Celebrating 50 years of the Gold Coast visitor economy

This year marks a significant milestone for our city, with Experience Gold Coast releasing 50 Years of Destination Stewardship: The Gold Coast Visitor Economy 1975–2025, a digital publication celebrating the people, partnerships and vision that have helped shape the Gold Coast into one of Australia’s leading visitor destinations.
The publication reflects on five decades of growth, documenting how collaboration between industry, government and the community transformed the Gold Coast from a coastal holiday destination into a globally recognised visitor economy. It highlights the role businesses have played in driving investment, creating jobs, supporting major events and continually evolving the city’s offering to visitors.

Beyond celebrating the past 50 years, the publication also serves as a reminder that the Gold Coast’s success has been built on strong partnerships and a willingness to adapt and evolve. Those qualities will remain just as important as the city looks to the opportunities ahead.

As Southern Gold Coast businesses look to the future, including the opportunities that will emerge in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032, this publication provides an insightful look at the foundations that have helped our city grow and prosper.

I encourage you to take a few moments to explore the publication and reflect on the role business has played in shaping the Gold Coast’s success story over the past five decades.

Read 50 Years of Destination Stewardship: The Gold Coast Visitor Economy 1975–2025 here