With one year to go until the start of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Mantra Group Chief Executive Officer, Bob East, is predicting Queensland tourism will hit a record high after the Games.
East said reputation built up during the event will help to attract record numbers of tourists to the state.
“The Commonwealth Games will provide a terrific platform for promotion and profile, showcasing Queensland to would-be visitors from further afield,” he said.
“With just one year to go, the world spotlight is already on the state and what we have to offer.
“This is our time to shine, to showcase our state and its many attractions, and position Queensland as a key and highly desirable destination.
“The Games gives us an unprecedented opportunity to take tourism to the next level,” East said.
Mantra Group, Queensland’s largest accommodation provider, will play a vital role in the visitor experience during the Games.
“Tens of thousands of room nights will be required for the event and demand for accommodation at our twenty-three Gold Coast properties during the Games is at an all-time high,” East said.
“Our Northern New South Wales, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast properties are already benefiting from the overflow.”
With Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville all hosting official events, East said all four markets will enjoy renewed international and domestic interest in their leisure tourism offering before, during and after the Games.
“Extensive team business has caused the average length of stay at our properties to increase substantially in the lead up to and during the Games,” he said.
“In 2018, we’re predicting a strong uplift in occupancy year on year.”
East said, despite some rooms being committed to the organising committee, people will still be able to book accommodation at Mantra Group properties for the event.
“Customers will have a number of choices when booking their Games accommodation, such as online at mantrahotels.com, through our reservations team or direct with the property,” he said.
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will take place from 4 to 15 April 2018, bringing more than 100,000 visitors, athletes and officials to the state.
It will be the biggest event in Australia over the next decade, with up to 1.5 million spectators expected to attend, providing a ground-breaking estimated AUD$2 billion economic boost to the state.
The event has already kick-started investment on the Gold Coast with a new light-rail system and the planned $200 million airport expansion.
This capital investment, along with the actual Games themselves, will leave a significant tourism-marketing legacy and benefits are already being realised across the city and state.
Already, nearly 12,000 delegates have registered for 29 sport-related conferences and meetings on the Gold Coast as a direct spin-off from the Commonwealth Games.