Bigger and smarter, the Gold Coast continues to invest in its future

“As we look towards 2032 and beyond, this is about growing smarter, not just bigger,” said Mayor Tom Tate at the recent launch of the Gold Coast’s tourism roadmap ahead of the Olympics.

Growing smarter has long been the secret sauce behind’s the Gold Coast’s enduring appeal as it moved beyond a sun and surf destination to one that encompassed major events, key innovation hubs and a new wave of luxury hotels.

The destination has always been a delegate favourite, but its appeal is building solid foundations in three key markets – corporate, association and incentive.

This month, the 19th Asia-Pacific Vitreo-retina Society (APVRS) Congress will convene at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), attracting more than 2,000 international authorities, researchers and practitioners in vitreoretinal diseases

GCCEC general manager Nick Jeffrey said the congress would showcase the Gold Coast to delegates from across the globe.

“This milestone not only highlights GCCEC’s reputation for world-class facilities and service but also reinforces the Gold Coast’s standing as a premier international destination,” he said.

Andrea Molnar, Experience Gold Coast’s acting director of business events, said the city is a competitive destination for the association market thanks to the GCCEC’s 6,000 pax capability and ongoing infrastructure investment, including its recent lighting upgrade.

“We know who we are going to be targeting when it comes to what can we deliver best,” she said.

“We recently hired a researcher who is heavily invested in finding those associations that fit into our region.

“It’s not just about who you’re attracting into the destination but connecting them to our health and knowledge precincts.”

The Gold Coast’s rising global profile was highlighted with news it would host the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Global Conference in 2028, marking the first time the event will be held in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said securing the SITE Global Conference validates the significant investment made in the city’s infrastructure, hotel development and international connectivity

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said securing the SITE Global Conference was “a tremendous vote of confidence from one of the most influential organisations in the incentive travel sector”.

The conference win was helped by the new tier of luxury hotels opening on the Gold Coast. Spurred by the arrival of JW Marriott in 2021 and The Langham in 2022, there has been a flurry of activity. Mondrian made its debut at Burleigh Heads last year, while Ritz-Carlton is set to open later this year at the $480 million waterfront development at Mariner’s Cove.

The nearby Imperial Hotel is also gearing up to be completely revamped before it is repositioned under Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio in 2027. The stunning hotel caused a splash when it debuted as the world’s first Versace-branded luxury hotel. A quarter of century later, the 200-room property will be transformed into a new luxury destination that still celebrates its Italian architecture, character and location at Southport Spit.

Further along the pipeline, Marriott’s Westin brand will make its entry to the Gold Coast with a new-build hotel slated to open in late 2029.

Another key factor opening up the Gold Coast literally is the completion of the light rail line, which takes passengers from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads and through to Gold Coast University Hospital. The light rail is a gamechanger for groups who can explore the whole of the city without the hassle of traffic and all for just 50 cents a ride.

Connectivity of another kind is also ramping up, with the city’s air routes expanding to new destinations. Fiji Airways’ new direct service to Nadi offers one-stop connections to its growing international network, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Honolulu and key Pacific Island and Asian destinations.

Queensland Airports CEO Amelia Evans said the service unlocks better access to the Gold Coast from key markets.

From new luxury hotels and dining options, seamless connectivity both in the air and on the ground and a year-round roster of major events to align with conferences or incentives, the Gold Coast continues to evolve, says Rachel Hancock, Experience Gold Coast’s head of destination & engagement.

“The Gold Coast is a destination that’s ambitious, innovative and continuing to invest in its future,” she said.

“And with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there’s a tangible sense on the horizon of opportunities to be had.”