Destination Gold Coast launches new video to welcome back visitors

Aligned with Queensland’s Gold Coast preparing for its first wave of visitors, Destination Gold Coast has launched a new video ‘Preparing For Your Return’.

The Gold Coast tourism sector is counting down to 12th June, as Queensland moves into stage two restrictions and the industry can start welcoming more drive and intrastate travellers.

Last year, the Gold Coast drew a record 14.2 million visitors, however the COVID-19 travel ban has halted the city’s biggest economic driver in tourism, worth $6 billion per year.

Synonymous with the Gold Coast’s fun, laid back atmosphere and its friendly locals, the 60-second video features a series of creative clips from renowned operators as they excitedly prepare to welcome back visitors.

The video is a follow-up to the successful ‘Thanks To You, Parents ’ instalment released in May which generated more than 1 million views on YouTube within a week – and spotlights how the family-favourite destination, operators and attractions have been spending their time counting down to showtime.

Making captivating appearances in the aspirational travel teaser are Sea World’s cheeky seals, Bam Bam Bakehouse’s backflipping baristas, Justin Lane’s perfect pizza makers and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s brilliant bird wranglers.

Destination Gold Coast Chief Executive, Annaliese Battista said the light-hearted video reflects the quintessential Gold Coast spirit of making the best of the tough times they’ve faced over the past few months.

Battista notes "with so much discussion around the Gold Coast this week, we wanted to showcase all the incredible things that make us such a favourite family-friendly destination – our beautiful scenery, playful experiences, delicious food and beverages, but also the incredible friendly faces.

“It’s encouraging to see the positive spirit and tenacity of our operators during this challenging time. The creativity and resilience we have seen from locals has been inspiring and will continue to ensure we provide a world-class experience to our visitors as travel restrictions ease.”

It is estimated that keeping the Queensland border closed until September would cost the Gold Coast an extra $500 million over two months at a minimum.

Battista said while recovery wouldn’t happen overnight, there’s a reason why the Gold Coast is one of the nation’s favourite places to holiday, which coupled with the ability to capture outbound demand before international borders open, would give the industry a much-needed shot in the arm.

“Our time to shine again will come, but in the meantime, we are ready and excited for families to come and play in our incredible backyard.”

Destination Gold Coast’s ‘Preparing For Your Return’ video is disseminated across social media, YouTube and Taboola. A dedicated version is also being released for New Zealand viewers.