Australia's Tourism 2035 Strategy: What It Means for Gold Coast Businesses

Australia's tourism landscape is undergoing a significant strategic shift, and Gold Coast businesses are well placed to benefit. Tourism Australia's newly released Tourism 2035 strategy outlines an ambitious vision for the decade ahead — and the data suggests our region is already punching well above its weight.

Tourism Research Australia figures show that capital cities and the Gold Coast together captured 86 per cent of international visitor expenditure in 2024 — underscoring just how significant our region is to Australia's tourism economy. That's a remarkable result, and one that highlights the Gold Coast's standing as a genuine powerhouse destination on the national stage.

The strategy highlights a national shift toward luxury and high-value travel, with Tourism Australia reporting $20.3 billion in visitor spend in 2024. For businesses in hospitality, accommodation, retail, and experiences, this signals a real opportunity to attract higher-spending visitors over the decade ahead.

The message for local business owners is clear: now is the time to consider how your offerings align with the premium travel trend — whether through experience upgrades, strategic partnerships, or targeted international marketing.

If you're looking to explore how your business can position itself to capitalise on these trends, we encourage you to connect with fellow MCC members and share ideas. Join the conversation at our next MCC event or reach out to the chamber — because when Gold Coast businesses grow together, our whole community benefits.