GOLD COAST
Right: Aerial views of Gold Coast.
Below: The GC2018 mascot Borobi.
The final countdown
The countdown has begun, with the clock ticking down one year until the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Sheridan Randall explores the new developments taking shape in time for the Games as the region prepares
for its next chapter.
Mantra Group CEO Bob East is one of
many who are looking at the Gold Coast
2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018)
as an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for
Queensland and the Gold Coast to “take
tourism to the next level”.
key and highly desirable destination.” on year.”
As Queensland's largest accommodation
provider, Mantra Group will play a its
part in accommodating the many visitors
coming for the Games. Jupiters is also preparing for the good
times, transitioning to a new name and
brand becoming The Star Gold Coast. The
property has been steadily undergoing a
massive redevelopment with six new food
and beverage offerings, 596 refurbished
hotel rooms and a luxury poolside
experience among the already completed
features. But the best is yet to come, with
a new six-star luxury hotel at the front of
the property set to open before the 2018
Commonwealth Games.
“The Commonwealth Games will provide a
terrific platform for promotion and profile,
showcasing Queensland to would-be
visitors from further afield,” he says. “Tens of thousands of room nights will
be required for the event and demand
for accommodation at our 23 Gold Coast
properties during the Games is at an all-
time high,” he says.
“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 “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. In 2018, we're
predicting a strong uplift in occupancy year
30 Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 2, 2017 www.cimmagazine.com
“The Gold Coast’s reputation as a must-
visit destination continues to strengthen