantis Precinct, and a gala event at The Langham, the Gold Coast.
Reflecting on her TIC2023 experience, Carol Ru, general manager for PTC Express Travel, which represents markets in South-east Asia, China and Taiwan, said: “It’s been a real help for a DMC as ours because so much has changed after the pandemic and we needed to refresh our contacts with suppliers. I’ve been inspired by new ideas that I wouldn’t even have thought of before.”
For planners looking to craft an elite programme that will impress VIPs, the Gold Coast’s newest luxury event venue – Level 18 at The Darling – is one to consider. A part of The Star Gold Coast’s portfolio of event spaces, Level 18 boasts coastal views in expansive light-filled spaces that can cater to functions of all sizes. The Miami rooms and Penthouse come with wraparound balconies that offer guests panoramic skyline views.
Also new is Kirra Point Precinct in southern Gold Coast. This area is packed with retail, hospitality and tourism offerings, with Kirra Beach House as the main draw, comprising a rooftop dining destination and a beach club with three bars, a restaurant and stylish cabanas. There is also an option to spend a night or two at the new Kirra Point Holiday Apartments in its hotel-style one-, two-, or three-bedroom units.
Should event delegates expect a wellness element amid all that wining and dining, planners will be pleased to know that Native State in Kirra Beach, can deliver a serene bathing experience with an infrared sauna, heated vitality pool, cold plunge pool, steam room, traditional cedar sauna and meditation lounge.
Besides all the sparkling new draws, Experience Gold Coast has also partnered with TravConsult, an Asian market and cultural expert, to provide 50 Gold Coast operators with market insights and cultural etiquette on key markets including China, Japan and South Korea.
Experience Gold Coast’s head of business events, Brooke Campbell, said re-establishing and strengthening the connection between Asia and the Gold Coast is part of the city’s plans to grow the visitor economy and continue rebuilding the international business event pipeline.
“China was our largest international source market by total visitors and total expenditure pre-pandemic, and we want to put our best foot forward as we welcome back these international delegates,” Campbell said.
“It’s a fiercely competitive market and we need to always be pushing the Gold Coast as a premier destination for conferences, exhibitions and incentive group travel,” she said.
