Gold Coast Suns extend Hostplus sponsorship

AFL club the Gold Coast Suns and HOSTPLUS have announced the early extension to the existing five year partnership that will see HOSTPLUS sponsor the Suns until the end of 2016.

Suns Chief Executive, Travis Auld said the extension signalled the strength of the partnership between the club and HOSTPLUS, stating "HOSTPLUS has been far more than a foundation partner to the Gold Coast Suns.

"HOSTPLUS partnered with the Gold Coast Suns as we passed a number of significant milestones. They were there as we gained our AFL license, recruited the best young players in the country, made our AFL debut and won our first ever game."

"It is indeed heartening to know that today, well before the Club has completed it's second season in the AFL or realised many of the lofty goals set as we embarked on our journey, HOSTPLUS not only share our vision, but will be there as we achieve them with us."

In 2009, HOSTPLUS and the Gold Coast Suns announced they had embarked on an historic five year partnership in an unprecedented financial commitment and stimulus to the Gold Coast's hospitality, tourism, recreation and sport industry, helping support business growth and job creation in all sectors it services.

At the time, HOSTPLUS hoped the new partnership would additionally provide opportunities for them to enhance membership, increase brand awareness and build a strong and genuine foothold in what is arguably the hub of Australian tourism the Gold Coast.

HOSTPLUS Chief Executive David Elia said the objectives had shown strong initial results and set the platform for future success, adding "we have a well-built relationship with the Gold Coast Suns and it's great to see the strength of the partnership delivering on the vision we had when the deal was originally secured in 2009."

The partnership's strength has been reinforced by industry stimulus data released from the Gold Coast Suns inaugural season, highlighting that the partnership exceeded expectations.

2011 Gold Coast SUNS Industry Stimulus
Interstate Visitors Actual 43,050 (forecast 22,000).
Attendees Actual 271,319 (forecast - 221,175)
Hotel Visitor Nights Actual 164,904 (forecast 121,000)
Spending Actual $44.28 million (forecast $33.9 million)
Travelling teams - 11 actual (forecast 10)

Elia said he was confident that HOSTPLUS' partnership with the Suns would continue to grow, adding "we are delighted at the benefits the Gold Coast Suns have brought to the local community and economy, in particular the tourism and hospitality sectors, and this being a major factor in our decision to help support the Suns to continue their work in bolstering our key industries and generating employment in hospitality, tourism, recreation and sport."

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