With 2023 the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland, Destination Gold Coast’s first-ever Accessible Tourism roadshow was smooth moves all the way, attracting more than 350 agents and suppliers in three cities for a successful event series.
Destination Gold Coast hosted Accessible Tourism roadshows in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney this week with more than 350 travel advisors in attendance across all three cities and up to 20 suppliers in each city, supported by Karryon Events.
Sydney was a standout event in particular, requiring extra chairs to accommodate the additional attendance from agents who were keen to learn more about the Gold Coast’s accessible visitor experiences.
A leader in inclusive tourism
Well-received among trade and media, attendees took to social media to applaud Destination Gold Coast for the dedicated travel events that included news of the region’s many accessible tourism-related resources to help travel advisors sell the Gold Coast.
Ryan Smith, who partnered with Melissa James to deliver the City of Gold Coast’s Accessible Visitor Guide, said it was a product of progressive thinking and a great asset to the region.
Travel Without Limits magazine Co-Founder Julie Jones wrote on LinkedIn: “When I started our website, Have Wheelchair Will Travel, in 2012 it was born from frustration at the lack of information available on accessible travel.”
“Fast forward to 2023 and last night, I attended the Gold Coast Roadshow focused on accessible travel. Imagine, a roadshow dedicated to accessible tourism!”
Accessibility on show
In Sydney and Melbourne, advisors heard from tourism futurist consultant Carolyn Childs who spoke about the need to provide greater destination experiences for visitors of all abilities.
Agents also received updates from Gold Coast-based accommodation providers, attractions and tour operators at all events.
Accessible tourism organisations in attendance included Sunflower Hidden Disabilities and Amplify – Accessible Travel Specialists.
Tourism operators featured were Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, iFLY Gold Coast, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, SkyPoint, Harbour Town Premium Outlets, eFoilGC, Gold Coast Tourist Parks, Gold Coast Watersports, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Village Roadshow Theme Parks and The Tour Collective.
Hospitality providers included Accor Australia, Dorsett Gold Coast, The Breakers, Boulevard North Holiday Apartments, Southport Sharks, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Paradise Resort Gold Coast, Elite Holiday Homes and Big4 Holiday Parks Coomera.
Guides for easy access
Destination Gold Coast also showcased the City of Gold Coast’s new, first-of-its-kind Accessible Visitor Guide, available for agents to download here.
Also highlighted was the VacayIT audio guide app with eight- to 10-minute audio guides of GC experiences.
Both resources received matched funds and support from the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ).
Find out more at destinationgoldcoast.com
