Queensland Premier Steven Miles has today launched a boost for Gold Coast tourism operators in the wake of severe weather.
The GC Summer FUNds initiative is backed by a government investment of $2.5 million which will see 50,000 $50 vouchers up for grabs.
Vouchers will give visitors $50 off some of the Gold Coast’s best attractions and experiences, including the major theme parks.
The program is funded in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast.
It’s expected the boost will help the city’s thriving tourism industry bounce back quickly.
QLD Premier Steven Miles said this initiative is good news for the economy, jobs and tourism operators.
“This summer our tourism operators have been some of the hardest hit here and in Cairns, so it’s time we help them get back on their feet,” Miles said.
“My government is proud to support this important package, so more people come to the Coast and take advantage of the fantastic opportunities available.”
The initiative will help local small business owners that have been continuously impacted by severe weather events, border closures and the COVID pandemic. The owner of Go Vertical Stand Up Paddle Board & Kayak, Linda Spiteri, said the temporary closure led to high cancellations and booking hesitancy from guests in the normally busy period.
“Now, despite the setbacks, I am excited to get behind Summer FUNds so that locals and visitors can experience Gold Coast’s beautiful waterways first-hand,” she said.
The vouchers program have also been welcomed by Village Roadshow, the owner of Wet ‘n’ Wild, Sea World, Paradise Country and Movie World, which plans on working with Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast to launch this initiative.
Village Roadshow’s chief operating officer, Bikash Randhawa, encouraged Gold Coast locals to snap up the offer while they can.
“The program is also a wonderful opportunity for South East Queensland residents to save $50 on some of their favourite Village Roadshow Theme Parks products including our Village Roadshow Locals One Pass which gives unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast and Paradise Country for 12-months plus access to exclusive night events,” Randhawa said.
“With a limited allocation of promotional codes available, I’d encourage people to get in early to avoid missing out.”
More information on Summer FUNds can be found here.
