Gold Coast recognised as events powerhouse

The Gold Coast has taken out a major award at a prestigious international events competition.

The region was last week named a World Festival and Event City at the International Festival and Events Associations’ (IFEA) Awards at the 62nd Annual Convention and Expo in Arizona, USA.

Mayor Tom Tate said the Gold Coast now stood alongside major event destinations like Dubai, Dublin, London, Shanghai and Boston in receiving this same award.

Mayor Tate stated “the Gold Coast already has a formidable reputation as an events destination and this accolade cements the Gold Coast as a powerhouse that punches well above its weight when it comes to hosting world class events.

Mayor Tate said the city hosted more than 900 events every year, with the City of Gold Coast’s major events portfolio – which includes 35 events the City supports - injecting around $200 million into the local community.

He added “as we leverage the benefits of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and we continue to grow the number of events held here, the Gold Coast is truly making its mark on a global scale.

“With the tourism and events industry worth $25 billion to the Queensland state economy, we’re going to continue to work post-Games to ensure the Gold Coast continues to snag a big slice of this investment.”

Steven Wood Schmader, President and Chief Executive of IFEA World explained that the  IFEA World Festival and Event City Awards are judged and presented on an individual basis to exemplary cities around the world.

He explained “the awards are not designed as a competition of one city against another, but rather to recognise those individual cities that have ‘raised the bar’ for everyone.”

This award comes on the back of the Gold Coast’s exceptional success in hosting major events with an international appeal, including the Sudirman Cup World Badminton Championships, the Supercars GC600, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival, the ITU World Triathlon Series, the World Surf League’s Quiksilver and Roxy Pro, the Australian PGA Championships and Bleach* Festival .

For information on the IFEA Awards go to www.ifea.com/p/industryawards/worldfestivalandeventcityaward

Images: The Gold Coast Airport Marathon (top) and the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival (below). 

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