A multi-million dollar stimulus package has been unveiled for the Gold Coast tourism industry to boost the recovery from Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
And locals and tourists are the winners.
Tourism bosses have announced the launch of LOVE GC Cards, with more than 150 exclusive deals on accommodation, theme parks, attractions, experiences and restaurants.
The scheme is similar to the one rolled out during COVID.
Locals and tourists can buy a LOVE GC Card for $50 and get an additional $50 on top.
“We are excited to roll out the second phase of this fantastic campaign that is all about showing the Gold Coast some love and supporting our local businesses,” Mayor Tom Tate said.
“What better way to show the love and enjoy everything our magical city has to offer, than by purchasing a LOVE GC Card and getting another $50 to spend. What’s not to love about that!”
Figures show Tropical Cyclone Alfred cost the tourism sector around $42 million dollars in lost visitor spend in one week alone.
A survey found 89 percent of businesses experienced immediate cancellations while 75 percent say they had customers cancel forward bookings.
But tourism bosses are confident the April holidays will provide a bounce to the sector, helped by the rollout of the LOVE GC Cards.
We know the Gold Coast visitor economy is worth over $8 billion annually, and our impact assessment completed with Invest Gold Coast confirmed that the tourism sector felt the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred the greatest,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said.
“We’re confident this new stimulus package backed by both the City of Gold Coast and the State Government will be the lifeline our industry needs to kickstart recovery.”
The launch coincides with a major Queensland airfare sale from Virgin Australia.
LOVE GC Cards will be available for purchase from 9am on Monday until sold out at http://www.lovegcdeals.com
